The Cheapest Toyota RAV4 Isn’t a Hybrid. And It Isn’t for America
It’s called the Wildlander, and it will be sold in China with a non-hybrid four-cylinder engine.
While we wait for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 to hit dealerships later this year—and for pricing to be announced—another interesting RAV4 variant has surfaced. It technically isn’t even a RAV4 at all; it’s called the Wildlander. Even though it looks mostly identical to the version headed to the US, this one will be significantly cheaper, and the base version won’t be a hybrid.
Our colleagues at Motor1 Spain discovered the non-hybrid RAV4—er, Wildlander—through photos released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). MIIT regularly publishes vehicle homologations for the domestic market ahead of their on-sale date.
This RAV was produced via a joint venture between Toyota and GAC, a partnership that began in 2004. According to the published specifications, the Wildlander is slightly larger than the American RAV4, although it shares nearly every other specification—including the same wheelbase.
The powertrain is where things get interesting. While the American RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid and offers an optional plug-in hybrid, the Chinese-market Wildlander has a much simpler setup. Under the hood is a non-electrified 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which makes just 171 hp. There are no official figures yet on fuel consumption or performance.
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Source: MIIT
The Wildlander doesn’t officially have a price tag yet, but it could be the cheapest RAV in any market, with an estimated starting price of right around $30,000. The upcoming base price for the RAV4 in the US is expected to be around $35,000.
But that won’t be the only RAV4 powertrain in China. The Wildlander will also be available with two hybrid powertrains, using 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter gasoline engines, delivering combined outputs of 152 hp and 185 hp, respectively. It remains unclear whether plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions will be offered in the region.
The design shown in the released images corresponds to the base trim in the US. At launch, the Wildlander won’t be offered with the GR Sport package or the Adventure trim, but those two models could arrive down the line.
Toyota Will Make Land Cruiser and RAV4 EVs: Report
Toyota is shifting Lexus ES production out of Kentucky to make room for two electric SUVs.
Photo by: Toyota
By: Chris Perkins
Sep 11, at 4:00pm ET
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Update 9/12/25: Added a statement from a Toyota representative.
For 10 years, Toyota has made the Lexus ES in Kentucky. But as Americans move away from sedans, and as Toyota needs to produce more EVs in the States to avoid tariffs, the company is shifting ES production away from Kentucky in favor of two new electric SUVs based on some of its most beloved nameplates
An anonymous source confirmed to Reuters that Toyota will make EVs based on the RAV4 and Land Cruiser in Kentucky. In a statement, a Toyota spokesperson told Motor1, “[t]o improve manufacturing efficiencies and better serve customers based on market demand, Toyota is strategically transitioning production across our plants in Kentucky and Indiana. As previously announced, Toyota plans to produce two all-new, three-row battery electric SUVs in the U.S. Toyota will now assemble both vehicles at Toyota Kentucky.”
Meanwhile, Toyota will expand Grand Highlander production to another part of its Indiana plant, as the gas-powered three-row continues to see huge customer demand. Toyota also builds the Lexus TX in Indiana, and with ES production moving to Japan, the three-row will be the only Lexus product made stateside.
The popular NX and RX crossovers are built in Canada, while the rest of the Lexus lineup comes from Japan.
Toyota took a more cautious approach to electrification than others, choosing instead to focus on expanding hybrid offerings, a strategy that’s proven successful. But now, it’s diving further into the battery-EV world, with plans for seven models in the US by 2027. For 2026, it’ll have three: The CH-R, BZ, and BZ Woodland. (Four if you count the Lexus RZ.)
The CH-R is the first Toyota to reuse a gas-car nameplate for an EV, and next Lexus ES is the first of its legacy products offered with both gas and electric drivetrains. Going electric with a RAV4 or Land Cruiser would be a much bigger step, even if both models are already hybrid-only. The Land Cruiser is synonymous with the Toyota legend, while the RAV4 is one of the most popular cars on the planet.
We’ve reached out to Toyota for more information, and we’ll update when we hear back.
Toyota Is Building a Small Truck to Rival the Maverick. Here’s Everything We Know
Toyota is finally getting in on the compact pickup game with its own offering expected in 2027. Here’s what we know.
Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1
By: Anthony Alaniz
Sep 3, at 12:00pm ET
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Toyota is officially developing a new pickup truck that will slot below the Tacoma in its lineup. Designed to compete directly with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, this compact truck is still a few years away—but it’s definitely on the way.
In a May 2025 interview with MotorTrend, Cooper Ericksen, Toyota North America’s head of planning and strategy, confirmed the project: “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point.” According to Ericksen, the primary challenge has been timing, as the company has prioritized advancing its hybrid and electric-vehicle technology.
While details remain limited, we can start piecing together what to expect in terms of platform, powertrain options, and pricing. Ericksen offered a few early hints, but the full picture will come into focus once the truck officially debuts—whenever that may be.
In the meantime, here’s everything we currently know about Toyota’s upcoming compact pickup.
What Will Toyota Call It?
Toyota hasn’t announced a name for its upcoming compact pickup, but there are several possibilities. One option is Hilux, a globally recognized nameplate that has never been used in the US. However, given its association with rugged, mid-size trucks, it’s unlikely Toyota repurposes the nameplate for a smaller, more urban-focused model.
Another possible candidate is Stout. Toyota trademarked the name in Argentina in 2022, sparking speculation about its return. Originally introduced in 1954 on a light-duty truck, the Stout name carries historical weight and could be well-suited for a compact revival.
What Platform Will the Compact Truck Ride On?
Toyota’s upcoming compact pickup will feature a unibody construction and ride on a TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform—but it’s still unclear which one.
Early rumors pointed to a Corolla-based truck using the TNGA-C platform, which also underpins the Corolla, Corolla Cross, and C-HR. But that setup might be too small for the demands of a pickup.
A more likely candidate is the TNGA-K platform, shared with larger models like the Camry, RAV4, and Highlander.
That architecture offers greater capability, which would better suit a pickup’s needs—particularly when it comes to towing and payload. For reference, the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, whereas the C-HR is limited to just 1,233 pounds.
The TNGA-K platform would also provide more interior space.
What Will It Look Like?
Despite its unibody construction, Toyota’s new compact truck is expected to borrow design cues from its body-on-frame siblings. Look for a rugged aesthetic, including a trapezoidal grille, blocky headlights, big fender flares, and prominent wheel arches.
There’s also potential for variation within the lineup. Toyota could offer a lowered, street-oriented version alongside a more off-road-ready TRD Pro variant, and there’s no reason both couldn’t coexist.
Inside, if the truck shares a platform with models like the RAV4 or Corolla, its cabin will likely be more refined than rugged. Don’t expect the oversized knobs or chunky grab handles found in the Tacoma or Tundra. Instead, anticipate a more car-like interior equipped with modern technology and advanced safety features.
What Will Power It?
There’s little doubt that Toyota’s new compact truck will be hybrid-only, offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will likely borrow its powertrain options from the RAV4, which is going all-hybrid for 2026.
Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid currently delivers 226 or 236 horsepower in the RAV4, depending on the drivetrain. There’s also a plug-in hybrid from the RAV4 Prime that produces 320 hp. If Toyota decides to offer that powertrain in the new truck, it would instantly become the most powerful pickup in the class.
How Much Will Toyota’s Truck Cost?
To compete with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, Toyota’s new compact truck will likely need to start at around $30,000. The Maverick starts slightly below that, while the Santa Cruz comes in just above.
The new model will need to undercut the Tacoma, which starts at $33,085 for the basic SR XtraCab. That pricing gap leaves plenty of room for a smaller, more affordable offering. We expect Toyota’s compact truck to top out around $45,000 in fully loaded form.
When Will It Debut?
Toyota’s new compact truck isn’t expected to hit dealerships until at least 2027. In his interview with MotorTrend earlier this year, Cooper Ericksen explained that the company simply didn’t have the resources to prioritize the project sooner.
We might see a concept reveal or even an early production preview sometime in 2026, but for now, all signs point to a 2027 launch.
The wait may be long, but there’s no doubt: the world is ready for a new Toyota truck.
