Toyota Announces Multifaceted Partnership with Latin GRAMMY Winning Singer-Songwriter, Ela Taubert

Partnership includes Ela’s highly anticipated U.S. tour set to kick-off later this year

To kick off this year’s Latin music journey, Toyota announced a year-long partnership with Colombian pop phenom, Ela Taubert, who recently released her highly acclaimed debut album ‘Preguntas A Las 11:11’. The dynamic collaboration aims to redefine the journey of music discovery for young fans while providing a genuine connection with Toyota’s commitment to supporting emerging artists on their road to success.

The vibrant partnership aims to engage with Toyota fans and provide them with opportunities to experience Ela Taubert’s melodic sounds, that mixes anglo pop with Latin, and gain access to her music throughout the year, including as the presenting sponsor of her much anticipated international tour, which coincides with the release of the album by the same name ‘Preguntas a las 11:11’, with U.S. tour stops to be announced soon.

“Our partnership with Ela Taubert is an exhilarating step forward in our commitment to innovation and cultural connection,” said Dedra DeLilli, vice president marketing communications, Toyota. “We are thrilled to be joining her on this blossoming musical path to bring an immersive music experience that resonates with the passions of the next generation.”

Most recently, Ela Taubert joined Toyota at the Sueños Music Festival, as the featured artist performing a special set at the Toyota Music Den (TMD), an intimate experiential space giving fans a front row seat to some of the most talented emerging artists. Held in Chicago, Illinois, other artists joining the lineup at the TMD included Latin boy band sensation, DND (Do Not Disturb) from Miami, California singer/songwriter Eddie Zuko, Venezuelan artist Kobi Cantillo, and DJs Gio Sandz, Chava and Latin EDM DJ and producer 2Deep.

Along with the music stage, the TMD space featured numerous fan activities, including vehicle activations – showcasing the Land Cruiser and Prius Prime plug-in – that bring music to life and include fan favorite giveaways.

Ela Taubert’s musical sounds will continue to be featured in other Toyota projects this year.  She will appear on Sounds of the Road, presented by Toyota and SiriusXM®, an exclusive performance and interview series featuring emerging and established artists. Her episode, launching later this year, will be in Spanish and the first time the series features a Latin artist.

Fans can view exclusive content from Sueños and stay in the loop of the exciting partnership and upcoming tour by following Toyota Latino on Instagram and Facebook.

Four Toyota Leaders Recognized Among 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announced four executives have been named among the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News.

They are:

• Erin Buchanan, general manager, Toyota Canada
• Jennifer Jao, general manager, OneTech Executive Program Manager
• Susann Kazunas, group vice president, Executive Engineering Officer, Production Engineering Division
• Brianna Nelson, group vice president, Sales, Toyota Financial Services

100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry recognizes women who are leaders in the automotive field – those who make major decisions and have significant influence at their companies. Automotive News has published the list of the industry’s top female executives every five years since 2000.

“We are proud of these accomplished executives,” said Ted Ogawa, president and CEO, TMNA. “Their commitment to our teams and dedication to driving innovation is critical to our company’s mission of delivering mobility for all and strengthening the overall automotive industry.”

The 2025 class of Automotive News’ 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry emerged from months of nominations, and attracted hundreds of entries from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Three…Two…One: Toyota Debuts Amazing All-New RAV4

 

• All-new, redesigned 6th generation RAV4 will be available in Core, Sport, and Rugged styles across seven grades, including a new-look Woodland and first-ever GR SPORT
• America’s best-selling compact SUV will now be 100% electrified, in a choice of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains
• First-ever RAV4 GR SPORT, developed in partnership with Toyota GAZOO Racing, with GR-tuned handling, aggressive exterior style, exhilarating PHEV powertrain with AWD, and more
• RAV4 Woodland grade available in HEV or PHEV with AWD standard, higher ride height, all-terrain tires, split grille, and more
• Debut of 6th generation PHEV powertrain with up-to 320 hp output and 20% more all-electric drive range of 50 miles (manufacturer estimated, 42 miles previously)
• RAV4 HEV models move to 5th generation hybrid system and boost output to 236 hp on AWD models and 226 hp on FWD models – with FWD coming to RAV4 Hybrid for the first time
• Launch of Toyota’s Arene software development platform, which enables Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and a new generation of the Toyota Audio Multimedia System

