The Toyota RAV4 debuted over 30 years ago, and this is the all-new sixth generation. Does the most popular SUV from the Japanese giant still have what it takes to compete with the increasingly bold (and cheaper) rivals from China? In this video, I’m testing what’s new in the RAV4 and whether these subtle Japanese improvements actually translate into a better driving experience.
Toyota took a very disciplined approach to this project – a stiffer body, improved suspension mounting points, and new insulation for the A-pillars are just some of the changes you can't see, but you can certainly feel behind the wheel. I’m diving into the interior with the new Arene infotainment system, checking the real-world fuel economy of the AWD hybrid, and performing my diagonal approach AWD test.
In this video:
Design & Dimensions: Why the new RAV4 looks bigger even though its dimensions remain almost identical.
The Boot Mystery: Where did those 7 cm of boot depth go, and how does Toyota justify the smaller capacity?
Interior 2.0: A massive display mounted 4 cm lower (for better visibility!), a square steering wheel, and the end of the traditional gear lever.
The New Arene System: How the infotainment works with a faster processor and is it easy to turn off the ISA (Intelligent Speed Assist)?
Hybrid Powertrain Test: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) measurements, fuel consumption in traffic vs. motorways, and the refinement of the hybrid system.
Gas Struts Under the Hood: I explain where they came from and how much you have to pay for this dealer-fitted option.
Verdict & Pricing: Is Toyota’s reputation for reliability enough to win against Chinese competitors offering more car for half the price?
Join me for an honest and subjective review of the new Toyota RAV4. Let me know in the comments: do you prefer proven Japanese reliability, or are you tempted by the Chinese alternatives?
↔ 2026 Toyota RAV4 dimensions:
✔ length: 4600 mm
✔ width: 1855 mm
✔ height: 1680 mm
✔ wheelbase: 2690 mm
✔ boot/trunk: 514 L
? Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid Dynamic Force 185 KM FWD e‑CVT starting price: 43 990 euro
? Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid Dynamic Force 194 KM AWD-i e‑CVT price as tested: 56 580 euro
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? Also watch:
BAIC Beijing 5 (Senova X55) https://youtu.be/2nuM_trHIWk
Jaecoo 7 https://youtu.be/z_iMO92F7a8
Jetour T2 https://youtu.be/fhhiWZd532Y
KIA Sportage https://youtu.be/7vkZg5O9MJo
Mazda CX-5 https://youtu.be/WrZvFJqGalo
MG HS https://youtu.be/YtBi1YffSTM
Toyota RAV4 https://youtu.be/qwNHrazYXjc
Volkswagen Tiguan https://youtu.be/VhO3dK6U7v4
#MarekDrivesENG #RAV4 #ToyotaRAV4 #Toyota #SUV #Hybrid #CarReview #Automotive2026
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?Transparency note: ?
Marek Drives reviews are independent and based on personal experience with cars provided by car manufacturers for media to review. No carmaker has any influence on what is being said in the review, nor are they given a preview. No carmaker pays me to do these reviews. My sponsors are you - the viewers, Channel Members, and occasional non-carmaker entities, whose sponsorship is always clearly marked.
Chapters:
0:00 intro
0:35 changes
1:40 design
2:47 dimensions
3:27 boot
4:28 rear seat
5:10 cockpit
9:20 engine lineup
10:28 performance
10:40 fuel economy
10:55 driving impressions
13:00 AWD test
13:40 gas struts
14:25 pricing
15:05 conclusion