![](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/toyota-rav4-trims.jpg\")
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There\u2019s a reason the Toyota RAV4<\/a> has been the brand\u2019s best-selling vehicle for nearly a decade. Now entering its sixth generation for 2026, this compact SUV continues to deliver on driving dynamics, passenger space, efficiency, and\u2014most importantly\u2014price. In fact, it was the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world last year.<\/p>\n Toyota aims to build on that momentum with the redesigned 2026 RAV4, which debuted earlier this year. The latest model is a hybrid only, offered with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the more-powerful plug-in hybrid is all-wheel drive only. It also comes packed with more technology than ever before and introduces a range of new trim levels.<\/p>\n The big question is: Which 2026 RAV4 should you buy? Well, I drove most of them, so you don\u2019t have to. Toyota gave me the chance to test the Woodland, XSE, Limited, and GR Sport trims over several days in Arizona to help determine which one might be the best fit for you.<\/p>\n The good news? You really can\u2019t go wrong with any version of the 2026 RAV4. But depending on your needs and preferences, one trim clearly rises above the rest.<\/p>\n Everyone loves rugged SUVs\u2014and the sales numbers back that up. The new RAV4 Woodland looks to get in on this, but it doesn\u2019t go far enough. The chunky tires, orange accents, and roof rack don\u2019t feel like significant enough upgrades over the XSE or Limited models.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, the Woodland misses out on some premium features\u2014like the 12.9-inch touchscreen. Instead, it comes with a smaller, though still functional, 10.9-inch display. On the highway, the Woodland is the loudest of the bunch, due to its aggressive tires, which also make for the least comfortable ride.<\/p>\n Unless you frequently drive on dirt roads or face snowy winters, the Woodland, sadly, is probably my least favorite RAV4 in the lineup.<\/p>\n Although I didn\u2019t get to drive entry models like the LE or XLE, it\u2019s hard to imagine why you\u2019d want to downgrade from the XSE\u2014unless Toyota significantly raises its prices for 2026 (which, we don\u2019t expect it to).<\/p>\n The RAV4 XSE offers everything you want and nothing you don\u2019t. It comes standard with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, and the seats feature an excellent synthetic leather and suede combination. Plus, you can choose between the hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, as well as front- or all-wheel drive, depending on your preference.<\/p>\n Toyota\u2019s XSE trim strikes the perfect balance.<\/p>\n The biggest upgrade from the XSE to the Limited is the standard faux leather seating with heating and cooling. A digital rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, dual wireless charging, and several other features also come standard on the Limited that you\u2019ll have to pay extra for on the XSE.<\/p>\n That said, the RAV4 Limited doesn\u2019t feel drastically different from the XSE. You still have the choice between hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The 12.9-inch touchscreen remains standard, though the Limited offers nine speakers compared to the XSE\u2019s six.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the decision between the XSE and Limited will likely come down to price. But I can\u2019t imagine the Limited being worth the extra cost over the already impressive XSE.<\/p>\n This is where things get interesting. The GR Sport is a brand-new addition to the 2026 RAV4 lineup. Tuned with input from Toyota\u2019s Gazoo Racing division, the GR Sport is tighter, more agile, and overall the most enjoyable RAV4 to drive.<\/p>\n That said, the GR Sport sits at the top of the RAV4 range, making it the most expensive option (pricing is still pending). Unless your daily drive includes a track like Fuji Speedway, it may be difficult to justify the higher cost for only a modest equipment upgrade over the XSE or Limited models.<\/p>\n Still, it\u2019s a cool model worth considering.<\/p>\n In my mind, the choice is clear: The RAV4 XSE is the one to get.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s not the most premium model\u2014that goes to the Limited\u2014the XSE meets the needs of most buyers. It offers both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, along with front- or all-wheel drive options. Stylish and well-equipped, it comes standard with the impressive 12.9-inch touchscreen. Plus, it retains the excellent storage and passenger space found throughout the RAV4 lineup.<\/p>\n The XSE truly hits the sweet spot in the RAV4 range.<\/p>\n The Cheapest Toyota RAV4 Isn’t a Hybrid. And It Isn’t for America<\/a> There\u2019s a reason the Toyota RAV4 has been the brand\u2019s best-selling vehicle for nearly a decade. Now entering<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3706,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3704"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3704"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3714,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3704\/revisions\/3714"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}RAV4 Woodland<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2026-toyota-rav4-first-drive-review.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\nRAV4 XSE<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2026-toyota-rav4-first-drive-review-1.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\nRAV4 Limited<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2026-toyota-rav4-first-drive-review-2.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\nRAV4 GR Sport<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2026-toyota-rav4-first-drive-review-3.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\nWhich RAV4 Should You Buy?<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2026-toyota-rav4-first-drive-review-4.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\n
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The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Has Less Power In Europe. Here’s Why<\/a>
Toyota Is Making a Cheaper RAV4 Plug-In. But America Can’t Have It<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"