The Toyota RAV4 is showing signs of recovery after a difficult start to 2026, recording its first monthly U.S. sales increase of the year in October. Toyota sold 39,888 RAV4s during the month, helping the compact SUV reclaim its position as the brand’s best-selling model after months of inventory shortages.
The improvement comes as Toyota works to increase production and deliver more vehicles to dealerships. However, despite the positive October results, the RAV4 remains significantly behind last year’s sales pace, while the Honda CR-V continues to lead the annual competition.
Toyota RAV4 Sales Increase in October 2026
Toyota delivered 39,888 RAV4 models in the United States in October, representing a 0.6% increase compared with the same month last year.
Although the growth was modest, it marked an important improvement for a model that had struggled with limited inventory throughout 2026.
The stronger RAV4 performance also contributed to Toyota’s overall U.S. sales growth. The automaker sold 188,392 vehicles in October, an increase of 5.7% from the previous year.
The RAV4 also returned to the top of Toyota’s sales rankings, overtaking the Camry sedan after spending several months in second place.
However, the year-to-date figures reveal that Toyota still has considerable ground to recover. Through October, the company sold 293,552 RAV4s, representing a decline of more than 26% compared with the same period last year.
Toyota has been increasing production of the redesigned RAV4, which is now available exclusively with electrified powertrains. Manufacturing facilities in Canada, Japan, and the United States are contributing to efforts to improve vehicle availability.
Hybrid Models Dominate Toyota RAV4 Sales
The redesigned Toyota RAV4 no longer offers conventional gasoline-only powertrains. Instead, customers can choose between regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
Regular hybrid models accounted for approximately 84% of RAV4 sales in October, making them the dominant choice among buyers. Plug-in hybrid models accounted for the remaining share.
The strategy follows a similar direction to the Toyota Camry, which transitioned to an all-hybrid lineup last year.
Toyota’s broader sales figures also highlight the growing importance of electrification across its brands. Approximately 57% of Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in October featured electrified powertrains, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fully electric vehicles, and hydrogen-powered models.
Toyota Inventory Improves but Supply Remains Limited
Vehicle availability is gradually improving, although inventory levels remain a challenge. Toyota ended October with an overall supply of 29 days.
Light trucks had a 31-day supply, while passenger cars recorded 23 days. However, more than half of the available inventory was still in transit rather than physically located at dealerships.
The gradual improvement in supply could help Toyota deliver more RAV4 models as production increases and inventory shortages begin to ease.
Honda CR-V Maintains Its 2026 Sales Advantage
The Toyota RAV4 performed better than the Honda CR-V in October. Honda sold just over 34,000 CR-V models during the month, allowing Toyota to finish ahead in the monthly sales comparison.
Despite losing the monthly race, the Honda CR-V continues to lead the RAV4 in cumulative sales for 2026.
The competition is becoming increasingly important as Toyota improves production and dealership availability. The RAV4 still faces a significant year-to-date deficit, meaning one strong month will not be enough to secure the annual sales crown.
Can Toyota RAV4 Sales Recover Before the End of 2026?
Toyota’s October results mark an encouraging development after months of declining RAV4 sales caused by inventory limitations. The model’s return as the company’s best-selling vehicle, combined with its first monthly sales increase of the year, indicates that vehicle availability is improving.
However, with year-to-date sales still down more than 26% and the Honda CR-V maintaining its annual advantage, Toyota faces a significant challenge in recovering the lost ground before the end of 2026.
