2026 Toyota RAV4 GR, front | Cars.com photo by Corey Watts

Improving the Toyota RAV4 to make it even more popular (it’s the top-selling vehicle on the U.S. market that doesn’t have a bed in back) almost feels like gilding the lily. Yet here we are, following the trail of flower petals all the way to an all-new model that shoppers are all but certain to fall in love with all over again. The RAV4 returns for the 2026 model year as an all-hybrid-all-the-time offering with evolutionary exterior styling, an updated interior, more power and less thirst for fuel — as you’ll learn in one of our most popular articles of the past week, Cars.com reviewer Conner Golden’s comprehensive critique of the beloved compact SUV’s latest incarnation.

Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Kia EV9, Lucid Air Pull Plug on Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine carries over from the outgoing model, but there’s no gas-only option, only hybrid power, with one electric motor powering front-wheel-drive versions and two for all-wheel-drive variants. That results in both a substantial upgrade in acceleration as well as impressive fuel-economy increases across the board. Exterior styling employs more right angles for a sturdier, more trucklike look, while the cabin is outfitted with thoughtful stowage nooks, convenient tech touches, and bigger-and-better touchscreen displays on all trims. With a new base price expected to rise respectably to still under $34,000, the RAV4’s reign at the annual bestsellers list is unlikely to be usurped anytime soon.

“Toyota likely could’ve topped the charts with the fifth gen for another three years or so, or even phoned in the redesign,” Golden states in his review. “It didn’t, and I reckon new and returning folks to the brand will be overjoyed at this innovation in vehicular bread and butter.”

For our full take on the 2026 Toyota RAV4 — including a breakdown of the all-new performance-oriented GR Sport and adventure-themed Woodland trims — follow the link below to the No. 2 article on this week’s countdown of most read stories.

Meanwhile, like in that ’90s song, “Lightning Crashes,” as the rejuvenated RAV4 is born, some other less fortunate soul departs this mortal coil — or, in this case, souls. Struck down by the lightning bolt of political maneuvering and consumer trends, a trio of existing all-electric vehicles, along with a host of models not yet having made it to production, have been disco’d like it’s 1979. Nixed for ’26 are the currently-on-the-market Acura ZDX luxury mid-size SUV, Genesis Electrified G80 luxury mid-size sedan and Nissan Ariya compact SUV. Previously announced models that will die on the vine include the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee muscle car, Jeep Gladiator 4xe pickup truck, Ram 1500 REV pickup and Volkswagen ID.7 mid-size sedan. In addition, would-be EVs that never even got a name include Ford and Honda three-row SUVs, as well as a pair of sedans from Nissan.

For full details on each of these discontinued or preempted EVs, follow the link below to the No. 3 news story of the week.

Beyond all that, we’ve got headlines on the Volkswagen Tiguan, Lexus GX 550, Kia Telluride, Porsche Panamera and much more — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:

1. What’s the Best Mid-Size Off-Road Truck for 2025?

2. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Review: The Obvious Choice Becomes the No-Brainer

3. These EVs Are Discontinued for 2026

4. How Much Is the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan?

5. How Much Is the 2026 Lexus GX 550?

6. Is the 2025 Buick Enclave a Good 3-Row SUV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons

7. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now

8. GM to Remove Apple CarPlay, Android Auto From Future Vehicles

9. 2027 Kia Telluride: If It’s Like the Hyundai Palisade, It Should Be Promising

10. 2025 Porsche Panamera GTS Review: Continental Cruiser

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Assistant Managing Editor-News

Matt Schmitz

Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.