2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland overview
Compact SUVs sell in huge numbers in the US, and lately almost every brand wants an off road flavored version. Toyota has done this before with packages on the RAV4, but for this generation it has gone a step further. The Woodland is now its own dedicated trim. The obvious question is simple. Does this turn the RAV4 into a real alternative to things like the Subaru Forester Wilderness, or is it mostly about looks.
This article is based on hands on driving impressions and official specifications shared during the first drive.
Table of Contents
Powertrain and fuel economy
The biggest shift with the new RAV4 lineup is that it moves to hybrid focused powertrains.
Every RAV4 variant except the GR Sport uses a hybrid setup as standard. The core system is Toyota fifth generation hybrid.
Key details
• 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine
• Two electric motors
• Front wheel drive output is 226 horsepower
• All wheel drive output is 236 horsepower
Toyota also offers a plug in hybrid option on select trims including the Woodland.
Plug in hybrid highlights
• Combined output of 324 horsepower
• Large battery pack
• Up to 52 miles of electric only driving depending on trim
Fuel economy remains a strong point even with the off road focused hardware. The standard hybrid can deliver up to 44 miles per gallon combined with front wheel drive. The Woodland with its all terrain tyres drops slightly, but still returns strong real world numbers around the low forties combined.
Exterior design and Woodland specific changes
Toyota did not treat the Woodland as a sticker package this time. Visually, it stands apart from the rest of the RAV4 range.
Up front, the Woodland gets a chunky matte black grille instead of the body coloured designs seen on other trims. The lower bumper also looks tougher and more upright.
Lighting is fully LED with projector low and high beams. Turn indicators remain standard bulbs, but the Woodland adds Rigid Industries fog lamps integrated into the grille. That detail links it visually to Toyota off road oriented trucks.
Wheel and tyre setup
• 18 inch matte black alloy wheels
• All terrain tyres
• Ground clearance of around eight and a half inches
This is the only RAV4 to get all terrain tyres from the factory. There are no dedicated skid plates underneath, so this is still aimed at light trails rather than hardcore crawling.
Side profile changes include black door handles, black window surrounds, thicker cladding and raised roof rails. Woodland exclusive paint options include Urban Gray and Everest green.
At the rear, Toyota adds unique badging, redesigned LED tail lamps, a silver lower bumper section and a standard tow hitch. Towing capacity is rated at three thousand five hundred pounds.
Safety and driver assistance
Toyota includes its full active safety suite as standard across the RAV4 range.
On the Woodland, this also includes
• Traffic jam assist
• Built in dash camera
• Blind spot monitoring
• Heated mirrors
These features come standard without needing optional packs.
Interior design and materials
The Woodland cabin has more unique touches than expected.
Seats use soft Tex leatherette with an exclusive two tone Mineral colour scheme. Toyota describes it as a greenish grey combined with black, finished with orange accents throughout the cabin.
Front seats offer
• Eight way power adjustment
• Two way lumbar support
• Heated function
There is no memory function on this trim.
The dashboard uses leatherette inserts with a unique pattern, while upper and lower sections remain hard touch plastic. The materials feel rugged rather than premium, which suits the Woodland theme.
Technology and infotainment
The driver gets a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster with multiple layouts, including navigation and all wheel drive displays.
The steering wheel is leather wrapped, heated, and includes rain sensing wipers. Tilt and telescopic adjustment remains manual.
The Woodland uses a 10.5 inch central touchscreen rather than the larger unit offered on top trims. Resolution is slightly lower, but it runs Toyota latest software.
System highlights
• Customisable home screen
• New voice assistant for the 2026 model year
• Wireless phone charging
• Physical temperature controls with on screen climate functions
Audio is handled by a six speaker system. The JBL upgrade is not available on this trim.
Storage and everyday usability
Toyota keeps the RAV4 practical strengths intact.
Up front, there are multiple storage cubbies, two cup holders, a wireless charging pad and a flip over centre console lid that doubles as a work surface.
A traditional gear selector is used instead of push button controls. Drive modes include trail and snow, with dedicated graphics shown on the screen.
A 360 degree camera with active trajectory lines comes standard and proves useful both off road and in tight parking situations.
Rear seat comfort
Overall cabin dimensions remain similar to the previous generation.
Rear seat figures
• Legroom around 38 inches
• Headroom around 40 inches
• Knee room of about 7 inches behind a five foot eight inch driver
The rear bench reclines and includes unique upholstery details. Rear passengers get air vents, two USB charging ports, cup holders and Woodland specific all season floor mats.
Cargo space and practicality
Cargo capacity is competitive for the segment.
Behind the second row
• Around 38 cubic feet
With seats folded
• Around 70 cubic feet for the standard hybrid
• Around 64 cubic feet for the plug in hybrid
Other cargo details
• 60 40 split folding rear seats
• Full size spare tyre included
• Household power outlet in the cargo area
Load height sits at roughly 28 inches, which is slightly higher due to the increased ground clearance.