Today Toyota Motor North America announces the all-new, 2026 RAV4. For its sixth generation, America’s best-selling compact SUV will be available in three new designs that include Core, Rugged, and Sport styles – among which include a new-look Woodland grade and the U.S. market’s first-ever RAV4 GR SPORT model. The 2026 RAV4 also joins Toyota’s ever-growing list of exclusively electrified models, as it will be available in a choice of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains. RAV4 also launches new technologies for Toyota, including the Arene software development platform, a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and updates to the Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite.

“At Toyota, customer choice is paramount,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With three distinct styles, two highly efficient electrified powertrains, and available Front- or All-Wheel Drive, the all-new RAV4 offers something for everyone and is ready to take on all of life’s adventures.”

The 2026 RAV4 Core design combines a sleek, paint-matched grille, with Toyota’s signature hammerhead front end for a modern take on RAV4. Wide overfenders with black cladding and an ascending belt line with chiseled body panels complement its SUV proportions. Wheel combinations vary, with 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels available, depending on the grade. Core models include the well-equipped LE, XLE, and Limited grades.

The Rugged design is exclusive to the outdoor-inspired Woodland model, which now becomes a standalone grade to the RAV4 lineup. For the Rugged design, the peak of the hammerhead front end is slightly raised and its black, split upper and lower grille with integrated Rigid Industries LED lighting give it an adventurous look. The model also stands about a half inch higher due to standard All-Terrain tires, has standard raised roof rails with crossbars, and a 1¼ -inch rear activity mount for travel-ready versatility. The Woodland grade will have standard AWD and be available in a HEV or PHEV powertrain.

At the forefront of the Sport designs is the RAV4 GR SPORT. Designed with input from the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineering division, it takes inspiration from motorsports for a model that is an expression of driving enjoyment. It prioritizes handling, with a GR-tuned suspension and power steering, enhanced body rigidity, and summer tires on unique 20-inch wheels with increased offset. It will be exclusively available with a PHEV powertrain and has a GR Functional MATRIX grille, along with front and rear wing-type spoilers for aggressive style. The XSE and SE grades round out the Sport designs. They will be available in HEV or PHEV powertrains and a choice of FWD or AWD depending on grade and have up-to 20-inch wheels, blue interior stitching, and available two-tone paint.

The new RAV4 comes in PHEV and HEV models, with the PHEV models featuring a newly developed Plug-in Hybrid System that combines a high-capacity drive battery and high-output charger compatible with Toyota’s latest sixth-generation hybrid. The HEV system increases output over the prior generation, climbing to 236 combined system net hp on AWD models (219 combined system net hp previously). RAV4 hybrid will also be available in FWD for the first time, and will have 226 combined system net horsepower, a 23 hp improvement over the prior generation’s 203 hp FWD gas model.

The latest PHEV system also adds output, with up-to an impressive 320 combined system net horsepower, up 18 hp over the outgoing system. Variety is also the name of the game for PHEV models, moving from two to four grades in model year 2026, with the Woodland and GR SPORT models joining the previously available SE and XSE. All PHEV models will have standard AWD. The PHEV model also increases its all-electric driving range to a manufacturer’s estimated 50-mile range rating. The PHEV XSE and Woodland grades will have DC fast charging, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes*.

New 2026 RAV4 models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships across the U.S. later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date.

* Charging time provided is an estimate only and can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. Manufacturer projected range, actual range will vary and may decrease significantly depending on speed, outside temperature, accessory use, how/where you drive, charging habits, and other factors.

