The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has earned praise for its improved efficiency, performance, driving dynamics and infotainment technology, but a controversial interior design feature is leaving some owners uncomfortable. The sixth-generation SUV’s unusually wide center console is reportedly pressing against drivers’ right knees, raising questions about whether Toyota should reconsider the design.

The issue has sparked complaints among owners, with some describing the console as a significant comfort problem. While the impact varies depending on a driver’s height and seating position, others say the design does not bother them.

2026 Toyota RAV4 Center Console Draws Complaints

The center console’s width has become a point of frustration for several RAV4 owners, particularly around the area where the driver’s right knee rests against the cabin.

The section below the drive mode selector, where the USB-C ports are located, reportedly digs into some drivers’ knees. The problem is compounded by the use of harder, scratchier plastic in the area.

One owner described the issue after recently purchasing the SUV:

“Does anyone else find that the center console takes up too much space and pushes against your right leg/knee?” the owner said. “I am 6’1” and the little outward curve of it makes my knee uncomfortable. There doesn’t seem to be any seat position that fixes this. Just picked it up from the dealership so I’m kinda bummed.”

Another owner called the console “unnecessarily huge” and reported similar discomfort.

Some RAV4 drivers have resorted to installing makeshift pads or small cushions to soften the area where their knees make contact with the console.

Although the complaint may seem minor compared with a major mechanical failure, persistent discomfort can affect the overall driving experience, particularly for people who spend extended periods behind the wheel.

Not All RAV4 Drivers Experience the Problem

The complaints are not universal. Some owners say the center console causes no discomfort, while others report that adjusting their seating position is enough to resolve the issue.

During drives of the redesigned RAV4, the wide console was not a major concern. However, the experience may depend on the seating positions and physical dimensions of individual drivers.

The variation in owner experiences suggests that the design issue may be more noticeable for certain drivers, particularly those whose right knee rests directly against the console’s protruding section.

RAV4 Interior Offers Several Improvements

Despite the complaints about legroom, the redesigned RAV4’s interior is generally an improvement over its predecessor.

The center console remains practical, offering large cupholders, a reversible armrest and storage bin, accessible physical controls, phone charging trays and USB-C charging ports.

However, fitting all these features into a relatively compact cabin area may help explain why Toyota opted for a wider console, potentially creating a trade-off between functionality and driver comfort.

The new infotainment system is another major improvement. During the first drive, the interface operated without noticeable glitches, while the standard 10.5-inch touchscreen and optional 12.9-inch display were easy to use.

Rear-seat space is also sufficient for adults. One area that could benefit from improvement is the availability of brighter interior color schemes on certain trims, as the black cabin can appear somewhat drab.

Could Toyota Redesign the RAV4 Center Console?

The complaints have raised the possibility of Toyota making changes to the center console during the RAV4’s first facelift.

A relatively minor redesign could help address the space issue, while adding soft knee pads to both sides of the console could provide a simpler solution.

Such an adjustment would also eliminate the need for owners to install their own cushions or other makeshift padding to improve comfort.

For prospective buyers, the issue highlights the importance of spending enough time behind the wheel before deciding whether the RAV4’s interior suits their needs.

A brief drive around the block may not be sufficient to identify potential discomfort. Buyers should test the SUV in their preferred seating position and spend enough time driving to determine whether the center console affects their comfort.

While the 2026 Toyota RAV4 delivers improvements across several important areas, complaints about its wide center console suggest that a small interior adjustment could make the driving experience more comfortable for affected owners.