Toyota’s Best-Seller Is a Better Off-Roader for 2027, But It’s Also More Expensive

Along with unveiling the updated Sequoia and Tundra for 2027, Toyota has also updated its best-seller in America, the RAV4 compact crossover. While not perfect, the RAV4 is a deserved firm favorite, and as it gains momentum in its battle with the Honda CR-V, it’s been improved with a light selection of updates that include taller suspension for the Woodland trims, and for plug-in hybrid models (offering up to 52 miles of all-electric range in the SE trim), an NACS port with faster charging and an 11kW onboard charger.

Much of the RAV4’s appeal comes from the fact that it’s available in unnoticeably electrified mild-hybrid and more obviously EV-leaning plug-in hybrid forms, and that continues for the new model year, with front- and all-wheel-drive options (AWD standard on PHEVs). Affordability is also a factor, but unfortunately, Toyota has been unable to avoid a price increase.

2027 Toyota RAV4: Greater Off-Road Potential, Neater Linings, Higher Cost

The 2027 Toyota RAV4 mild-hybrid range kicks off at $32,300, excluding a destination charge of $1,595 (up from $1,450 for 2026), while the cheapest 2027 RAV4 PHEV starts at $42,100 before destination. Those base MSRPs represent increases of $400 and $600, respectively, and while they’re not huge, the destination price also rising by $145 means swallowing the price hike is a little more bitter than before – $33,895 minimum for the HEV and $43,695 minimum for the PHEV (a full pricing breakdown is included at the bottom of this article). That said, the money is well spent on physical and digital upgrades; Toyota has increased the Remote Connect system trial period from a single year to five, roughly as long as most buyers are likely to hold onto their purchase (seems that charging customers for subscriptions isn’t as lucrative as initially forecast), and Woodland trims, whether mild- or plug-in hybrid, get updated springs, shock absorbers, and jounce bumpers. This increases ground clearance to 9.1 inches, up from 8.5 inches for 2026 (other trims have 8.1 inches, except the GR Sport at 7.5 inches), and perfectionists on Reddit will appreciate redesigned all-weather floor and cargo mats since the old ones didn’t always line up on the left side (apparently because Toyota used a one-size-fits-all mat whether RAV4s had a JBL subwoofer or not).

For the new model year, all Toyota RAV4 trims have a rearview camera washer; all PHEVs have an NACS port (the charging door is now on the driver’s side) and Level 3 DC fast-charging capability enabling Tesla Supercharger access and quicker charging, and all PHEVs get an upgraded onboard AC charger (Level 1 and 2) that now peaks at 11kW. Finally, AWD models get Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select off-road technology, replacing Trail mode. Snow mode has also now moved to the drive mode select button, through which Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom modes are accessed. That’s the button under the driver-side center HVAC vent. Curiously, the 2027 imagery still shows Trail and Snow modes on the similar, seemingly redundant selector switch under the passenger-side HVAC vent. Hmmm…

Autoblog’s Take

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With the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid continuing to deliver a combined 222 horsepower in front-wheel-drive form and 229 hp in AWD form, and the PHEVs offering a total of 321 hp thanks to the addition of an electric motor, Toyota has not fiddled with the RAV4’s fundamentals, only made the crossover a little more capable, neater, and more convenient. Granted, perhaps one of those improvements should never have needed to be made in the first place, but 2026 RAV4 owners who really care will surely be able to buy well-fitting liners from a Toyota dealer. Or they might try to sue. Regardless, we see no reason the lightly updated crossover will lose any of its widespread popularity in 2027, only increase it. The 2027 RAV arrives at U.S. dealers before the end of the year, while plug-in hybrids will arrive early in 2027.

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