The 2027 Toyota RAV4 is a carryover of the sixth-generation SUV that arrived for 2026, so the biggest news is that there is no big news. After a full redesign last year, the 2027 RAV4 continues as an all-electrified compact crossover: every 2027 RAV4 sold in the United States is a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Buyers hunting for a gas-only RAV4 will not find one, and that is the single most important thing to understand about this model year.
What’s New for 2027
Because the RAV4 was redesigned for 2026, no significant changes are expected for 2027. That assessment comes from Car and Driver, which is labeling the 2027 model a carryover. The core formula is unchanged: two hybrid powertrain families, front- or all-wheel drive depending on grade, and a trim lineup that spans economy, sport, and rugged tastes.
2027 RAV4 Powertrains
The standard RAV4 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Toyota’s hybrid system and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. In the United States it produces 226 combined horsepower with front-wheel drive and 236 combined horsepower with all-wheel drive, per Autoblog. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, sold as the RAV4 PHEV, raises combined output to 324 horsepower and offers roughly 50 miles of electric-only range, according to the same report. All-wheel drive on the hybrids is electronic and on-demand, using a rear electric motor rather than a driveshaft. Toyota’s official RAV4 page lists a starting MSRP of $31,900 for the current model year, up to 47 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and up to 3,500 pounds of towing.
Fuel Economy and Practicality
Efficiency is the RAV4’s calling card. Toyota quotes up to an estimated 47 mpg city and 40 mpg highway on the most efficient hybrid trims. The more rugged Woodland grade is the thirstiest, returning roughly 41 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined in outlet testing. The hybrid offers up to 37.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, while the plug-in hybrid’s larger battery trims that figure slightly.
Trims and Equipment
Toyota builds the RAV4 in a broad set of grades: LE, SE, XLE Premium, Woodland, XSE, and Limited, plus dedicated versions of the plug-in hybrid and a performance-focused GR Sport. Standard across the range is Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most trims use a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while higher grades step up to a 12.9-inch display.
The two electrified RAV4s serve different buyers. The standard hybrid needs no plug and delivers its best economy in city driving, making it the simpler choice for households without home charging. The plug-in hybrid trades a little cargo space for a larger battery and roughly 50 miles of electric range, enough for many commutes to run on electricity alone, and only the plug-in offers DC fast charging on selected trims.
The GR Sport plug-in hybrid is the enthusiast pick, with suspension and steering tuned by Toyota Gazoo Racing and summer tires for sharper response — at the cost of some ride comfort. For most drivers, the SE Hybrid balances price, equipment, and economy best, while the Woodland grade adds all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance for light off-road use.
Inside, the redesign brought a more tech-forward cabin. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, and Toyota Audio Multimedia supports over-the-air updates, wireless smartphone mirroring, and multiple USB-C ports. Top trims add a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a panoramic glass roof, and an available head-up display.
2027 RAV4 Price and Release Date
Toyota has not published full 2027 pricing. The 2026 model starts at $31,900, and Autoblog estimates the 2027 range begins around $32,650 and tops out near $48,550 for the plug-in hybrid GR Sport. Car and Driver estimates a broader $34,000 to $50,000 spread. Those figures are estimates and should be treated as such until Toyota releases official numbers. The nameplate itself has a deep history, and the RAV4 has been in production since 1994, becoming the best-selling SUV of all time. Our own 2021 RAV4 redesign coverage shows where the previous generation landed. For individual trim specs, see our 2019 RAV4 Limited price and engine specs.
How It Compares
The RAV4 competes with the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and Subaru Forester, all of which now lean heavily on electrified powertrains. The RAV4 plugs in more easily than most rivals because it offers both a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid rather than choosing one. Its main weaknesses are a firm ride on larger wheels and the fact that going all-hybrid has removed the cheapest gas-only entry point. The official Toyota RAV4 pressroom page documents the sixth-generation redesign that underpins this model.
Our Take
Toyota bet that most shoppers would accept a hybrid-only compact SUV, and the sales numbers so far suggest the bet is paying off. The 2027 RAV4 is the least interesting version to write about and probably the easiest one to recommend: you no longer have to justify paying for the hybrid, because there is no alternative. The trade-off is that buyers on the tightest budgets lose a bargain gas trim. If you want maximum fuel economy, the PHEV’s 50 electric miles make it a genuine commuter; if you simply want a dependable family crossover, the SE Hybrid remains the sweet spot and the Woodland is the one to avoid for efficiency.
FAQ
Is the 2027 Toyota RAV4 a new generation?
No. The 2027 RAV4 is a carryover of the sixth-generation model that was redesigned for 2026, with no significant changes expected for the new model year.
Is every 2027 RAV4 a hybrid?
Yes. For 2027 the RAV4 lineup in the United States consists of hybrids and plug-in hybrids only; there is no gas-only version.
How much range does the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid have?
The 2027 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offers roughly 50 miles of electric-only range, according to outlet reports, with 324 combined horsepower.
How much will the 2027 RAV4 cost?
Toyota has not released full 2027 pricing. Estimates from outlets put the range at roughly $32,650 to $48,550, with the current model year starting at $31,900.