Two Great Powertrains with Available Front- or All-Wheel Drive

The 2026 RAV4 HEV debuts Toyota’s fifth-generation Hybrid system on an SUV model. Powered by a 2.5-L, 4-cylinder engine with the fifth-generation hybrid system, it has improvements to the transaxle, power control unit, battery, and other components, all of which contribute to its enhanced motor output.

A new Plug-in Hybrid system will also debut on RAV4. It will have a 2.5-L, 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and high-capacity traction battery. For the new system, Toyota has adopted silicon carbide semiconductors in the front axle to achieve miniaturization and high efficiency. This change, in combination with the larger battery, has led to the increase in range. DC fast charging is also available, with the XSE and Woodland grades being capable of high-speed charging through an equipped CCS charging port. The SE and GR SPORT PHEV models will be equipped with a J1772 charging port. Charging at home or with standard public chargers can also be quicker with up to an 11-kW AC onboard charger available

An increase in towing capacity on specific AWD grades adds to RAV4’s overall utility. The HEV XLE, Woodland, SE, XSE, Limited and PHEV SE, XSE, and Woodland grades with AWD, will be capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. All FWD models and the LE AWD model will have a 1,750-pound towing capacity.

A New Generation Inside and Out
When RAV4 was first launched in the U.S. for the 1996 model year, it was a sign of what was to come for the SUV segment. Built on a unibody platform that was shared with the Corolla sedan, it tapped into a unique need for many drivers and offered easy handling with functional utility. Since then, the RAV4 has evolved through five generations and changed to fit life’s adventures for customers around the world.

The all-new sixth-generation 2026 RAV4 keeps the model’s agile and functional spirit rolling. Built on the Toyota New Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform, the newest RAV4 will receive structural rigidity increases due to reinforcement of the frame joints and the suspension mounting points, both benefiting handling and ride comfort. It also adopts a high-damping adhesive that reduces micro-vibrations and road noise.

The exterior design highlights RAV4’s SUV proportions, with large tires, an elevated ride, and highly usable rear cargo area. Whether it’s a Core, Rugged, or Sport model, each adapt the Toyota hammerhead front-end for a strong, modern take on RAV4. From the side, its fender flares give it a wide stance and chiseled door panels ascend to a stout rear. Stylish new LED signature taillights give the functional rear hatch a tech-forward feel, while also adding a sense of width. Additional details like front and rear spoilers, different trim colors, and wheel treatments individualize RAV4’s style across the grades.

The 2026 RAV4’s interior prioritizes functionality, aiming for a harmonious blend of comfort and user-friendly technology. The center stack groups various functions together, like the touchscreen display, drive mode selection, and storage for a smartly organized space while the center console combines the shifter, cup holder with a removable divider, and arm rest/storage bin with a two-way closure. On select grades, the cockpit adds Toyota’s new shift-by-wire system, with a minimalist toggle switch that has intuitive operation and brings a futuristic feel to the new RAV4.

Choice Across the Grades
The 2026 RAV4 puts choice at the center of its model lineup. For instance, FWD is available on hybrid LE, XLE, and SE grades for the first time, and the previously available AWD system is offered on all grades. The following combinations will be available:

A new, slim 10.5-inch or available 12.9-inch touchscreen gives the cockpit a clean, modern feel. Digital HVAC controls are a new feature integrated into the bottom of the touchscreen display and have a permanent home along the bottom of the screen. Across all grades, a new, standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster will give drivers customizable options and integrated multimedia information. A Head-Up Display will be available on the Limited (HEV) and XSE (PHEV) grades. A six-speaker audio system will be standard, and a nine speaker JBL® Premium Audio system will be available, depending on the grade.

