Toyota just announced its sportiest RAV4 SUV ever: What car buyers should know
Toyota just announced its sportiest RAV4 SUV ever: What car buyers should know Internal combustion and electricity are at the heart of the RAV4 GR Sport.
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Toyota just introduced a Gazoo Racing trim for the RAV4 small SUV for the first time ever.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is a plug-in hybrid SUV with sufficient power and electric driving range.
The RAV4 GR Sport combines thrilling driving dynamics with a more aggressive appearance than other trims.
The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 was revealed on May 20. The new RAV4 generation features a major redesign and an exciting new performance-oriented GR trim.
The RAV4 small SUV is more powerful than ever before thanks to its powertrain options. Its new Gazoo Racing model incorporates design elements from Toyota's world-renowned motorsports engineering division.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is the most powerful RAV4 ever
Like several Toyota models, the next generation RAV4 has completely moved away from internal combustion engine powertrains. Now, every new RAV4 model will be powered by a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain setup. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport uses an internal combustion engine and electric motors to drive power to the wheels. It "takes inspiration from motorsports for a model that is an expression of driving enjoyment", Toyota says.
The 2026 RAV4 GR Sport produces a whopping 320 horsepower. It's the only GR model that's also a PHEV(plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), since other GR models tend to be powered by turbocharged gas engines. The RAV4 GR Sport features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. It comes standard with all-wheel drive for better traction and capability. The SUV also features Toyota Gazoo Racing-tuned handling.
Toyota's upcoming performance oriented RAV4 model is its most powerful RAV4 yet. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid produces 302 horsepower, 18 ponies shy of the 2026 GR Sport's total power output. It rockets from 0-60 miles per hour in a mere 5.6 seconds, according to Toyota.
Toyota's new performance trim has 50 miles of electric driving range
Thanks to its electric motors and battery, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is able to travel on just electricity. It has an estimated electric-only range of 50 miles. Its battery can be recharged (and range replenished) via electric vehicle chargers similar to EVs.
Electric-only driving range allows plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 GR Sport to be more efficient. The new performance SUV is likely to feature several different driving modes including an EV-only mode and sport mode. The 2025 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has a similar powertrain setup and offers drivers four different primary driving modes, allowing drivers to use hybrid and electric power in different ways.
2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport features
Plenty of power and electric-only driving range are just the tip of the spear when it comes to the 2026 RAV4 GR Sport. It's also loaded with plenty of sports car touches for drivers interested in exterior/interior styling and design.
Features include:
Aggressive exterior styling
GR functional MATRIX grille
Summer tires on 20-inch wheels
Front/rear wing-type spoilers
Red interior stitching, GR logos on front headrests and steering wheels
Toyota is also including paddle shifters and aluminum pedals on the RAV4 GR Sport to "give it a sporty appeal", according to the press release. Between its high power output, tuned suspension, and refined interior, the GR Sport is as sporty as the RAV4 gets.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is slated to hit dealers later this year.
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Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.8 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.9 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 105 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.75 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 16 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 21 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 440 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 17/15/21 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
