Suzuki will sell a rebadged version of the Toyota RAV4 – known as the 2026 Suzuki Across PHEV – exclusively in Europe, but Australia won’t get the model, despite its potential to boost Suzuki’s sales. The decision comes as the next-generation RAV4 continues its dominance in the Australian market, outselling all other SUVs in 2025 with over 51,947 units sold.
Europe-Only Strategy
The Across, which first appeared as a rebadged RAV4 in 2020, will receive minimal cosmetic changes for the 2026 model year, primarily limited to new badging. This approach contrasts with the more substantial redesigns typically seen in model refreshes, but serves Suzuki’s purpose of meeting stricter European emissions regulations. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain will help Suzuki comply with upcoming Euro 7 standards, even if it makes the Across the brand’s most expensive offering.
Why Australia Misses Out
Suzuki Australia confirmed that the Across will remain a Europe-only model, despite the potential to compete directly with Toyota’s best-seller. The RAV4’s overwhelming popularity in Australia – easily surpassing Suzuki’s entire 2025 sales of 15,378 vehicles – makes it unlikely that Suzuki would cannibalize Toyota’s market share.
“The Across is strictly a Europe-only model and won’t be offered here,” a Suzuki Australia spokesperson stated.
The decision also reflects the fact that Suzuki Australia doesn’t currently offer a PHEV, though it does have mild-hybrid options in models like the Fronx. The Across would have been Suzuki’s first PHEV for the local market, but the business case doesn’t justify the investment.
A Two-Way Street
The relationship between Toyota and Suzuki involves cross-branding, with Toyota owning a small stake in Suzuki. The arrangement allows for model sharing: the Suzuki Fronx is sold as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor in India, while the upcoming Suzuki e Vitara will be sold as a Toyota in some markets (though not Australia). Both the 2026 Across and RAV4 will share the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder PHEV powertrain, producing 224kW with a 22.7kWh battery for a 100km electric range. The Across will be all-wheel drive only, while the RAV4 will also be available in front-wheel drive.
The cabin will largely mirror the RAV4, featuring a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The decision to exclude the Across from the Australian market reinforces Toyota’s dominance while highlighting a strategic partnership where model swaps benefit both brands, but not necessarily in every region.
