Australian versions of the new sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 have noticeably less power than the current car, as well as US variants.
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The just-revealed sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid lost up to 12 per cent of power compared to its predecessor due to new emissions regulations, confirmed Toyota Australia.
The new model produces 143kW from its 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, 17kW down from the existing front-drive RAV4’s 160kW output, and 20kW less than the current all-wheel-drive version.
The Australian-delivered 2026 RAV4 Hybrid also outputs less than its US counterpart, which makes 169kW and 176kW in front- and all-wheel-drive forms respectively.
Similarly, the US version of the AWD RAV4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) makes 239kW, which is 12kW more than the Australian equivalent.
Notably, the US does not have the FWD RAV4 PHEV, which in Australia makes 201kW.
This is despite claims of “enhanced efficiency for the transaxle, PCU, battery, and electric motors”, from Toyota Australia.
According to a Toyota Australia spokesperson, the difference in power between the sixth- and fifth-generation RAV4 models – as well as US and local cars – comes down to new emissions rules in force for newly-introduced vehicles from December 2025.
“The all-new RAV4 Hybrid will deliver enhanced driving performance and dynamics compared to the current-generation vehicle,” the spokesperson said.
“Power outputs differ from global markets due to Australian light vehicle emission standards (Euro 6d).”
Toyota Australia is yet to reveal fuel economy or emissions figures for the new RAV4, but the current car sips as little as 4.7 litres per 100km, and emits 107 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.
Pricing and specification are also unknowns for now, but given the new-generation changeover, costs are expected to rise over the $42,260 before on-road costs starting point of the current car.
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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.
