2026 Toyota RAV4: How it compares with Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and other family SUV rivals

Toyota’s sixth-generation RAV4 is set to arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2026, and will likely retain the crown of the country’s best-selling SUV, but how does stack up – at least physically – among its peers?

With the mid-size SUV segment the mostly hotly contested in the country, size and practicality matter, especially as most buyers will have one or two children in the second row.

But those hoping for a notable increase in space for the next-genreation Toyota RAV4 might be disappointed.

Measuring 4595mm long, 1854mm wide, 1702mm tall, and with a 2690mm wheelbase – at least according to US specs – the 2026 RAV4 will more or less share the same footprint as the current car.

In fact, it will be 5mm shorter, likely due to the new bumper design, and 1mm narrower, again likely because of sheetmetal changes that will not compromise interior space.

And while the RAV4’s height has grown a substantial 17mm in new-generation form, it is unclear if this will translate to more headroom or simply a higher-riding suspension set-up.

As for wheelbase, the existing and new RAV4s are identical as both are also built on the same TNGA-K platform.

However, the new-generation RAV4 will be topped by a GR Sport variant, which features sportier styling, tweaked suspension, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive.

The new body work means the 2026 RAV4 GR Sport measures 4618mm long and 1880mm wide, sharing the same 2690mm wheelbase.

However, height is pegged at just 1687mm as the GR Sport also boasts “high-performance” dampers and a unique suspension tune that promises more engaging driving dynamics.

Compared to the outgoing RAV4 Edge, the new RAV4 GR Sport is 3mm longer, 15mm wider, and 3mm shorter.

While the new RAV4's dimensions remain close to the existing car, Toyota could liberate more in-cabin space with redesigned seats, dashboard, door cards, and centre console, but that likely will not yield much of a gain.

Toyota is also staying tight-lipped on rear boot space for now, and as a reference point the existing RAV4 can swallow a sizeable 580-litre load in the rear that can expand to 1690L with the rear seats folded .

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will be sized bigger than the CX-5, which is due to be replaced with a new-generation model soon, but smaller than the Outlander, Sportage, and Tucson.

The mid-size SUV segment is abundant and plentiful including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson.

Again, this might not mean the RAV4 will be less practical than its rivals, and the smaller footprint might make it easier to park and manoeuvre in tighter inner-city conditions, but whether it can stack up against its peers remains to be seen.

Weight will also be an important factor in the equation of the RAV4 as well, which will remain hybrid only in its sixth-generation form and debut Toyota Australia's first plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The kerb weight of the new RAV4 will have direct impact on its fuel economy figures, a number that will be key to appealing to customers, but Toyota is yet to divulge this information.

The RAV4 PHEV however, will carry with it a 22.7kWh battery rated with an electric-only driving range of 100km.

Family Cars Guide

Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.

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