The idea of a sporty RAV4 has always felt like automotive fiction—something that sounds good in theory but never quite materializes in reality. Toyota’s family hauler has been the poster child for practical transportation, moving millions of people and their stuff without ever making anyone’s pulse quicken. But with the all-new 2026 RAV4 GR Sport, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division is finally asking the question: what if we actually tried to make this thing exciting? The answer comes in the form of 320 horsepower, GR-tuned suspension, and styling aggressive enough to make you forget this started life as a grocery getter.
More Power Than a GR Corolla
Let’s address the elephant in the room first—yes, this family SUV makes more power than Toyota’s actual hot hatch. The RAV4 GR Sport’s plug-in hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with dual electric motors to produce 320 horsepower, which is 20 more than the GR Corolla’s turbocharged three-cylinder can muster. It’s also 18 more horses than the outgoing RAV4 Prime, while bumping the electric-only range to an estimated 50 miles.
The power increase comes courtesy of silicon-carbide semiconductors on the front axle, which shrink the drive unit while improving efficiency. All that grunt flows through standard all-wheel drive, and while Toyota hasn’t released acceleration figures yet, the previous generation could hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds—faster than a four-cylinder Supra 2.0.
Actually Looks Like It Means Business
Previous attempts at “sporty” RAV4s felt like someone just slapped some black plastic trim on a regular model and called it a day. The GR Sport takes a completely different approach, featuring what might be the most aggressive factory spoiler ever fitted to a compact SUV. We’re talking about a proper wing that looks like it wandered over from a touring car paddock.
The front end gets a revised grille pattern similar to the GR Corolla, chunky side vents, and a front splitter that actually looks functional. The 20-inch wheels are unique to the GR Sport and sit behind red brake calipers, while gloss-black wheel arch trim and the option for Supersonic Red paint with a black roof complete the transformation.
More Than Skin Deep
Here’s where the GR Sport differentiates itself from typical appearance packages. Gazoo Racing engineers tuned the suspension and steering specifically for this model, while Toyota promises enhanced body rigidity and wide-tread summer tires. The result sits 0.6 inches lower than other RAV4 variants and stretches an inch longer thanks to that front splitter.
Inside, the GR treatment continues with perforated Ultrasuede seats featuring red stitching, GR logos on the headrests and steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and paddle shifters. The GR Sport also gets the larger 12.9-inch touchscreen as standard equipment.
America’s First Real GR Sport RAV4
While European buyers have had access to a GR Sport RAV4 since 2022, this marks the first time Americans can get their hands on a properly sporty version. The timing couldn’t be better, as the sixth-generation RAV4 introduces a much clearer hierarchy with Core, Sport, and Rugged design themes replacing the previous scattershot approach to trim levels.
The GR Sport sits at the top of the Sport family, which also includes SE and XSE models that can be optioned with either the standard hybrid system or the plug-in hybrid setup. Only the GR Sport gets the full performance treatment, though.
The Plug-In Hybrid Advantage
Unlike some other PHEV models in the RAV4 lineup, the GR Sport doesn’t get DC fast-charging capability, and that’s presumably to keep costs in check. It does retain the ability to run on electric power alone for about 50 miles, making it a legitimate commuter EV for most people while maintaining the security blanket of the gasoline engine for longer trips.
The system uses a CCS charging port rather than the NACS standard that most new EVs are adopting, which could be a minor inconvenience as the charging infrastructure continues to evolve.
Spec Sheet
Model: 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder + dual electric motors (PHEV)
Total System Power: 320 horsepower
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (standard)
Electric Range: ~50 miles (Toyota estimate)
Charging: CCS port (no DC fast-charging)
Suspension: GR-tuned with enhanced body rigidity
Wheels: 20-inch unique design with summer tires
Pricing & Availability
Toyota hasn’t announced pricing yet, but expect the GR Sport to start around $51,000 based on the current PHEV pricing hierarchy. The 2026 RAV4 lineup, including the GR Sport, will reach dealerships later this year.
Recap
2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
Toyota’s first American GR Sport RAV4 combines 320 horsepower from a plug-in hybrid system with genuinely aggressive styling, GR-tuned suspension, and summer tires to create the sportiest compact SUV in its class.
