In this week’s Ask Nathan post:
- Here are some rumors about the 2026 Toyota RAV4
- What can be done to save Stellantis?
- Here are some amazing deals on EVs!
The first question comes from a viewer who wants to know about what we’ve heard about the 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Q: (Via: AskNathan@TFL.com) RE: The upcoming 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Hi boys!
Just a zippy note to you guys asking about the 2026 Toyota RAV4. My wife just got a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross and she seems okay with not. My ride is a 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE and it’s been flawless. In just three years I have driven nearly 70,000 miles and I am beginning to think about a replacement. I wanted to wait until the next generation Toyota RAV4 which I think is due for the 2026MY. Love the fact that you use this forum to cultivate both fact and rumor Nathan! It’s a great way to keep us informed and many of your predictions came true!
I wonder if Toyota is finally going to cave and build C TVs for the next RAV4. I hope not! My 8 speed works so well and my mpgs have been pretty good. I drive from Connecticut to New Orleans twice a year and my RAV4 is one oft he best roadtrip cars I’ve owned in 40 years of driving!
So anyway I was hoping if you had any insight on what to expect for the next RAV4. I am a big fan of your video company and I love watching your cheap car and truck series!
BTW. I’m that same guys who asked you about that 944 that Roman bought. I guess I was too late!
All the best!
– JSB
A: Hi there!
I will give you what we’re pretty sure about – and the rumors, but very little has been confirmed about the 2026 Toyota RAV4. This is a big deal for Toyota as it is one of their best selling vehicles. Toyota isn’t about to monkey with their formula for success, and may expect a majority of the platform to be shared with the 2025 Toyota Camry. The next Camry is underpinned by the same GA-K platform as the current model. That same platform underpins the current RAV4.
Many of the mechanical, technical and design elements of the upcoming Camry should find their way into the 2026/next Toyota RAV4. I think that the upcoming RAV4 may look like a more macho version of the Toyota bz Compact Concept pictured above. That hammer-head nose is real popular, and it looks pretty sweet on the Camry too.
Possible powertrain(s)
In addition, I expect Toyota to move to an entirely hybrid RAV4 fleet. That means that all models could be hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. The 2025 Toyota Camry’s 225 combined horsepower front-wheel drive (FWD) hybrid powertrain should make an appearance. In addition, their all-wheel drive (AWD) on-demand system will most likely be part of the options. If so, the 232 net/combined hp AWD will be a popular option.
The horsepower numbers may change a bit, and that could mean a little more torque to assist in off-road duties. I’m sorry to say, but (like the upcoming ’25 Camry) all of the transmission choices will probably move to continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Fortunately, Toyota’s CVTs have a pretty good reputation for reliability.
Toyota’s overwhelming popularity of their current RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, and its beefy power should return as well. We’re expecting even more PHEVs coming from Toyota in the near future. Hopefully, they can keep the pricing lower than the current Prime.
I do not expect the next RAV4 to have the power of the Toyota Crown, as it would absolutely eat away at the Crown’s sales.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4’s interior may riff off of other rugged Toyotas.
Internally, I expect to see some components, like the 12.3-inch optional infotainment screen to make an appearance. Unlike the more luxurious interior of the upcoming Camry (it looks fantastic), the interior of the upcoming RAV4 should look rugged-ish. Take what’s coming up on the Toyota Land Cruiser, and tame it down a bit. That’s my guess.
Right now, Toyota is extremely buys with the upcoming release of the Land Cruiser, Tacoma, and Camry. Before too long, we should see a new 4Runner debut too. I would expect a year or so before we get proper intel on the next (possibly 2026) Toyota RAV4.
Cheers!
– N
This next question is all about Stellantis, and what can be done to save the automaker.
Q: (Via: AskNathan@TFL.com) Hi Nathan! 2 Questions for you.
1. Do you like the rock group Kiss? 2. How do you think we can save Stellantis?
I think we’re about the same age and I totally grew up on Kiss and Deep Purple. I seen that Dio sweater and lots of your RUSH shirts so I can tell you’re a rocker! I’m a Zeppelin freak personally but I can totally dig your taste. If you like Kiss can you tell me which album is your favorite? Who’s your favorite? I’m an Ace Frehley fan personally.
Okay the real question. I’m sorry to have silly rock and roll questions. Most car reviewers look like they work in IT or listen to bad rap. Any who, I was serious about asking about Stellantis. It looks like they are on the very edge of failing and I think that’s a shame. My 2020 Dodge Durango RT has been such a great car. I tow my toys with it and drive the crap out of it and it is always treating me great!
