Toyota has indeed created a RAV4 GR Sport featuring 320 horsepower, a tuned suspension, and summer tires.

      Toyota

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      Whether you love them or not, performance SUVs are a significant aspect of today's automotive market. Interestingly, Toyota, which offers various SUV models, has not truly ventured into this segment until now with the sixth-generation RAV4. We had our first glimpse of Toyota’s upcoming popular crossover on Tuesday night, and there's much to unpack, including an unexpected variation: the 2026 RAV4 GR Sport.

      This specific RAV4 trim is intriguing for a couple of reasons. Firstly, as previously mentioned: this is a sporty RAV4, which is certainly a shift. Secondly, this model marks the introduction of Toyota’s GR Sport line in North America. While we do have the fully-fledged GR vehicles here, such as the GR86, GR Corolla, and GR Supra, the GR Sport label is typically reserved for models abroad that exhibit some enthusiast-oriented aesthetics, usually more in terms of exterior design than actual performance. What’s noteworthy about the RAV4 GR Sport is that it not only features a more aggressive look but is also expected to handle better than the standard RAV4.

      To begin with, Toyota has equipped this trim with the new RAV4’s strongest powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors for a total output of 320 horsepower, distributed to all four wheels. The GR Sport model may not have greater horsepower than the other plug-in RAV4s, but that’s acceptable since it boasts numerous exclusive enhancements that compensate for it. Besides, 320 hp is quite impressive.

      Toyota

      Initially, the GR Sport receives specific suspension and power steering tuning directly from Gazoo Racing. It also boasts “enhanced body rigidity,” although Toyota hasn't detailed the specific improvements or the areas of reinforcement. However, even without these enhancements, the GR Sport is likely to handle better thanks to its stock summer tires, which are wider than those found on other RAV4s, as the GR features unique 20-inch wheels with a greater offset.

      This is quite surprising for a RAV4—though I must mention that dedicated summer tires can be inconvenient on a sporty SUV like this, and I would prefer ultra high-performance all-season tires, such as the Continental DWS 06 Plus. Nonetheless, kudos to Toyota for taking this seriously. They could have simply added some GR styling cues and left it at that, but the company made an extra effort to ensure this version performs in a way that aligns better with its badge.

      That said, the RAV4 GR Sport isn't lacking in exterior enhancements. Compared to other RAV4 variants, the GR Sport features an aggressive rear wing and a subtle chin spoiler, along with piano black accents reminiscent of the GR Corolla’s revised front bumper. GR badges are prominently displayed on the large front grille and on the tailgate, while this trim also offers what Toyota describes as an “exclusive pairing” of a Supersonic Red body (another similarity to the GR Corolla) with a black roof.

      If you’re curious about the cost of the RAV4 GR Sport, we’ll need to wait until closer to Toyota’s specific launch date of “later this year.” Given the current tariff and manufacturing complications, it's likely that this could affect any plans the company may have had. Anticipate that it will cost significantly more than the $39,995 GR Corolla, especially considering the current RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid starts at $45,615.

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