Toyota shuts down idea of RAV4 EV, says to try this electric SUV
Toyota has no plans to launch an EV version, but the RAV4’s chief engineer said you can try its updated electric SUV instead.
Is Toyota launching a RAV4 EV SUV?
The RAV4 has gone back and forth with the Tesla Model Y over the past few years as the world’s best-selling vehicle.
Despite reports suggesting otherwise, Toyota has no intentions of introducing an all-electric version. Yoshinori Futonagane, the chief engineer for the Toyota RAV4, told Carsales that a battery electric RAV4 is not part of the plans.
“Look, lots of things are possible, but at this point in time we’re not considering a BEV RAV4,” Futonagane said. The reason: Toyota is sticking to its “multi-pathway” strategy that includes distinct internal combustion, hybrid, and EV lineups.
Toyota’s engineer explained that “we have developed the bZ4X as a vehicle specifically to allow the EV technology to develop and be showcased and meet the needs of people who want to see what is possible there.”
After launching the updated model, sales of Toyota’s electric SUV have skyrocketed. In Australia, bZ4X sales are up 300% year to date. In the US, the 2026 bZ (bZ4X overseas) is the third best-selling EV behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 through March.
Toyota updated the electric SUV where it matters most with a longer driving range, faster charging, and modern tech and features.
Measuring 184.6″ long, 73.2″ wide, and 65″ tall, with a wheelbase of 112.2″, the 2026 Toyota bZ is about the same size as the RAV4.
After launching the new plug-in hybrid RAV4 earlier this year, Toyota claimed the SUV was “reborn” with a new PHEV setup that delivers “world-leading energy efficiency.” With a new, larger-capacity battery and added SiC semiconductors, the RAV4 PHEV now offers about 150 km (93 miles) of electric range, a 58% increase over the outgoing model.
Toyota also offers the smaller C-HR (sold as the C-HR+ outside of the US), and off-road-focused bZ Woodland Touring electric SUVs.
Interested in seeing one in person? You can use the links below to find available 2026 Toyota bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland models closest to you.
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