My brother has a Jeep Gladiator that I hate but he swears by. I admit it is kind of cool to lower the top and head to the lake. He has had zero issues too. So my mom has an old Caravan with the Penta Star and it’s so so. There have been some transmission problems but nothing else after 100Ks.
I want Stellantis to live on and I know you guys do too. Seeing all the Jeeps and stuff TF L has it makes it pretty obvious to me. Watching them kill off so many things like the Charger and Hemis makes my blood boil. If you look at Fiat and Dodge and Chrysler combined they will only have FOUR CARS available in 2024. How can you stay in business that way!?!?!?!?
I hear that Jeep will soon only offer 4Xes which will make all of them extremely expensive. I can’t pay for a base model Wrangler right now so how is Jeep expecting people to pay for expensive 4Xes!?!?!?!? There is so much more going wrong for Stellantis that it boils my bones. You know what I mean?
Sorry to rattle on so long! Any who I hope you and the boys have a good one!
– Dennis. D Spokane, WA
A: Hi Dennis.
Indeed, the perception that these are dark days for Stellantis is spot on; however, things may be getting better.
One of the issues I feel Stellantis struggles with is communication with both media and consumers. Rather than project their future products, and many are coming, they seem fine with consistently doling out negative news. At least, that’s the perception. Recent layoffs and internal turmoil don’t help consumer perceptions.
Yes, the Cummins diesel scandal, discontinuation of beloved vehicles, and narrowing down customer choice hurts. in addition, current sales numbers are not very encouraging. Your comment/opinion about Jeep 4xe options is popular among fans, but it’s not completely correct. Jeep dealerships in many states will only have 4xes on their lots; but you can still order non 4xe Jeeps online.
Some positive signs…
We know for a fact that they are close to introducing a replacement for the Challenger, and it could be epic. There are new Jeep products that are on the verge of being introduced. The Ram 1500 is weeks away from its official first drives. In addition, the power numbers for the SST (Hurricane I6 twin-turbo) look impressive.
There’s more: Chrysler is close to debuting at least a few new products, including a possible replacement for the Chrysler 300. Jeep will be updating some of its vehicles, and we expect to see a few offerings that should be less expensive. Stellantis is investing heavy on sodium ion battery tech, which could be a game changer.
There has been a shakeup in terms of leadership, which may move things in a more logical direction. Finally, rental-car company Sixt agreed to buy up to 250,000 vehicles from Stellantis. That’s huge.
As for KISS:
Yea, I grew up as a KISS fan. I had their posters, and even had a Gene Simmons action figure. My favorite album is Destroyer, but my favorite song “Cold Gin” is off their first album.
Thanks for the email, and the memories!
– N
The last question comes from a viewer who wants to know if there are any deals on EVs.
Q: (Via: NathanAdlen@Twitter) With all the issues that EVs are having, do you think now is the time to get a good deal on one?
I saw that Hertz is about to sell 20,000 Teslas and that Ford is having a hard time moving their EVs too. I’m looking for something locally, and I don’t want to lease. Any tips would be helpful.
– BarklesGnarley69
A: Howdy!
Actually, there are a few interesting deals out there. You are correct about Hertz, they are selling off their fleet of Teslas, and there are some deals to be had. Nationwide, I’ve seen prices as low as about 20K on a fairly new Tesla, which is pretty good.
There’s a story that is floating under the radar, and that’s about the Nissan Leaf. At least in Boulder, CO, I’m seeing overall discounts that make the new vehicles coming in under $19,000 in some cases. Seriously. This is not part of any state or federal tax credit, nor am I referring to rebates available from some organizations. There IS a $5,000 instant state rebate in Colorado – and that’s just one of a few tidbits that help drop the price.
Sure, the Nissan Leaf, and the Leaf Plus are old tech, but I have to say that for states away from the snow-belt, they could be a smart buy. I hear that she lots may even have a few new 2022, and lots of 2023 models. the ’23 Leaf received a revised front grille, updated headlights, along with a few interior tweaks. There are also new 17-inch wheels available. The ’24 is basically the same as the ’23 models.
There is nothing wrong with the Leaf, and they are pretty robust little cars. The tech is old, and you will have a hard time getting good value out of them when you’re finished. Still, the one I owned for three years was rock solid, even in terrible weather, and it was remarkably cheap to own.
Hope that helps!
- N
