2025 Toyota RAV4 Price Changes, And Should You Wait For 2026
If you’re eyeing the ever-popular Toyota RAV4, you’re probably wondering what’s new for the 2025 model year and whether you should pull the trigger now or wait for the big updates coming with the Next Generation RAV4 in 2026. As Toyota’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S., it makes sense that many are curious about what’s changing and what’s staying the same.
In this post, I’ll cover all the updates, trim reductions, price hikes, and whether waiting for 2026 will be worth it. I’ll even touch on the much-anticipated hybrid models and discontinuations for gas-powered versions. Let’s dive right into what’s going on for the 2025 Toyota RAV4.
key specifications
| Feature | 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 2026 Toyota RAV4 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain Options | Hybrid (219 hp, 41 MPG city) and Gas (up to 35 MPG hwy) continue. | New fifth-gen hybrid system (225+ hp); Plug-in Hybrid and Electric models expected. |
| Trims | Adventure and TRD Off-Road discontinued. | Expanded hybrid and electric-only trims are anticipated. |
| All-Wheel Drive | Front, all-wheel, and torque-vectoring AWD (limited trims). | Similar options; torque-vectoring likely for hybrids/electrics. |
| Technology | Toyota Audio Multimedia and Safety Sense 2.5 remain unchanged. | New Arena software with over-the-air updates. |
| Safety | No updates; Safety Sense 2.5 continues. | Possible Safety Sense 3.0 and enhanced features. |
| Interior/Infotainment | No major updates. | Wireless updates and new infotainment features with the Arena platform. |
| Price | $220 total increase. | Expected modest price increase with added features. |
| Gas Models | Likely last year for gas-only models. | Gas models likely discontinued; hybrids take over. |
| Plug-In Hybrid | Limited availability. | Higher production and availability expected. |
| Electric | No electric model. | Fully electric RAV4 expected as flagship. |
| Design | No redesign, just refinements. | Minor refresh expected, no drastic design changes. |
| Long-Term | No over-the-air updates. | Continuous wireless updates via Arene, make it a good long-term investment. |
What’s New With the 2025 RAV4?
For 2025, we don’t see a complete redesign of the RAV4 just yet. Instead, Toyota is refining what’s already working, making some price adjustments, and dropping a couple of trims to streamline its lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the main changes:
Hybrid and Gas Models Continue
As expected, the RAV4 lineup will continue offering hybrid and gas-powered versions. If you’re feeling a hybrid, expect similar specs—219 horsepower and impressive fuel economy, up to 41 MPG in the city. Meanwhile, gas-powered models range up to 35 MPG on the highway.
For those sticking with a gas model, it’s good to know that you still have front-wheel, all-wheel, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive options—but trims with this feature are becoming more limited.
Adventure and TRD Off-Road Trims Discontinued
Big news for off-road fans: the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims are no longer available for the 2025 model. These were great options for those who wanted more capability with the RAV4, especially with the torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Now, if you want that same all-wheel-drive function with torque distribution between the rear wheels, you’ll need to aim for the gas-powered Limited trim.
Tech and Safety Features Stay Mostly the Same
No major technological updates are happening inside the RAV4 this year. Toyota’s Audio Multimedia system is unchanged, as is Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, meaning there are no upgrades to Safety Sense 3.0 or further. These updates are likely to come with the 2026 generation.
Subtle Price Increases for the 2025 RAV4
No one likes price hikes, but they’re part of life, especially when it comes to cars in high demand. For the 2025 RAV4, we’re seeing small price bumps you need to be aware of:
- Base MSRP increase: $175
- Destination and handling fees: Up by $45
- Total price increase: $220
Sure, this is a slight increase compared to some of the earlier model years, but nothing that should change your buying decision too dramatically. Toyota knows the RAV4 is in high demand, and these are modest enough that they won’t push too many buyers away.
Should You Wait for the 2026 RAV4?
If you’re on the fence about buying a 2025 RAV4 or waiting for the next-gen 2026 model, here’s some food for thought.
Last Chance for Gas-Powered RAV4
One of the biggest reasons people might want to consider a 2025 model is that it might be one of the last chances to get a gas-only RAV4. Much like what we’re seeing in other Toyota models (think Camry), there’s a strong possibility that 2026 will mark a fully electrified RAV4 lineup. That means hybrids are likely to become standard across the board, and if you prefer a traditional internal combustion engine, 2025 could be your last opportunity to grab one.
What Will the 2026 RAV4 Offer?
Next year’s 2026 RAV4 is expected to debut Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system. For hybrid enthusiasts, this is big. It could see a horsepower bump from 219 to 225 or more, and it’s likely that base models could start with front-wheel drive to help keep costs competitive. Toyota is expected to keep pricing similar to its current lineup, though, so don’t anticipate a major price hike.
We’re also hearing whispers about the 2026 RAV4 debuting Toyota’s Arene software platform, which allows for over-the-air updates. This means everything from safety features to hybrid tuning could be updated wirelessly. Safety features and the overall user experience are expected to evolve quickly with this tech. looking for a huge style revolution? Don’t worry—Toyota knows the current RAV4 formula works, and many expect the design changes for 2026 to be closer to a refresh rather than a massive redesign.
Plug-In Hybrid and Fully Electric RAV4: What’s Coming?
It’s not just hybrid models we’ll see. The real kicker for next-gen is likely the plug-in hybrid with more availability. Toyota’s North Carolina battery factory is coming online soon, meaning higher production for these models. If you’re intrigued by plug-in hybrids but can’t find enough stock, hang tight.
There’s also talk of a fully electric RAV4. This could debut around the same time as the 2026 model rollout. Expect the electric version to become the flagship, probably with a higher starting price than either hybrid or plug-in versions.
Trim Levels Set to Expand
With the new generation, we’re expecting Toyota to refine its lineup with more hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims—and possibly an electric-exclusive variant. If you’ve been holding out for better range, more power, or both, 2026 could become a pivotal year for the RAV4 lineup.
Conclusion: Buy Now or Wait?
So, where does that leave you? It all depends on what your priorities are. If you’re looking for a specific feature—like the discontinued Adventure or TRD Off-Road trims—you should consider snapping up a 2024 or 2025 model while they’re still around. If your heart is set on a gas-powered engine, the 2025 RAV4 could be your last chance before Toyota makes hybrid powertrains the standard.
The 2026 RAV4 offers some exciting technological advancements, such as a fifth-generation hybrid system and possible electric models, if you do not mind waiting. Safety and interior technology should also receive major improvements. Thanks to over-the-air updates made possible by Toyota’s Arena software, the 2026 model might also be a prudent long-term investment.
Ultimately, the RAV4 remains a stellar choice no matter which model year you go with. Whether you buy now or hold off for the Next Generation, there’s no wrong choice with a vehicle as versatile and reliable as the RAV4.
