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Leaked fuel consumption info reveals that the new Toyota RAV4 offers improved efficiency, making it the most fuel-frugal model so far – until the plug-in hybrid arrives.
Family Cars
The new-generation 2026 Toyota RAV4 is set to be the most fuel-efficient model in the RAV4’s history.
According to data published by the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide, the new RAV4 Hybrid will use as little as 4.2 litres of petrol per 100km.
That lowest figure for the two-wheel-drive RAV4 comes from urban-cycle test conditions, designed to mimic stop-start city driving. The previous generation was rated at 4.8L/100km in the same test cycle.
Combined fuel consumption, the widely published industry standard used to compare like-for-like consumption across models, is rated at 4.5L/100km, an improvement of 0.2L/100km compared to the previous RAV4 2WD.
The drop in consumption also results in lower emissions, with the new RAV4 rated at 102 grams of CO2 per kilometre, compared to 107g/km for its predecessor.
Both are rated as “better than average” by the Green Vehicle Guide.
The 2026 RAV4, when equipped with all-wheel drive, is only slightly less efficient on the combined cycle, rated at 4.6L/100km, compared to 4.8L/100km for the outgoing model.
Combined cycle CO2 emissions drop to 105g/km for the 2026 RAV4 AWD, down from 109g/km for the 2025 model.
| 2026 RAV4 2WD | 2025 RAV4 2WD | 2026 RAV4 AWD | 2025 RAV4 AWD | |
| Combined | 4.5L/100km | 4.7L/100km | 4.6L/100km | 4.8L/100km |
| Urban | 4.2L/100km | 4.8L/100km | 4.4L/100km | 5.0L/100km |
| Extra urban | 4.7L/100km | 4.7L/100l, | 4.8L/100km | 4.8L/100km |
| Combined CO2 | 102g/km | 107g/km | 105g/km | 109g/km |
The biggest improvements come in urban driving conditions, with the RAV4 using 12.5 per cent less fuel, and the AWD dropping by 12 per cent.
Conversely, extra urban consumption (highway cycle) remains unchanged, rated at 4.7L/100km for the RAV4 2WD and 4.8L/100km for the RAV4 AWD.
The improved efficiency does come at a cost to performance, however, with the RAV4 Hybrid’s combined outputs downrated to 143kW, down from 160kW of the previous RAV4 2WD or 163kW for the previous AWD version.
Data shown on the Green Vehicle Guide lists the new RAV4 as Euro 5 emissions compliant, the same as its predecessor. Information supplied by Toyota confirms that the new model is Euro 6 compliant.
“While we are waiting for our press launch in mid-April to confirm all details … I can confirm that the new RAV4 will meet current Euro 6 ADR requirements.” A Toyota spokesperson said.
Data for the RAV4 PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model has not yet been published, meaning the RAV4 Hybrid 2WD will only hold its ‘most efficient’ title for a limited time, with the PHEV expected to have a much lower official fuel consumption figure.
Official figures for Australia are yet to be released, but overseas, the RAV4 PHEV 2WD is rated to cover up to between 80 and 130km of electric-only range, depending on the method of testing, which varies from country to country.
The first retail shipment of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 was set for a late-March arrival in Australia, with customer deliveries expected to start soon after.
Family Cars Guide
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