Seating surfaces will range from fabric to SofTex® with available seating colors like black, light gray, or to the new Mineral color on the Woodland. The Woodland interior also adds other touches for a vibrant, outdoor inspired cabin, like uniquely patterned perforated soft-touch door and dash panels, red orange accents and standard, Woodland-branded all-weather floor and cargo mats. On the XSE and GR SPORT grades, perforated BRIN•NAUB® microsuede and SofTex-trimmed seating with colorful accents add a dynamic feel. The RAV4 GR SPORT model adds GR logos to the front headrests and steering wheel, while paddle shifters and aluminum sport pedals give it a sporty appeal.

Exterior color options also bring standout style. The Woodland grade will have an all-new available Urban Rock exterior paint color, which is exclusive to the grade, while Meteor Shower, Everest, and Storm Cloud colors join the RAV4 color palette. Favorites like Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blueprint will continue for the new generation. Available two-tone paint options are also carried forward, like the new combination of Meteor Shower with Black roof on the XSE or the GR SPORT’s exclusive pairing of Supersonic Red with a Black roof.

New Tech

The new RAV4 will be equipped with Arene, an all-new software development platform created by Woven by Toyota. The introduction of Arene is Toyota’s first step toward fully software-defined vehicles. The platform will be the foundation for our most advanced safety, security and connectivity technologies and will create new opportunities to enhance features for our customers on a global scale.

The 2026 RAV4 will also launch the newest version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which is enabled by Arene. Paired with the touchscreen display, the system will have standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and simultaneous dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity. The new system changes-up the user experience with a new home button that is always displayed regardless of whether it’s being operated in the native system, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The native Voice Assistant is also improved with quicker response times. Native map and navigation functionality will also be integrated into the digital gauge cluster.

The Toyota RAV4 will also be the first Toyota model to receive the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) system, also powered by the Arene software development platform. The new version of Toyota’s standard active safety suite will have updates to its hardware and detection capabilities. Additional details will be available closer to the on-sale date.

Specifications

Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years, unlimited mileage of Roadside Assistance.

Power Up: How Toyota’s Fuel Cell Generators Are Helping Bring Cleaner Energy to Public Events

When it comes to Toyota’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the company’s fuel cell generators, which use hydrogen to produce electricity, play a growing role in Toyota’s multi-pathway portfolio. And by growing role, we mean there’s plenty to talk about on Toyota’s hydrogen horizon.

And it’s not just in cars.

Stacked in the beds of Toyota Tundra pickup trucks, these mobile power generators can be taken across the country, from California to as far east as Florida providing cleaner power for a variety of events.*

“You’re using hydrogen, so you’ll have energy with the only byproducts at point of use being power and water,” said Craig Cauthen, who manages Emerging Technologies at Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

Generating a Speedy Process
In 2021, Cauthen and a handful of engineers on the TRD engineering team in Costa Mesa, California, were asked to develop a fuel cell generator system based on technology from the first-generation Toyota Mirai.*

“Once we figured it was possible, we said, Let’s make it portable. Let’s make it lightweight. Let’s make it easier to move around,” Cauthen said.

Powerful Events

The team recognized that the fuel cell generators could be used at local and Toyota-sponsored events around the U.S. that needed off-grid power.*

From live performances to racing events, these fuel cell generators have powered outdoor events nearly silently and with zero emissions at the point of use. Not only can they provide cleaner energy, but they’re also sensory positive.

“If you’ve ever been to an event, concert, or anyplace like that, there are always generators running,” Cauthen says. “These fuel cell generators are relatively quiet. You can have a conversation next to them while they’re running. You can power just about anything if you have a tank of hydrogen.”*

Spreading the Word While Moving in Silence
It can be an eye-opening experience to learn that a fuel cell generator can power so much while remaining virtually noise-free.

“From an R&D standpoint, we heard that TRD had this fuel cell generator in the Tundra and wanted to give it more face time with the general public,” says Debby Byrne, an executive program manager at Toyota. “So, I think from the advanced product planning office [APPO], we wanted to get more information about hydrogen and hydrogen technology, fuel cell technology, out into the public.”