Driving impressions
On the road, the Woodland feels quicker than previous RAV4 generations.
The all wheel drive hybrid produces 236 horsepower, and the electric torque delivery gives strong initial acceleration. Compared to off road styled rivals that stay under two hundred horsepower, the Woodland feels noticeably faster.
The plug in hybrid option pushes performance much further, with 324 horsepower from the same 2.5 litre engine paired with a larger battery.
Ride and handling remain familiar. Steering is predictable, and body control is well managed for a compact SUV. Importantly, the all terrain tyres do not add excessive noise.
At a steady fifty five miles per hour, cabin noise measured under 58 decibels on rough road surfaces. That makes it one of the quieter RAV4 variants tested.
Fuel economy during real world driving still stays strong, hovering around the high thirties to low forties combined depending on conditions.
Off road capability in context
The Woodland uses an electric rear motor for all wheel drive rather than a mechanical system. It sends power rearward when traction drops.
This setup works well for light trails, snow and gravel roads. It is not designed for aggressive rock crawling. Toyota itself positions this model as an adventure enabler rather than a hardcore off roader.
Compared with rivals like the Forester Wilderness, the Woodland trades some mechanical capability for stronger performance and hybrid efficiency.
Pricing and availability
Toyota has not released final pricing at the time of writing.
Based on previous Woodland packages and the added equipment, a starting price around forty thousand dollars seems likely. This remains an estimate rather than confirmed pricing.
Hybrid models are expected to reach dealers by December 2025. Plug in hybrid versions should follow in spring 2026.
Ownership, resale and warranty
Toyota continues to perform strongly in long term ownership metrics.
Estimated resale values
• Around 64.5 percent after five years and sixty thousand miles
• Around 41.4 percent after ten years and one hundred twenty thousand miles
Toyota also ranks at the top of combined reliability studies across the industry.
Warranty coverage includes
• Three year thirty six thousand mile basic warranty
• Five year sixty thousand mile powertrain warranty
• Two years or twenty five thousand miles of complimentary maintenance
Final thoughts
The 2026 RAV4 Woodland feels like a proper step forward compared to earlier off road themed packages. Toyota added real visual distinction, useful hardware like all terrain tyres, and kept the hybrid performance advantage intact.
It does stop short of true off road hardware, which leaves room for rivals with mechanical all wheel drive systems. Still, for buyers who want light trail capability, strong fuel economy and everyday comfort, the Woodland makes a solid case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition?
The RAV4 Woodland is a dedicated trim level for the new generation RAV4. Unlike the previous Woodland package, this version is a standalone model with unique exterior design, standard all wheel drive, all terrain tyres, and hybrid powertrains.
Is the 2026 RAV4 Woodland only available as a hybrid?
Yes. The new RAV4 lineup moves to hybrid focused powertrains. The Woodland comes standard with a hybrid system, and buyers can also choose a plug in hybrid version.
How much power does the RAV4 Woodland produce?
The standard hybrid produces 226 horsepower with front wheel drive and 236 horsepower with all wheel drive. The plug in hybrid version delivers a combined output of 324 horsepower.
What fuel economy can you expect from the RAV4 Woodland?
The standard hybrid system can deliver up to 44 miles per gallon combined in front wheel drive form. The Woodland sees slightly lower figures due to all terrain tyres, but real world driving still shows fuel economy in the high thirties to low forties.
How much electric range does the plug in hybrid offer?
The plug in hybrid RAV4 Woodland can drive up to 49 miles on electric power alone, depending on conditions. Some trims in the lineup can reach up to 52 miles.
What makes the Woodland different on the outside?
The Woodland features a matte black grille, unique bumpers, Rigid Industries fog lights, 18 inch black alloy wheels, all terrain tyres, thicker cladding, black door handles, raised roof rails, and exclusive paint colors like Urban Gray and Everest.
Does the RAV4 Woodland have real off road capability?
The Woodland is designed for light off road use such as gravel roads, snow, and trails. It uses an electric rear motor for all wheel drive and does not include skid plates, so it is not intended for hardcore off roading.
What safety features come standard on the Woodland?
Standard safety features include Toyota active safety systems, blind spot monitoring, traffic jam assist, and a built in dash camera. These are included without optional packages.
How much cargo space does the RAV4 Woodland offer?
Cargo capacity measures around 38 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 70 cubic feet with the seats folded in the standard hybrid. The plug in hybrid offers about 64 cubic feet with seats folded.
When will the 2026 RAV4 Woodland be available?
Hybrid models are expected to reach dealerships in December 2025. Plug in hybrid versions are expected to follow in spring 2026.
