The idea of a “sporty” RAV4 appears like an oxymoron, would not it? Certain, some courageous, good souls have turned early RAVs into off-road machines. However that story entertains us as a result of a RAV4 should not be on the market bashing rocks, not due to its historical past as an fanatic car. 

So when Gazoo Racing—Toyota’s in-house tuning arm—takes a swipe on the RAV4, courtesy of the new-for-2026 GR sport trim, you possibly can name us cautiously curious; vehicles with a GR badge on the trunk grew to become a few of our favorites during the last decade. As an example, the GR Supra has steadily improved throughout its manufacturing run and develop into a professional sports activities automotive. The GR Corolla’s the final nice guide scorching hatch on these American shores, and the GR86 simply plain rocks; it is an prompt traditional.

The GR Sport’s Upgrades, Defined

Photograph by: Toyota

So what does the “GR” therapy imply for the RAV4? We’re praying for one thing past a smidge of badge engineering. New information from Toyota signifies the GR sport trim was “designed with enter from the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineering division, it takes inspiration from motorsports for a mannequin that’s an expression of driving enjoyment.”

A superb begin! Additionally indecipherable marketing-speak!

The press launch notes the GR sport will prioritize dealing with, its suspension and energy steering methods tuned by the GR engineering division. Plus Toyota guarantees enhanced physique rigidity and summer season tires on distinctive 20-inch wheels. 

GR-Sport will probably be out there solely with the two.5-liter four-cylinder PHEV (plug-in hybrid) powertrain and all-wheel drive, with some aesthetic touches like a flowery wanting grille, entrance and rear wing-type spoilers and people aforementioned wheels.

“Hybrid” is usually synonymous with “boring,” however Toyota’s newest PHEV system for the RAV4 produces as much as 320 mixed horsepower, which ought to be loads to encourage the fifth technology of Toyota’s all-important crossover. 

The GR Sport’s Upgrades Proceed Inside

Photograph by: Toyota

The GR sport’s inside receives perforated Ultrasuede seats, trimmed with Toyota’s SofTex materials and jazzed up with some colourful accents. There’ll even be some “GR” logos added to the entrance head rests and steering whereas, plus paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a few aluminum pedals.

It’s going to even be the one RAV4 out there in Supersonic Purple paint with a black roof (pictured right here). 

Digging into the stats a bit, we will see the GR sport rides six-tenths of an inch decrease than any of the opposite trims, that means a distinct spring is probably going. It is also one other inch longer than the opposite trims, seemingly owing to that splitter therapy Toyota has promised. 

A decrease, longer, more-powerful and intentionally tuned RAV4? Name us curious. 

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Supply: Toyota