Toyota is steadily applying the influence of its Gazoo Racing arm across its model lineup. Now, the RAV4 compact crossover is the latest to get the GR Sport treatment, released in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions for the European market.
It's the Toyota RAV4's turn to get the Gazoo Racing treatment
While the GR Sport trim is commonly known for aesthetic enhancements, the new RAV4 trim levels bring much more to the table by enhancing functionality, tech, and handling. Leading the changes is a new grille up front rendered with the GR-exclusive mesh design that gives an enhanced 3D effect.
The same material is applied to the enlarged fog lamp housings as well as the rear bumper that now comes with air-bleed openings for improved aerodynamic efficiency. Completing the performance-inspired look is a pair of GR badges, one for each end of the vehicle. A choice of Platinum White Pearl, Flame Red, and Attitude Black exterior colors are on offer, all echoing the familiar Gazoo Racing livery and available as two-tone versions. Exclusive 19-inch GR Sport alloy wheels round up the stance.
A new mesh grille is accompanied by the GR badge
The interior is done in a predominantly black color palette, with seats done in suede-like material that helps in cradling the body against G-forces. This is accompanied by silver gray contrast stitching, with the headrests featuring embossed GR logos. Power adjustment is standard for the front seats, with GR branding readily seen in the cabin.
Instrumentation for the driver comes in the form of a 12.3-inch digital display, upgraded from the 7-inch standard version, with content now customizable across four themes. Likewise, the 7-inch touchscreen display on the standard RAV4 has grown to 10.5 inches on the GR Sport trim. Enhancements include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, “Hey Toyota” onboard voice agent, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Tech upgrades are just among the improvements awaiting users in the cabin
The RAV4 GR Sport comes with a new version of the Toyota Panoramic View Monitor, now bringing an underfloor view to help drivers check terrain conditions and track the wheels in low-speed manuevers. A new reversing camera is also installed that provides better real-time images compared to the standard version.
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) now comes with intersection support for safer turns at junctions, while Emergency Steering Assist (ESA) makes an appearance for better pedestrian avoidance without straying from lane markings.
The latest RAV4 comes with two electrified powertrains
A selection of electrified powertrains is offered on the latest RAV4, starting with a hybrid electric system based on Toyota’s fourth-generation full hybrid tech. This introduces a 2.5-liter Hybrid Dynamic Force engine rated at 218 horsepower, enough to launch it from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.
Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid version is touted as the most powerful RAV4 yet, yielding up to 302 horsepower and taking all of six seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill. An intelligent electric all-wheel drivetrain is standard, generating torque both from the vehicle’s hybrid system and a secondary electric motor at the back. This is capable of transferring up to 1,300 Nm of twist to the rear wheels.
Up to 1,300 Nm of torque can be transferred to the rear wheels
Handling has been upgraded thanks to stiffer front and rear coil springs and adjusted dampers, resulting in the RAV4 GR Sport being more agile and responsive on corners. The front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones are joined by anti-roll bars.
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