The elegantly styled GR Sport is a new trim level for the 2026 Toyota RAV4. The GR Sport is only available as a plug-in hybrid and provides 320 horsepower to all four wheels, 18 more than the previous generation. An athletic-looking rear spoiler and black roof complement a front bumper with a broad grille and large vents. For a compact SUV, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, renamed the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid for 2025, was remarkably quick. With a 302-hp hybrid motor, the RAV4 PHEV outperformed the four-cylinder Supra 2.0 sports vehicle, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Toyota is merging the strong plug-in hybrid drivetrain with more aggressive external styling on the 2026 RAV4 GR Sport, as the RAV4 enters its sixth generation. The RAV4’s Sport design package will come in three trim levels, including the GR Sport. The LE, XLE, and Limited variants will have a more pedestrian aspect, while the Woodland model will have an adventurous look. The XSE and SE trims, which are available with either the plug-in hybrid system or the traditional hybrid powertrain the SE hybrid also has front-wheel drive will also feature the Sport design. Toyota claims that the company’s Gazoo Racing engineering branch helped develop the GR Sport’s aggressive appearance. It also sports a striking front bumper with a massive grille flanked by enormous side vents. There is also gloss-black wheel arch trim and a chin spoiler on the front fascia’s lower edge. A wide rear wing protrudes from the roof, and the distinctive black 20-inch wheels turn in front of red brake calipers. Moreover, the GR Sport is the only RAV4 model available with the choice of a black roof or Supersonic Red. The GR Sport’s interior features red stitching on faux-suede seat fabric and GR logos on the steering wheel and front headrests. In addition, the GR Sport features stylish aluminum pedals and paddle shifters. The GR Sport features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, compared to the 10.5-inch screen found in the SE and other trims. The GR Sport will only be available with all-wheel drive and a plug-in hybrid system, whilst other RAV4 variants will be offered with the standard hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to provide up to 236 horsepower. The PHEV powertrain includes a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, two electric motors, and a bigger battery. Toyota claims that by incorporating silicon-carbide semiconductors into the front axle, its most modern plug-in hybrid technology reduces the size of the front drive unit while enhancing efficiency. With an 18-horsepower increase over the previous model, the PHEV’s current output of 320 horsepower should assist cut the 5.4-second zero-to-60-mph time. Toyota claims that the PHEV can now travel 50 miles on pure electric power, compared to the previous model’s EPA-estimated 42-mile range. DC fast-charging is offered with the PHEV powertrain in the XSE and Woodland trims, but it is not available on the SE or GR Sport. All PHEV models with fast-charging capabilities will have a CCS charging port, as opposed to the NACS-style port present on the majority of new electric vehicles. Although the GR Sport doesn’t provide as much power as other plug-in hybrid RAV4 variants, Toyota highlights its distinctive GR-tuned suspension and handling, which enhance its agility and driving experience agile and enjoyable driving experience. Additionally, Toyota emphasizes that the GR Sport’s body is reinforced, complemented by 20-inch wheels and “wide-tread” summer tires. Dealerships will begin selling the 2026 RAV4, which features the GR Sport, later this year. The new GR Sport variant is anticipated to begin around $51,000, though the official pricing won’t be disclosed until the RAV4’s release date approaches. For reference, the previous SE PHEV had a starting price of $45,660, while the XSE PHEV was priced from $49,530.
