Are the new RAV4 bigger?

The latest Toyota RAV4 is not bigger overall. It maintains the same basic footprint as the previous generation, with styling, technology, and powertrain updates rather than a larger exterior size.

In this article, we examine whether the newest RAV4 has grown in exterior dimensions, how interior space and cargo compare to earlier years, and what buyers should expect across different trims and configurations. The assessment relies on official specs and recent reviews to reflect the current model year.

What counts as bigger for a compact SUV

When shoppers ask whether a model is larger, they usually mean one or more of these measurements: exterior footprint (length, width, height, wheelbase), interior space (headroom, legroom, seating comfort), and cargo capacity (rear storage and load practicality). We’ll look at each category to determine if the RAV4 has grown in any meaningful way.

• Exterior footprint: length, width, height, and wheelbase


• Interior space: passenger room and seating versatility


• Cargo capacity and practicality: cargo behind the rear seats and maximum with seats folded

These metrics help translate what “bigger” means in practical terms. For the current model year, reviewers generally describe the changes as evolutionary rather than a larger frame.

Exterior dimensions and styling

Official specifications and long-form reviews indicate the newest RAV4 retains a similar exterior footprint to the prior generation. There are no announced increases in length, width, or wheelbase for the latest refresh; styling updates such as the grille, lighting, and wheel options may alter visual proportions without making the vehicle genuinely larger.

• Length: essentially unchanged compared with the prior year


• Wheelbase: essentially unchanged


• Width: essentially unchanged


• Height: essentially unchanged

In short, Toyota’s updates are cosmetic or tech-focused rather than a deliberate expansion of the RAV4’s size.

Interior space and cargo

Inside, space for passengers and cargo remains competitive within the compact-SUV class. The RAV4 continues to offer solid front-seat comfort and a versatile second row, with cargo capacity that sits in the same general range as the previous generation.

• Rear cargo behind the second row: typically mid-30s of cubic feet


• Maximum cargo with rear seats folded: approaching the upper-sixties cubic feet


• Seat-folding and load height maintain practical versatility for everyday use

For most buyers, the practical space remains similar to the earlier generation, so the question of “bigger” centers on packaging efficiency and feature updates rather than a noticeably larger trunk or cabin.

Model variations and platform notes

Whether you choose a standard gasoline RAV4, a Hybrid, or the plug-in Prime, the footprint stays essentially the same. Toyota’s TNGA platform underpins current versions, with improvements focused on performance, efficiency, and technology rather than a larger body.

Summary

Bottom line: the newest RAV4 does not arrive bigger in exterior size compared with the previous generation. It remains a compact SUV with a similar footprint, and any gains in practicality come from smarter packaging, improved interior materials, and enhanced technology rather than from a larger frame. For buyers prioritizing space, the RAV4 offers competitive cargo and passenger room within its class, with variations across trims that focus more on efficiency and technology than on size alone.

Is the new RAV4 bigger than the old one?

It's actually smaller on the outside as well, but it has a longer wheelbase so it looks bigger.

When did the RAV4 get bigger?

The Toyota RAV4 got bigger with each major redesign. It first grew significantly in 2001 (second generation) and again in 2006 (third generation), which added more interior space and an available third row.
 

• 2001: The second generation was longer, wider, and roomier than the previous model. 
• 2006: The third generation was a complete redesign that resulted in a larger frame and more interior room, and it introduced the option of a third row of seats in some models. 

Is the 2026 RAV4 bigger inside?

In of front seat headroom. And in terms of the rear headroom right around 39.5. In of headroom. With 57.8. In of shoulder room for the passengers.

What's the most common problem with a Toyota RAV4?

Common problems with the Toyota RAV4 include issues with the automatic transmission in older models, engine oil consumption in some four-cylinder engines, and various electrical faults like infotainment screen freezes or 12-volt battery drains. Additionally, recent models have seen reports of hybrid floor wire corrosion, and some specific model years have experienced issues like front suspension arm cracks, faulty fuel pumps, or liftgate hinge failures. 
This video discusses common problems with the Toyota RAV4, including transmission, engine, and electrical issues: 52sFuel ForceYouTube · Nov 16, 2024
Common problems by category 
This video explains how to avoid common mistakes when driving a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which can affect its performance and efficiency: 56sToyota WorldYouTube · Jul 3, 2025
Transmission

• Older models: Rough or jerky shifting due to a computer-transmission communication issue. 
• Higher mileage: Rough shifting, delayed engagement, and grinding noises in 8-speed automatic transmissions. 
• Other issues: Faulty solenoids that prevent the transmission from engaging certain gears. 

Engine 

• Oil consumption: Some four-cylinder engines are known to burn excessive oil, requiring more frequent top-offs. 
• Stalling: Intermittent stalling or rough running, sometimes linked to fuel system problems. 
• Fuel pump failure: Diagnostic codes like P0171 (System Too Lean) often point to a failing fuel pump, which can cause stalling and disengage the all-wheel drive. 
• Coolant bypass valve defect: Some models may experience overheating and stalling due to a faulty bypass valve. 

Electrical

• Infotainment system: Frozen screens and other malfunctions are reported. 
• Battery drain: Unexpected draining of the 12-volt battery, sometimes requiring firmware or hardware updates. 
• Sensor faults: Sporadic sensor issues have been noted. 
• Lane-assist malfunction: Some vehicles experience unexpected swerving or jerking due to faulty lane-assist systems. 

Other issues

• Brake squeal: Light-to-moderate brake squeal has been reported on some recent model years. 
• Suspension: Older models have had rear suspension hardware issues that can affect alignment. 
• Hybrid floor wire corrosion: Some hybrid models have a problem with the wiring harness under the floor corroding, which can cause radio issues and requires replacement. 
• Fuel tank: Certain models have a defect where the fuel pump clicks off early, preventing the tank from filling completely. 
• Liftgate hinge: Lawsuits have been filed regarding premature failure of power liftgate hinges on some 2014–2021 models. 

You can watch this video to see what goes wrong with used Toyota RAV4s: 56sEveryman DriverYouTube · Jun 9, 2025