The latest, sixth-generation Toyota RAV4—introduced for the 2026 model year—is better than its predecessor in all the ways that count. Not only is it more efficient, but the RAV4’s performance, driving dynamics, and infotainment tech have all been praised. However, one interior design flaw has left several owners disgruntled. Described as a “huge design flaw” by one Reddit user, the issue relates to the especially wide center console, which eats into the amount of legroom. The problem affects certain owners much more than others, which seems to come down to height and/or one’s driving position. Is this a flaw Toyota should look into fixing, possibly with the RAV4’s first facelift? Let’s take a closer look.
Wide Console Affects Comfort and Space
Toyota
In numerous threads on Reddit and other social media forums, owners of the RAV4 have criticized the design of the center console, which is particularly wide at the point where the driver’s right knee makes contact with it. An area of the console below the drive mode selector—and exactly where the USB-C ports are situated—digs into the knees of some drivers. To make matters worse, this area of the RAV4’s cabin features harder, scratchier plastics, further compounding the issue.
“Does anyone else find that the center console takes up too much space and pushes against your right leg/knee?” asked one user on Reddit. “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 Reddit user described the center console as “unnecessarily huge” and had a similar comfort complaint. Many RAV4 owners have now taken to installing makeshift pads or mini cushions, as can be seen in the video above.
While this may seem minor when compared to an engine failure (Tundra owners will know what we’re talking about), a comfort annoyance can significantly tarnish the driving experience, especially for drivers who spend many hours on the road.
At the same time, many drivers said the fat console doesn’t bother them or that adjusting their driving position was enough to alleviate the issue. In our various drives of the new RAV4, the wide center console was not a major issue, but that could be down to the seating position of our test drivers.
Redesigned RAV4 Interior Is Mostly Good
Kristen Brown
Leg space aside, the RAV4’s upgraded interior is generally better than the old one’s. The same console that takes up more leg space than some drivers prefer is otherwise very practical, with large cupholders and a reversible arm rest/storage bin. Easily accessible physical controls, phone charging trays, and USB-C charging ports are all integrated into this area. These features are useful, but it’s a lot to cram into a relatively compact space, which is likely why Toyota had to widen the center console.
The new infotainment interface is a major improvement. We found the system reassuringly glitch-free in our first drive of the RAV4, while the 10.5-inch (standard) or 12.9-inch (optional) touchscreens are easy to get to grips with. There’s enough space for adults at the back, too. If there is something we’d change, would like to see some brighter interior color schemes being offered on certain trims. The cabin can look a little drab when finished in black.
Final Thoughts
Jared Levenson/Autoblog
A quick drive around the block is often not enough to accurately determine if a new car will suit your needs. As with any new car, we recommend that customers interested in a RAV4 spend sufficient time on the road in their preferred driving position to check if comfort levels are adequate. Still, we found enough complaints about this issue for Toyota to consider a light redesign of the RAV4’s console. At the very least, installing two soft knee pads on each side of the console could be a straightforward fix, and it would prevent buyers from having to find a makeshift solution.
About the author
Karl Furlong is a senior editor at Autoblog covering industry news, luxury cars, in-car technology, sales trends and model comparisons with more than nine years of experience as an automotive writer.
