I drove Toyota's new RAV4. It's boringly good — and buyers are scrambling for it.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has been redesigned with a focus on hybrid and electric powertrains, moving away from gas-only models. Despite its conventional and 'boring' design, the vehicle remains a top seller due to its reliability and efficiency.
Why it matters
The shift in the RAV4's powertrain highlights the automotive industry's broader transition toward electrification in mass-market vehicles.
Buyers can't keep scooping up the Toyota RAV4. Is it worth the hype? Ben Shimkus/Business Insider Want to buy a RAV4? Good luck finding one! I drove the longtime favorite vehicle for a week. It's boringly good — and that's a huge compliment. Toyota is ramping up its electric powertrains. The new RAV4 is the next great example. Think of that awkward highway moment: You've accidentally cut someone off or made an obvious driving mistake. You wish you could sink into automotive oblivion before the other driver gets a good look at you. The Toyota RAV4 is perfect for that situation. The crossover SUV is good at nearly everything — efficient, comfortable, reasonably priced, and backed by Toyota's reputation for reliability — while wrapped in a package that looks like pretty much every other grocery getter on the road. The Toyota RAV4's very conventional-looking side profile.
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