The more I see the new 2026 RAV4 rear end design (the tail lights in particular), the more it looks badly integrated with the rest of the vehicle, especially when compared to the outgoing generation RAV4. To me, it looks dated and is not a good match for the front of the vehicle. I wonder how many different versions Toyota came up with, before deciding on this one. Since the shape of the tail lights is integral with body panel shapes, I doubt Toyota will be able to modify the rear end design much until a completely new gen RAV4 comes around.
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FGP
2026 Rear End Design
The more I see the new 2026 RAV4 rear end design (the tail lights in particular), the more it looks badly integrated with the rest of the vehicle, especially when compared to the outgoing generation RAV4. To me, it looks dated and is not a good match for the front of the vehicle. I wonder how many different versions Toyota came up with, before deciding on this one. Since the shape of the tail lights is integral with body panel shapes, I doubt Toyota will be able to modify the rear end design much until a completely new gen RAV4 comes around.
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![Image]()
These are some of the design elements that I take issue with:
1. The tail light design has some resemblance with the Nissan Rogue's, so it's a reminder of an 'old' design.
2. I don't find the vertical light elements in the tail lights a particularly clean look, it's somewhat 'gimmicky'.
3. The straight horizontal line of the bottom of the tail lights is very prominent and makes it look dull, the eyes are immediately drawn to it.
4. The bumper appears to sit lower compared to the current generation RAV4's. Not sure if taking a hit from large trucks would be any worse (I would think regulations would dictate this safety aspect).
5. The dual exhaust pipes are no longer visible, which I think added to the 'sportiness' of the current RAV4. (The new RAV4 will still be primarily a hybrid gas/electric vehicle, after all, not a purely electric one.)
1. The tail light design has some resemblance with the Nissan Rogue's, so it's a reminder of an 'old' design.
2. I don't find the vertical light elements in the tail lights a particularly clean look, it's somewhat 'gimmicky'.
3. The straight horizontal line of the bottom of the tail lights is very prominent and makes it look dull, the eyes are immediately drawn to it.
4. The bumper appears to sit lower compared to the current generation RAV4's. Not sure if taking a hit from large trucks would be any worse (I would think regulations would dictate this safety aspect).
5. The dual exhaust pipes are no longer visible, which I think added to the 'sportiness' of the current RAV4. (The new RAV4 will still be primarily a hybrid gas/electric vehicle, after all, not a purely electric one.)
I am hoping that the three models will be shown at the LA Auto show late November. Would like to see in person, as my initial 70/30 don't like is now down to 60/40... Woodland styling #1, then GR edition #2.
I would like to see the LEDs give off more brightness for brake & running lights compared with Gen5, don't know if any reviews have shown nights shots?
Another feature I was hoping to see was a removable 3"x3" panel mid bumper (like the tow hook covers) that would be a much higher hitch mounting point protrusion/exit area. Since they are advertising higher towing numbers, an extra 6in of height off pavement would have been nice.
Not sure of the perspective, but appears that rear window height might be a couple inches lower?
Would expect them to show them off if only a few months away from release 🙏
I would like to see the LEDs give off more brightness for brake & running lights compared with Gen5, don't know if any reviews have shown nights shots?
Another feature I was hoping to see was a removable 3"x3" panel mid bumper (like the tow hook covers) that would be a much higher hitch mounting point protrusion/exit area. Since they are advertising higher towing numbers, an extra 6in of height off pavement would have been nice.
Not sure of the perspective, but appears that rear window height might be a couple inches lower?
Would expect them to show them off if only a few months away from release 🙏
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