Byrne adds, “I think a lot of people are familiar with EVs (electric vehicles) but not fuel cells. So, it was an opportunity to kind of take what TRD had done and then showcase it in different demonstration events.”

For example, the fuel cell generators had been used to power three food trucks in Detroit during a community event, delivering 10 kilowatts of power.

“Normally when you have a food truck rally, every single one has that diesel generator,” she says. “It’s loud and you smell those fumes rather than the food that you’re trying to eat. So, it was a good opportunity to partner with the City of Detroit to showcase this technology.”

Fueling the Future
Byrne also believes the future looks bright for fuel cell generator opportunities and more.

“From a global standpoint, Toyota has pushed fuel cell technology as something that is scalable,” says Byrne. “So, we really want to showcase how fuel cell technology has the capability to work in many different applications almost seamlessly.”

Added Cauthen: “Hydrogen fuel cells are a technology that can be used now. It’s not a far-off dream or a concept technology. Fuel cells can be done today. They are here.”

*Gaseous hydrogen is transported in compliance with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The hydrogen fuel line in the trailer is separate and disconnected from the Toyota Tundra Fuel Cell Generator at the time of towing.

Tri-gen Receives U.S. Department of Energy 2025 Better Project Award

FuelCell Energy, Inc. (FuelCell Energy) and Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today announced that the first-of-its-kind “Tri-gen” facility at the Port of Long Beach has received the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2025 Better Project Award. The Better Project Award recognizes accomplishments at individual facilities for innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in implementing energy, water, and waste reduction efficiency measures.

“Tri-gen is an excellent example of FuelCell Energy’s game-changing innovation, delivering solutions that empower our customers’ businesses with clean energy without requiring them to sacrifice their established business models or operations,” FuelCell Energy CEO and President Jason Few said. “We were proud of our collaboration with Toyota to create solutions that are as practical as they are transformative and to be part of the Port of Long Beach’s efforts to improve the air quality in its community for its residents.”

“It is truly an honor to see the Tri-gen facility receive this award from the U.S. Department of Energy, a testament to the magnitude of the system’s impact, scalability, and ingenuity in addressing environmental challenges,” TMNA Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs Group Vice President Tom Stricker said. “FuelCell Energy’s platform has helped us accomplish several of our own environmental goals simultaneously, and the result is a model that sets a precedent for integrating hydrogen solutions into clean energy ecosystems as a proven way to enrich communities and strengthen energy independence.”

Commissioned by Toyota and owned and operated by FuelCell Energy, Tri-gen produces three products for port vehicle processing operations at Toyota Logistics Services: renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen and usable water.

Tri-gen converts directed biogas from a California wastewater treatment facility digesting organic waste diverted from landfills to generate up to 2.3 megawatts of renewable electricity through an electrochemical process. The use of renewable electricity helps reduce more than 9,000 tons of anticipated CO2 emissions and avoid more than six tons of grid NOx emissions annually. Electricity not used by Toyota is returned to the local utility.

Additionally, Tri-gen produces up to 1,200 kilograms of hydrogen daily for fuel cell electric vehicles, such as the 2025 Toyota Mirai and class 8 trucks.

Finally, Tri-gen recycles about 1,400 gallons of water daily, which is used to wash newly processed vehicles prior to delivery, reducing water usage from the local utility.

The successful implementation of this project exemplifies commitment to sustainable solutions from both Toyota and FuelCell Energy. Both Toyota and FuelCell Energy believe that the emerging approach used in Tri-gen can be replicated to serve customers and markets at a lower cost with a lower environmental impact than existing alternatives.

Toyota and FuelCell Energy celebrated the grand opening of Tri-gen in May 2024.

To learn more about the Better Project Awards, visit: Better Project and Better Practice Awards | Better Buildings Initiative