I have no thought, at least that's what my wife says all the time, but although I haven't bought new in decades, given this particular scenario, unless there is something majorly new about the hybrid system in 2026 (since they are ONLY hybrids), I wouldn't hesitate going for the 2026 since the main part of the "new" wouldn't really be "new."

If there ARE major differences in the hybrid system in 2026 compared to previous generation, I wouldn't touch the 2026 and get the 2025 - or wait a couple/few years to see how the new generation shakes out.

 

The 2026's have been revealed so there aren't many unknowns. With the current generation, there were some early PITA issues that could be avoided by waiting until the 3rd year of production or so. I'd get the 25 or wait until the 3rd year of production for the 26 for less inconvenience. My guess is that new infotainment will have issues but I think OTA updates will be available.

 

If you want higher Tech, more power, higher tow ratings )in all models except the LE), a possible TBD (real, not a piece of foam) fix for the rear motor harness, than go with the 2026.

I also think the 2026 is an incremental update so it SHOUND not have any major defects but obviously it is unknown.

The current model Gen 5 was a clean sheet of paper with a new engine, new Manufactuing process, total new design from the Gen 4, which took a few years to fix.

If you go with the Gen 5 and are concerned with Tech such as autonomous driving, infotainment, and safety systems, the car will feel very outdated in a few years. If none of these things are important and/or you don't keep cars long term then certainly nothing wrong with the current Gen.

As far as differences to the hybrid system in the 2026, all past updates to the hybrid systems were incremental and did not cause any defects except for a few inverter issues that were issued TSBs so I doubt there will be any issues with the drivetrain.

I do agree with @14v6 that the probable major risk is the software as this is a totally new design that encompasses the who cars operating system. I think ultimately it will be OK (it has to be as its the whole car OS!) but there may be some teething issues. At least Toyota has been conservative with software, unlike Tesla where the owner is the beta tester but we will see.

Where Toyota screws up is with fuel tank designs, coolant valves, too small or soft piston rings, bad harness designs, water leaks, sort of like a 17970s Chevy minus the piston ring issues, simply stupidity.

 

I know that the 1st year of a new generation means more problems, but it feels silly to buy a 2025 right now. Although usually the final year is one of the most reliable years. I would want reliability over newer, but have no idea what I might be missing out on if I didn't get a 2026.

Just wanted your thoughts.

Given the recent experience with many Toyota new models, you might be missing out on some teething problems . I recall the early RAV4.5 (2019-2021) had "issues" with the fuel tank and the cable that powers the rear axle motor.