Toyota has given its RAV4 SUV the GR Sport treatment, with unique exterior styling upgrades, interior trims and a firmer chassis setup.
As Toyota’s high-performance GR range of sports cars continues to expand, its racier character is trickling down to the firm’s mainstream models. Following on from the likes of the Yaris, C-HR, and Hilux, Toyota has revealed a GR Sport version of the RAV4, featuring bespoke design touches and stiffer suspension. The model is launching in Europe but is yet to be confirmed for Australia.
The visual differences aren’t extensive, but the GR Sport is distinguished by piano black wheel arch trims and plastic mouldings, along with more aggressive fog light surrounds and a front spoiler. The sportiest RAV4 also receives GR badging and unique 19-inch wheels, painted gloss black with machined edges.
Inside, there’s a pair of sportier front seats trimmed in suede and synthetic leather, with embossed GR logos on the headrests. Silver stitching picks out the seats, steering wheel and gear lever, with gunmetal grey inserts on the door panels and further GR logos on the floor mats. Standard equipment includes a 10.5-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital dash, along with Toyota’s Safety Sense driver assist tech.
Under the skin, the RAV4 GR Sport is fitted with firmer springs and dampers to improve handling and body control.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the new model is set to hit UK showrooms before the end of this year in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms. The GR Sport won’t receive a power uplift as part of the upgrades, so the hybrid variant will offer 160kW and 221Nm of torque from a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. The RAV4 hybrid completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds, and reaches 179km/h flat out.
The RAV4 GR Sport plug-in hybrid will also utilise a 2.5-litre petrol unit, albeit with two electric motors and all-wheel drive. As the most powerful model available, it offers 225kW and a 0-100km/h time of 6.0 seconds. While the Rav4 is sold as a hybrid in Australia, the plug-in Rav4 is not yet offered locally.
Yousuf Ashraf