2026 Toyota RAV4 First Drive: Better in the Ways that Matter

Deciding what exactly constitutes the economic engine of Canada is often up for debate these days. Is it oil and gas? Forestry? Film and television? The financial sector? In truth, it’s a combination of all that and more that drives the national economy. But what drives this country in the most literal sense is the Toyota RAV4. Not only has the automaker cranked out more than four million of them and counting since production started here in 2008, but with the RAV4 registering as the best-selling vehicle in this country that isn’t a pickup truck for seven years running, it’s what gets countless Canadians to work each and every day. Considering all the economic uncertainty these days, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 arrives as something of a beacon of prosperity. Built at two separate Ontario plants just a few hours’ drive from the American automotive hub of Detroit, this newly hybrid-only RAV4 is something to rally around in the face of relentless attacks as of late. Those aggressions may be mostly one-sided, but there’s plenty of room for elbows to be up inside this redesigned compact crossover. 00:00 Made in Canada 02:27 Powertrain 04:06 Efficiency 04:44 Tech 06:25 Driving Feel 07:05 Pricing Read the full review here: Thanks so much for watching, let us know your thoughts in the comments down below! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to see more car reviews and expert auto advice! SUBSCRIBE here: https://t.ly/iUCxa If you have any questions for our experts Jodi and Dan, send us an email at [email protected] and they’d be happy to respond in the next episode of Own the Road with AutoTrader. Check out our PODCAST here: https://www.youtube.com/@autotrader_ca/podcasts About Us: Welcome to AutoTrader CA, the official channel for Canada’s largest and most trusted marketplace for buying and selling new and used cars. AutoTrader.ca has the largest inventory of vehicles, with cars of all types, RVs, bikes, ATVs, and much more. We provide Canadians with the resources they need to make better vehicle buying decisions with our guides and tools. Check us out at AutoTrader.ca On our channel, we’ve got straightforward car reviews and test drives, from EVs to trucks, Mustangs to Mitsubishis, and tips for car owners, car shoppers and car sellers alike. Our automotive experts Jodi and Dan (also best friends) have a combined 25 years of expertise in the automotive journalism industry and get together to host our podcast, Own the Road with AutoTrader. Jodi Lai is an award-winning automotive journalist with a Bachelor of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson), is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoTrader and the recipient of the prestigious 2022 AJAC Journalist of the Year Award. Dan Ilika is AutoTrader’s Road Test Editor and has been working in the automotive industry for the better part of the last decade. Dan graduated from Toronto’s Humber College with an advanced diploma in journalism, and his work spans from newspaper to television and the web, reviewing cars in writing and in front of the camera. They’ve got the scoop on everything car-related for the everyday driver or the auto enthusiast, helping to make car stuff simple for Canadians. Want to see more of our content? Check out our socials: • Instagram: instagram.com/autotrader_ca • Facebook: facebook.com/AutoTrader.ca • TikTok: tiktok.com/@autotraderca • X (formerly Twitter): x.com/ca_autotrader