2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
For over three decades, the Toyota RAV4 has been a comfortable, fuel-efficient, reliable, and practical family SUV for everyday driving. However, driving enthusiasts often felt that the RAV4 lacked the excitement and sportiness they wanted. While Toyota has offered the XSE trim in the past, it never quite lived up to its sporty pretensions.
With the 2026 redesign, Toyota introduces the sixth-generation RAV4 and its new halo model for driving enthusiasts, the RAV4 GR Sport. Developed with the experts at Gazu Racing, this version features upgraded suspension, chassis, steering, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 324 horsepower with all-wheel drive.
We took the first-ever GR Sport RAV4 for a spin in Mesa, Arizona, and here’s what we found.
Powertrain and Performance
The RAV4 GR Sport is equipped with Toyota’s most powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain ever. It combines:
2.5L gasoline direct-injection 4-cylinder engine (Dynamic Force Engine family)
183 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque
Three electric motors
Two front motors plus one rear motor for electronic all-wheel drive
Electric motors add 201 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque
22.7 kWh battery pack
Combined output: 324 hp, surpassing the Lexus NX by 20 hp and providing the most power in its segment.
Transmission: Electronic CVT (ECVT)
Fuel economy: 41 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Electric-only range: 48 miles (GR Sport), up to 52 miles on SE trim
Charging capabilities:
GR Sport: 7 kW onboard charger, ~3.5 hours with Level 2 charger
XSE/Woodland trim: CCS Combo plug, 50 kW fast charging (10 to 80% in ~35 minutes)
0 to 60 mph performance: Estimated around 5 seconds (mid-5s range for the previous generation).
Top speed: Expected around 140 mph with standard 20-inch summer performance tires.
Curb weight: ~4,400 lb, heavier than standard hybrids but lighter than XSE/Woodland trims due to less added equipment.
Note: The GR Sport is not rated for towing, unlike other RAV4 trims with a 3,500 lb capacity.
Exterior Design
The 2026 RAV4 GR Sport sports a more aggressive look and performance-oriented enhancements:
Exclusive supersonic red with two-tone black roof
Honeycomb front grille with GR badge for improved cooling
Hammerhead projector-style premium LED headlights with LED DRLs and turn signals
Lowered suspension by 15 mm (ground clearance: 7.5 in)
20-inch two-tone wheels with Dunlop SP Sport Max summer tires
Larger brakes: 12.9-inch front, 12-inch rear rotors with red-painted floating calipers
Additional design elements:
Gloss black wheel arches and mirror caps
No roof rails or sunroof (weight savings and cost reduction)
Rear: stacked wing for functional downforce, full LED tail lights, GR Sport and Beyond Zero badges
Dual hidden exhaust tips, no visible quad exhaust
Overall, the exterior communicates sporty intent while remaining distinctly RAV4.
Interior and Cabin
The GR Sport interior focuses on performance and practicality:
Seats: Black Brin knob synthetic suede plus soft-text leather with red contrast stitching, GR logos on headrests, 3-level heated front seats
Driver seat: 8-way power, passenger seat 6-way manual
GR alloy pedals and sportier bolstering
Black-only interior (no red interior option)
Door panels: Soft-touch with injection-molded plastics, gray painted handles
Technology and infotainment:
12.9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Audio Multimedia 2.0 and AREN software
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Multiple drive modes (including Sport and Custom)
360-degree camera with improved resolution and see-through view
Paddle shifters for ECVT (optional on XSE, standard on GR Sport)
Storage and practicality:
Cargo space: 33.6 cu ft behind rear seats, 63.6 cu ft with seats folded
Power liftgate standard
Temporary spare tire retained under raised floor
Back seat:
37.8 inches of legroom
Reclining seats with flat-fold capability
Rear USB-C charging ports, rear AC vents
No heated seats or retractable shades
Driving Experience
The RAV4 GR Sport delivers a more engaging drive compared to previous RAV4 plug-in hybrids:
Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 5.47 s during first test at 1,500 ft elevation with passenger onboard
EV mode: 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 s (pure electric only)
Handling: GR-tuned dampers and lower ride height provide stiffer yet comfortable ride
Steering: Quicker and heavier than XSE
Road and wind noise: Improved thanks to electric motor assist
Exhaust note: Naturally aspirated 4-cylinder remains subdued; no aggressive sound upgrades
Despite some missing performance features like upgraded calipers and adjustable dampers, the GR Sport RAV4 offers the most powerful plug-in hybrid driving experience in its segment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Most powerful plug-in hybrid SUV in its segment
Aggressive GR Sport exterior and interior upgrades
EV-only driving up to 48 miles
12.9-inch touchscreen with improved graphics and functionality
GR-tuned suspension and adaptive handling
Cons:
No sunroof or roof rails
Lacks towing capability
No heated rear seats or memory seats on this trim
Paddle shifters offer limited usability
Naturally aspirated engine lacks sporty sound
Conclusion
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport successfully elevates the RAV4 from a practical family SUV to a performance-oriented plug-in hybrid SUV. While it may not be a hardcore track machine, it offers 324 hp, improved handling, and EV versatility, making it the most fun-to-drive RAV4 ever. For enthusiasts seeking a combination of practicality, comfort, and spirited driving, the GR Sport is a compelling choice in the midsize hybrid SUV segment.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
What is the power output of the RAV4 GR Sport?
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport delivers a combined output of 324 horsepower with all-wheel drive, making it the most powerful plug-in hybrid in its segment.
What is the electric-only range of the GR Sport?
The RAV4 GR Sport offers up to 48 miles of electric-only driving, while the SE trim can reach up to 52 miles.
Does the GR Sport RAV4 support towing?
No, the GR Sport is not rated for towing, unlike other RAV4 trims which have a 3,500 lb towing capacity.
What are the exterior highlights of the GR Sport?
The GR Sport features exclusive supersonic red paint with two-tone black roof, honeycomb front grille with GR badge, lowered suspension, 20-inch two-tone wheels, larger brakes, and dual hidden exhaust tips.
What are the main interior upgrades in the GR Sport?
The interior includes black Brin knob synthetic suede and soft-text leather seats with red stitching, GR logos, 3-level heated front seats, GR alloy pedals, paddle shifters, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Audio Multimedia 2.0.
What are the 0-60 mph performance stats?
The GR Sport achieves 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.47 seconds in combined mode and 8.9 seconds in pure electric mode.
