Toyota RAV4 Joins The GR Sport Range In Europe With Sporty Looks And A Tighter Suspension

The recently facelifted Toyota RAV4 joins the range of GR Sport models in Europe thanks to a new trim that is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The RAV4 GR Sport features subtle sport styling touches, more kit as standard, and a tweaked suspension developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing.

The RAV4 was never a sporty SUV but Toyota thinks that they can change that with the new GR Sport trim, following the steps of the Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla, C-HR, and Hilux in the European market.

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The Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is distinguished by a set of 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels finished in gloss black with bright machine pinstripe detailing, piano-black details around the bodywork, and a set of discreet badges on the grille and on the tailgate.

The black exterior details include the new bezels for the front bumper intakes, the grille, the wheel arch moldings, the side sills, and the tailgate garnish between the taillights. The dark look is then combined with the black roof and mirror caps.

Inside, the highlight is a new pair of sports seats combining suede-effect inserts and synthetic leather upholstery for the bolsters and GR-branded integrated headrests with contrasting stitching. The front seats are power adjusted, with a memory function for the driver.

Finally, the large 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster introduced with the recent facelift in Europe are standard features in the GR Sport trim, as with the panoramic view monitor, and the complete Toyota Safety Sense suite of ADAS.

The biggest hardware difference of the RAV4 GR Sport from the other trim levels is a set of stiffer springs and shock absorbers, which according to the Japanese automaker result in improved handling and offer a more engaging driving experience. Toyota is one of the few automakers that offer a new suspension setup in the sporty-looking trims.

As for the available powertrain options, they are both electrified and combined with Toyota’s AWD-i system. The 2.5-liter Hybrid produces 219 hp (163 kW / 222 PS), while the more efficient Plug-in Hybrid produces a combined 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) just like in all other RAV4 trims.

The first deliveries of the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport in European markets will commence in the fourth quarter of 2022. Pricing will be announced at a later date, although we expect them to be towards the higher end of the lineup.