Toyota will inject a bit of sportiness to its RAV4 line-up with a new GR Sport variant overseas, but an Australian arrival is still unclear at this stage.
Joining the GR Sport versions of the C-HR, Yaris Cross, LandCruiser and soon-to-launch HiLux with a sportier look, the new RAV4 unfortunately (but predictably) doesn’t feature much in terms of mechanical improvement.
From the outside, the RAV4 GR Sport is distinguished by its gloss-black wheelarch cladding, side skirts and rear bumper valance, as well as 19-inch wheels finished in the same colour.
Up front the new RAV4 grade sports chunkier fog-light bezels and a mesh-pattern grille, while the front splitter is also painted dark silver or gunmetal grey for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains respectively.
Of course, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the RAV4, known as the Prime, is not available in Australia, but Toyota’s local division has talked before about bringing in a plug-in hybrid model that could rival the Mitsubishi Outlander and Ford Escape.
Step inside and buyers are treated to front sports seats finished in suede-like material and synthetic leather, which are also electronically adjustable with memory function.
The headrests are also embossed with the GR logo, while silver contrast stitching is found on the seats, steering wheel, shifter and dashboard.
GR logos can also be found on the floor mats, steering wheel, front grille and back doors.
The RAV4 GR Sport features a 10.5-inch multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – two features expected to proliferate across Toyota’s updated mid-size SUV line-up likely due to arrive in Australian showrooms around the middle of 2023.
Toyota does make a note that the RAV4 GR Sport also features stiffer springs and shock absorber settings for an expected “handling boost” and “more engaging driving experience”, but don’t expect the new model to shame a Porsche Macan around a track.
As previously mentioned, the RAV4 GR Sport will be available with either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, both sending drive to all four wheels.
In Australia, the AWD hybrid produces 163kW from a combination of a 2.5-litre petrol engine and dual electric motors, while overseas specs of the Prime reveal a 225kW output and an 18.1kWh battery that is good for up to 67km of tailpipe emissions-free driving range.
With Toyota Australia keen to bulk out its GR Sport line-up, there is a strong possibility a RAV4 version will top the updated 2023 line-up.
Toyota’s RAV4 has also been the best-selling SUV in Australia since the debut of the fifth-generation model in mid-2019, outpacing the once-reigning Mazda CX-5.
The sportier RAV4 would go toe-to-toe against the Hyundai Tucson N Line and Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line in adding more aggressive styling to a family SUV without much improvement to performance.
Toyota’s GR Sport range sits below the full-fat GR line-up that currently consists of the new-generation 86, Supra, Yaris and soon-to-launch Corolla hot hatch.
Keyword: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores GR Sport treatment to take on Hyundai Tucson N Line and VW Tiguan R-Line