Toyota’s official dealer United Traders Syndicate has confirmed that the brand will roll out the brand‑new 2026 Rav4 in Kathmandu very soon. The announcement came on a Thursday evening, and the company says the first hybrids will hit showrooms within two to three months. That matters because Nepal’s hybrid SUV market has been waiting for a fresh offering that combines fuel‑efficiency with the rugged appeal of a compact crossover.
The new model arrives in three exterior families – core, rugged and sport‑inspired – letting buyers pick a body style that matches their taste. Toyota has not yet locked down which of the three will be sold locally, but the flexibility signals a strategy to cover both urban commuters and adventure seekers.
The heart of the 2026 Rav4 is a 2.5‑litre inline‑four paired with Toyota’s latest hybrid system. The gasoline engine produces a peak 226 hp, which the electric motor adds to for smooth, low‑emission acceleration. The combined output is enough to keep the vehicle lively on Kathmandu’s steep climbs while still delivering the quiet ride that hybrid owners expect.
All‑wheel‑drive is available as an option, and the platform supports a four‑mode selector – Normal, Eco, Custom and EV – letting drivers tailor the driving feel to traffic, fuel‑saving or pure electric cruising. The plug‑in hybrid variant exists in the global lineup but will not be offered at launch, a decision that keeps the initial price bracket tighter.
Inside, Toyota has gone all‑LED on the lighting package, and wheel choices range from 17‑inch to 20‑inch depending on the trim. The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3‑inch digital cluster that can be customised for navigation, power‑train data or media alerts. A larger 12.9‑inch touchscreen sits below, running the latest multimedia suite with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
Safety and convenience get a boost from a head‑up display, shift‑by‑wire lever, a reversible console that can flip for left‑hand or right‑hand drive, and a hands‑free power liftgate that opens with a foot swipe. Connectivity is future‑proof with 5 G radio, a built‑in driver recorder and the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 features – lane‑keeping assist, adaptive cruise, automatic high‑beam and more.
Price is the elephant in the room. While Toyota has not released an exact figure, the company hinted that the vehicle will be priced around NPR 22 million. That places the Rav4 in direct competition with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the Kia Sportage PHEV, both of which sit slightly lower on price but lack the same breadth of Toyota’s safety tech.
The TNGA‑K chassis is praised for rigidity and ride comfort, and Toyota claims the new suspension reduces road noise and vibration compared with the previous generation. If the claim holds, the Rav4 could become the quietest, most composed compact SUV on Nepalese roads – a decisive edge for city drivers.
United Traders says the first hybrid units will be on the showroom floor within the next 60‑90 days. Pre‑orders are expected to open shortly after the announcement, with a limited‑edition launch package that bundles the premium multimedia system and a roof‑rack accessory.
The plug‑in hybrid version will follow later, likely after the domestic charging infrastructure expands. For now, early adopters will get a conventional hybrid that still offers an electric‑only mode for short city trips.
The timing is crucial. As Nepal pushes for greener transport, the 2026 Rav4 arrives just as incentives for hybrid vehicles are being discussed in parliament. That could translate into lower registration fees or tax rebates, making the Rav4 an attractive proposition for families and fleet buyers alike.
Q: What powertrain does the 2026 Rav4 use in Nepal? A: It will be offered only as a hybrid, pairing a 2.5‑litre inline‑four engine with an electric motor that together produce 226 hp.
Q: When will the Rav4 be available for purchase in Nepal? A: United Traders expects sales to start within two to three months of the announcement, with pre‑orders opening shortly thereafter.
Q: How does the price of the new Rav4 compare to rivals? A: Toyota has hinted at a price near NPR 22 million, which is higher than the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid but includes a more comprehensive safety suite.
Q: Will a plug‑in hybrid version be sold in Nepal? A: Not at launch. Toyota plans to introduce the plug‑in hybrid later, once local charging infrastructure supports it.
Q: What interior tech features are new for the 2026 model? A: Highlights include a 12.3‑inch digital cluster, up to a 12.9‑inch multimedia screen, head‑up display, shift‑by‑wire, reversible console and hands‑free power liftgate, all tied together with 5 G connectivity.
Q: Which wheel sizes are offered? A: Buyers can choose wheels ranging from 17‑inch to 20‑inch, depending on the selected trim level.
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