Toyota RAV4 has always been the definition of a dependable, compact SUV. The best-selling Japanese crossover from Toyota was never really designed with performance in mind, although the V-6-powered versions of older generations can be qualified as sleepers. The current, fifth generation of the Japanese SUV has been around since 2018, and in 2023, RAV4 gets the GR treatment. The best thing is, Toyota’s RAV4 GR Sport is not just about the aesthetics, like many other sporty crossovers (I am looking at you Hyundai Tucson N Line), but has the founder of the compact crossover/SUV segment finally worthy to wear the Toyota Gazoo Racing initials?
The GR Aesthetic Touches Now On The RAV4
Aesthetic enhancements are parred for the course in any sporty trim. The RAV4 GR Sport is no exception, as it features a sportier design, courtesy of new cladding. The press images show two slightly different front aprons, but the main highlights are the lower bumper, more blacked-out trim, and G-shaped mesh design, which is replicated on the fog-light bezels. The side profile remains identical to the regular versions of the RAV4 with the only difference being the plastic trim around the wheel arches, which features a gloss finish as opposed to matt. The same goes for the front and rear aprons. The rear bumper scores a GR-specific black mesh, mimicking the front grille. The obligatory GR logos have been slapped on the front grille and rear deck lid.
New, 19-inch wheels, specific to the RAV4 GR Sport feature a double, five-spoke design, and a gloss black finish to go with the SUV’s cladding. The wheels have been specially designed to save weight and boast improved rigidity over the lesser RAV4 models. In terms of color options, the RAV4 GR Sport can be had in Attitude Black, Platinum White Pearl, and Flame Red, which are signature Gazoo Racing colors. Optionally, you can go for Silver metallic, Grey metallic, or Dark Blue Mica. All colors except attitude Black are available with a gloss black roof.
Revised Interior And Better Infotainment
Like the exterior, the interior of the RAV4 GR Sport also benefits from unique styling. The color theme for the upholstery and lining is black, but contrasting silver stitching can be seen on the seats, steering wheel, and shifter. The seats are a nice mix of grippy, suede-like materials for the center sections and synthetic leather for the side bolsters. Both front seats are power-adjustable too. Adding to the dual tone of the interior is the dark grey metallic finish for the interior trimming.
Despite the GR treatment, the RAV4 is still a Toyota SUV, which in all-wheel-drive guise has decent off-road capabilities. The GR Sport comes exclusively as an all-wheel-drive crossover and benefits from Toyota’s improved version of the Panoramic View Monitor, which includes an underfloor view for easier navigation through obstacles. A new digital reverse camera is also introduced, which replaces the outdated analog version. The driver can enjoy a fully-digital, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, which is highly customizable and features four different themes - Casual, Smart, Tough, and Sporty.
The centrally-mounted, 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen features the latest version of the Toyota Smart Connect system, with an intuitive, icon-based menu on the driver’s side. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard while you need a wired link to use Android Auto. The multimedia package also includes improved voice commands, using “Hey Toyota” phrases, as well as cloud-based navigation with real-time traffic updates as well an embedded navigation system for when mobile data is not available. Then, there is the MyT mobile App, which gives you remote access to various car functions like unlocking/locking the doors or closing the windows.
Familiar Toyota Powertrains And Revised Suspension
Compared to the standard RAV4, things remain almost unchanged under the hood. The GR Sport can be had as a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Both options revolve around a 2.5-liter, naturally-aspirated, inline-four engine with an Atkinson cycle and two electric motors - one for each axle. The full-hybrid version packs 222 horsepower (163 kilowatts) and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in a not too shabby, 7.7 seconds. The PHEV option packs 306 horsepower (228 kilowatts) and the sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.7 seconds. It also boasts an all-electric range of 46.6 miles (75 km).
The RAV4 GR Sport features a unique suspension setting with revised spring and damper rates. What’s more, the suspension settings are different depending on whether you get the full hybrid or plug-in hybrid version. The spring rates for the full hybrid model have been changed from 28 to 30 N/mm at the front and from 40 to 46 N/mm at the rear. For the plug-in hybrid RAV4 GR Sport, the spring rates have been changed from 30 to 36 N/mm for the front axle and from 49 to 55 N/mm for the rear.
Adding to the versatility and off-road credentials of the RAV4 GR Sport is Toyota’s intelligent all-wheel drive, which can split power between the front and rear axles from 100:0 to 20:80 percent. Furthermore, Trail Mode is able to mimic a limited-slip differential, allowing the sporty SUV to maximize grip on slippery surfaces. Prices are yet to be announced, but the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport will hit the market later this year in Europe first.