With more than 15 million sales globally, there’s no denying the success story that is the Toyota RAV4.

When launched back in 1994, it was billed as the world’s first recreational compact SUV and how the public fell for this action-packed model.

Throughout the decades, it has gone from being sold in three- or five-door body styles and with a choice of diesel, petrol, self-charging and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

It’s a car that, after more than 30 years in production, continues to turn heads with its elegant, timeless design. And it’s about to get even more captivating with the arrival of an all-new sixth-generation model.

While pricing and full specification details are yet to be confirmed, we were invited down to Toyota’s state-of-the-art Media Experience Centre in Crawley to meet the new model in the flesh, or should that be in the metal?

It’s a five-door SUV that’s very easy on the eye and has a more rugged and robust appearance than the outgoing vehicle. There is a new-look grille, signature lighting, chunkier wheel arch cladding, a sculpted bonnet, rear privacy glass, narrow tail lights and the RAV4 name spelt out across the tailgate.

Step inside and you are greeted by an upmarket, premium cabin with high-end fixtures and fittings throughout. The seats are upholstered in a blend of top-quality materials, offering both comfort and refinement. They’re fully powered and, like the steering wheel, can be heated to take the edge off those colder mornings.

Additionally, the RAV4 will be the first model to feature Arene which is Toyota’s all-new software platform. This will be the nerve centre of the car and will support the wealth of active safety and driver assistance functions, as well as the new multimedia system.

Elsewhere, there is a new 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as a crystal clear 12.3-inch driver display screen. And, just like us, RAV4 owners will certainly appreciate the number of practical physical controls at their disposal rather than being totally dependent on the touchscreen.

The 2026 RAV4 is only being sold in the UK with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that sees a 2.5-litre petrol engine working with a new high-capacity 22.7kWh battery, alongside an improved 150kW front motor that boasts an extra 16kW in power. With a total power output for the AWD RAV4 of 300bhp, the 0-62mph dash is completed in just 5.8 seconds.

So, it’s certainly quick off the mark and the driving experience will be more engaging too due to the battery’s positioning in the floor. That results in a lower centre of gravity for improved all-round handling.

Charging is quicker too with a 10 to 80 per cent boost via a public charger taking 30 minutes, or three hours if using a more cost-effective home or work-based wallbox.

Size-wise, new RAV4 is almost identical to the outgoing model and that means it covers every practicality base really well, with room for all the family and oodles of luggage too.

The vehicle goes on sale in May with deliveries in June or July. Full pricing and specifications are due to be announced next month.