2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport targets keen SUV drivers with 227kW all-wheel-drive PHEV performance and upgraded chassis 

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The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will target keener drivers next year with a new GR Sport flagship that combines a 227kW plug-in hybrid drivetrain and an upgraded chassis over regular versions of the popular midsized SUV.

Toyota’s next-generation RAV4 will offer more from the GR Sport badge that up to now have typically represented sporty styling only.

The RAV4 GR Sport will share a 227kW plug-in hybrid drivetrain with other all-wheel-drive PHEV variants in the range, though Toyota engineers have set out to make it a more dynamic drive.

Suspension modifications include what Toyota calls a “higher performance damper design”, a stiffer rear suspension brace, 20mm-wider tracks, and general retuning for enhanced handling over regular RAV4s.

The steering calibration has also been revised, while the GR Sport adopts “lightweight” 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes Sport performance tyres.

A Y-spoke rim design is one of several exclusive styling elements for the RAV4 flagship. Other distinct-in-range elements include front and rear spoilers, a larger mesh grille in black, black surrounds for the side vents and DRLs, and an all-black lower rear bumper.

Official images feature the GR Sport in red body colour with contrasting black roof.

GR Sport logos are applied front and rear, as well as inside. The cabin also features red accents, sports seats, suede and artificial leather upholstering with red stitching, console kneepads, and alloy sports pedals.

The RAV4 GR Sport will be powered by the highest-output plug-in hybrid drivetrain that offers 227kW compared with 201kW for the more affordable, 2WD RAV4 PHEV models.

The drivetrain combines a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery with a 150kW front electric motor and 2.5-litre petrol engine. Toyota quotes 5.8 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint.

That power output isn’t far off the 235kW of the now-discontinued Volkswagen Tiguan R and more than the 195kW of the Skoda Kodiaq RS.

It also exceeds the 152kW and 172kW of two sporty-spec competitors, the Honda CR-V e-HEV RS and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N-Line, respectively. 

Those models cost in the low-$60K-driveaway bracket, though the RAV4 GR Sport could easily be priced closer to $70,000. The current RAV4 range-topper, the Edge, already costs about $63,600 drive-away and pricing for the new model is expected to rise.

For more details on the overall 2026 Toyota RAV4, read our separate story.