2026 Toyota RAV4 SE – Powerful Performance [Expert Guide]

By Henry Watson - Automotive Content Writer

Published: September 7, 2025

Last Updated: September 30, 2025

Discover the ultimate blend of sporty style and efficiency in the 2026 RAV4 SE. With up to 320 hp, it offers thrilling electrified power.

2026

HEV FWD: 226 hp , HEV AWD: 236 hp , PHEV AWD: Up to 320 hp

HEV, PHEV

Image of 2026-Toyota-RAV4-PHEV_GRSport_0011

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Car Overview

ModelRAV4

Fuel TypeHEV, PHEV

Drive TypeHEV: FWD or AWD , PHEV: AWD

ColorAvailable palette includes Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blueprint; new colors like Meteor Shower, Everest, Storm Cloud; two-tone options on select grades

TrimSE

Year2026

ConditionNew

BodyCompact SUV

PowerHEV FWD: 226 hp , HEV AWD: 236 hp , PHEV AWD: Up to 320 hp

Cylinders4

Description

All-new sixth-gen compact SUV with a sport design SE grade, offered as an efficient hybrid or lively plug-in hybrid, available with front- or all-wheel drive for broad appeal, updated platform tuning targets a calmer ride and tighter handling, new Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 rolls in with expanded detection, latest Toyota Audio Multimedia adds quicker responses with wireless smartphone integration, digital gauge cluster standard across the lineup, roomy cargo area and practical cabin layout stay road-trip ready, towing capability rises on select AWD trims to expand weekend usefulness, plug-in models target up to a manufacturer-estimated 50 miles of EV driving, PHEV lineup now includes SE with standard AWD for confident all-weather traction

Features

Interior

A redesigned center stack that groups the big touchscreen, drive modes, and storage for easy reach
A standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that puts maps and media info right in front of the driver
An available shift-by-wire toggle on select trims that frees space and adds a modern feel
Seats trimmed in durable materials with sporty accents on SE and available blue stitching for a bolder vibe
Thoughtful console with cup holder divider and two-way armrest lid that makes small-item storage a cinch
Optional premium audio that dials up road-trip tunes with cleaner, richer sound

Safety

Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 brings smarter detection to help watch for hazards in more situations
Lane-keeping tech that gently helps center the vehicle on marked highways
Adaptive tech designed to manage speed in traffic for a more relaxed commute
A more rigid body structure and high-damping adhesives aimed to calm vibrations and enhance control
Standard active safety suite across the range so key driver assists aren’t locked behind pricey packages

Exterior

A sport-forward look with the hammerhead front and a clean, paint-matched grille on core models, with the SE styled in the Sport family
Strong fender flares and chiseled sides that give the compact SUV a planted stance
New LED signature taillights that widen the visual rear and add tech flair
Up to 20-inch wheels available depending on grade for a confident, athletic posture
Two-tone paint choices on select Sport designs to amplify curb appeal

Comfort & Convenience

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that connect quickly and stay stable for daily use
A faster, more responsive voice assistant that makes simple requests hands-free
Digital HVAC controls integrated into the lower edge of the screen for quick temperature tweaks
Available Head-Up Display on upper trims that lifts key info into the driver’s line of sight
Multiple drivetrain choices so drivers can prioritize efficiency, traction, or both without sacrificing comfort

Dimensions & Capacity

Length:~180.9 in
Height:~67.0 in
No. of Seats:5

Width:~74.0 in
Wheelbase:~105.9 in

Engine & Transmission

Engine Displacement:2.5 L
Fuel Type:HEV, PHEV

Power:HEV FWD: 226 hp , HEV AWD: 236 hp , PHEV AWD: Up to 320 hp

Towing & Hauling

Towing Capacity:HEV FWD: 1,750 pounds , HEV AWD & PHEV AWD: 3,500 pounds

Wheels & Tires

Wheel Size:Up to 20 in (varies by grade)
Tire Size:All-Terrain tires on Woodland; SE wheel/tire sizes vary, up to 20-inch availability

Wheel Material:Alloy
Tire Type:All-season

Steering & Suspension

Steering Type:Electric power steering
Rear Suspension:TNGA-K platform with revised suspension mounting points for improved rigidity and comfort

Front Suspension:TNGA-K platform with revised suspension mounting points for improved rigidity and comfort

Sporty efficiency, smarter tech

The 2026 RAV4 SE slots into the Sport design family, pairing crisp styling with the choice of a thrifty hybrid or a punchier plug-in hybrid, with SE offering FWD or AWD in HEV and standard AWD in PHEV for traction confidence, power spans from 226 hp in FWD hybrid to up to 320 hp in the plug-in, so shoppers can balance efficiency and zip, the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia brings quicker responses, wireless smartphone pairing, and a friendlier interface, while the standard 12.3-inch digital cluster keeps key info in view without fuss.

Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 debuts here, aiming for broader detection and assist coverage, the strengthened TNGA-K structure and added damping materials target a smoother, quieter ride, towing climbs to as much as 3,500 pounds on select AWD grades to better handle small campers or toys, plug-in models target about 50 miles of electric-only driving for short hops without gas, and SE in the Sport line can be optioned with larger wheels and a bold color mix to stand out on American roads.

Cabin practicality, road-trip ease

Inside, the center stack organizes the touchscreen, drive modes, and storage so everyday tasks feel more intuitive, digital HVAC lives along the screen’s bottom edge for quick adjustments, a tidy console with a two-way lid and cup divider makes space work harder, seating in the Sport family brings durable materials and contrast accents, and an available premium audio setup boosts clarity for long drives, with a Head-Up Display available on upper trims for a glanceable readout.

Across the SE playbook, the hybrid system leans on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with Toyota’s latest fifth-gen hybrid hardware, the PHEV adds a larger battery and upgraded power electronics to raise output and range, DC fast charging is offered on select PHEV grades like XSE and Woodland, while the SE PHEV uses a J1772 port, and the overall lineup arrives later this year with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date, making the SE a timely, balanced pick for daily duty and weekend escapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 RAV4 SE a hybrid or plug-in hybrid?

SE is available as an HEV (hybrid) or a PHEV (plug-in hybrid), depending on configuration.

How much power does the SE have?

Hybrid SE models are rated up to 226 hp (FWD) or 236 hp (AWD), while PHEV versions reach up to 320 combined system hp.

What distinguishes the Sport design styling?

Sport grades feature athletic cues and up-to 20‑inch wheels, with SE positioned as the entry to the Sport family under XSE and GR SPORT.

What tech comes standard on SE?

All grades, including SE, get a 12.3‑inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.5‑inch touchscreen (12.9‑inch available) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What charging ports are used on SE PHEV?

SE PHEV uses a J1772 charging port, while XSE and Woodland PHEV feature CCS with DC fast-charging capability.

What safety features does SE include?

The 2026 lineup debuts Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 powered by the new Arene software platform, enhancing detection and active safety functions.

Courtesy: Toyota USA Newsroom

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