Supra Final Edition marks end of sports car production while RAV4 goes hybrid-only
Toyota will launch six models in 2026, marking the automaker's shift toward electrification. The C-HR returns as an electric-only crossover. RAV4 drops combustion engines entirely.
The product rollout represents Toyota's biggest annual model refresh since 2019, when the current Corolla generation debuted. Unlike competitors who rushed into electric vehicles, Toyota focused on hybrids first before committing to battery-only models, according to Motor1's product analysis published April 2024.
C-HR electric delivers 338 horsepower performance leap
The returning C-HR produces 338 horsepower from dual electric motors, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. That beats the GR 86 by 1.1 seconds despite the crossover's higher stance. A 74.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack powers the all-wheel-drive system exclusively—no front-drive option exists. Starting price hits $38,450, representing a $14,000 increase over the discontinued combustion model's final year. The performance gap becomes stark when comparing the old C-HR's 144 horsepower four-cylinder engine to the new electric setup's 338 hp output—a 134% power increase that transforms the model from economy transport to Toyota's broader performance shift.
Highlander electric targets 320-mile range against rivals
Toyota's first three-row electric SUV offers two battery configurations: 77.0-kilowatt-hours delivering 287 miles of range, or 95.8-kilowatt-hours reaching 320 miles. The larger pack matches the BMW iX's 324-mile EPA rating but falls short of the Mercedes EQS SUV's 350-mile maximum. Single-motor front-drive produces 221 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, while dual-motor all-wheel-drive jumps to 338 hp and 328 lb-ft. Production begins late 2026 for 2027 model year sales. The timing puts Toyota two years behind Ford's Explorer electric and three years after established electric SUV competitors in the three-row segment.
RAV4 eighth generation drops combustion engines completely
The redesigned RAV4 abandons traditional gasoline engines for hybrid-only powertrains, according to Toyota's 2026 model year specifications. Standard 2.5-liter hybrid systems produce 236 horsepower, while plug-in variants deliver 320 hp. The GR Sport variant introduces Toyota's first performance-oriented RAV4 below the discontinued GR-badged models. External changes include a larger grille, roof spoiler, and GR badging without full Gazoo Racing development. RAV4 remains Toyota's best-selling US model, with 2023 sales reaching 434,943 units. The hybrid-only decision reflects stricter emissions regulations taking effect in California and ten other states by 2026.
Supra Final Edition lacks European performance features
The 2026 Supra MkV Final Edition receives different specifications between regions, creating an unusual product split for the model's farewell year. US versions gain bigger brakes, retuned suspension, and chassis modifications but miss the carbon hood duct, front canards, and Recaro seats offered in Europe and Japan. BMW Z4 platform sharing continues through the final production run, with 3.0-liter turbocharged engines unchanged from previous years. Toyota confirmed Supra's return but provided no timeline or platform details. The regional specification differences contradict Toyota's usual global product approach, where markets receive identical performance variants. BMW's own performance plans suggest the shared platform arrangement influenced the limited US specification.
Lexus ES grows 6.5 inches in length while adding electric and hybrid powertrains, with dual-motor versions matching the C-HR's 338 horsepower output. The Corolla concept previews a substantial redesign expected for 2027 production. The complete Toyota model history and specifications are catalogued in the Global Auto Index manufacturer database.
