The 2026 model year is the first that turns the paddle shifters into a driver-controlled regenerative braking system. The EPA-estimated and Kia-stated EV-only range remains the same as the 2023-25 models -- 34 miles -- which means that it does not include efficiency improvements from learning how to use those paddle shifters.
Well, I've now got nearly 6 months and 5,000+ miles on mine, and today I crossed the 40 mile barrier. 40.2 to be exact. The first photo shows the 32.9 miles to an appointment. The second shows the estimated miles remaining. And I was watching the return trip data pretty carefully as we approached the 40 mile barrier. 6.5, 6.6...7.1! and finally 7.3. A total of 40.2. Oh, and no BS here. No net altitude change. Mostly flat, with a few small hills here on the Colorado front range. Town driving with a stop light here and there, backroads speed of 40 to 60 mph.
Keys to this nearly 20% range augmentation:
- Driving smoothly in Eco or MyDrive mode. Not slowly. Smoothly. Constant weight on the accelerator through the gears; it takes a while to get to the point where you are pushing the electric motor as much as you can without causing the gas engine to kick in. If you do that you nullify the test, right?!
- Once you are moving and have gone a mile or so kick in the regen paddles. This is not a lesson, but left increases regen, right decreases regen. Hold right paddle to kick in 'auto' at any one of the left paddle's 3 regen options. I usually use mid or max. This is pretty close to one pedal driving, but ultimately you need to use the brake to go to zero. Yeah, that auto hold at lights is awesome. One pedal driving except the last touch of the brake pedal for final stop.
- Speaking of stopping, holding the left paddle hard gives the max-max regen braking, and can be used if the lights change, for example, as you are approaching at highway speed. Sometimes you will need the regular brake to stop, but the key is that using your paddle as the first brake in these situations delivers great regen. I've seen the battery % increase in real time during these situations.
One last thing. Yeah, the 2026 RAV4 PHEV claims EV range of 48-52 miles, depending on trim. But it does not have additional, manual regen paddle shifting capability. What they say is what you get with the exception of driving style. Doesn't 50 vs 40 sound a lot better than the 50 to 30 claimed by AI YouTube bots?!