Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport

When we reviewed the 2026 Toyota RAV4 a few months ago, we praised it for the evolution it undertook. The new design inside and out, along with a commitment to an all-hybrid lineup. 

At the time of our video release, customers were slowly receiving their 2026 RAV4s. So has the fleets. From what we observed, they are the Core trim levels – LE, XLE, and Limited hybrids. It’s tough to see since it was the best-selling SUV in the USA last year. You can see the frustration at Toyota, since they have to navigate the ever-changing rate of tariffs and unfavorable trade policies towards fulfilling the demands of the market.  

Leading into the 2026 model year, Toyota had a vision for their best-selling vehicle. They wanted to create three sets of trim levels that are positioned for specific customers. The last 2026 RAV4 we worked with was the Limited, the top trim among the three Core models. Customers also have a Rugged model – the Woodland – and three Sport models. All of trims offer the hybrid driveline – except for one. 

Enter in the plug-in hybrid driveline. And the GR Sport. 

The new sporty top trim is the first SUV sold in the USA to wear the Gazoo Racing badge. One would expect this SUV to be on the level of the GR Corolla, GR 86, and the outgoing GR Supra. Not exactly. Which is why they named it the GR Sport – sort of a “GR Light.”

Or is it?

The 2026 RAV4’s exterior reflects the enhancements the GR Sport made to its appearance. Immediately, the grille texture and lower front fascia shape is different, thanks to a mesh-like grille pained black and additional intake ducts flanking it. Ground clearance is lowered to 7.5 inches compared to the usual 8.1 in other RAV4s. 

Out back, a larger liftgate spoiler appears, painted in the contrasting black roof color. There is more black trim all around including the rocker panels, and wide wheel well trim. The GR Sport wears a set of 20-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Turanza tires mounted on them. Don’t forget the GR badges found from the grille to the liftgate. 

The GR theme continues inside the cabin. Not just in the number of Gazoo Racing logos from the instrument cluster to the front headrests. Add red stitching to contrast the black motif throughout the interior. By now, the dashboard design is very familiar with its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.9-inch center infotainment touchscreen display. The welcome addition is a short and chunky shifter in the center console. 

Toyota describe the seat material as SofTex with Mixed Media. The latter is more of a cloth/suede hybrid material found on the inserts of the backrest and cushion. The front seats appear to be sporty, yet they offer more of a balance between support and comfort. Space is quite good overall. There is no change in dimensions across the entire 2026 RAV4 lineup, so expect an accommodating cargo area and solid rear seat room. 

The GR Sport’s plug-in hybrid driveline consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, a 22.7-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, a continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive. All told, it is rated at 324 net combined horsepower. 

Charging is through a J1772 port that takes up to Level 2 at seven kilowatts. The Woodland and XSE trim PHEVs offer a higher charge rate with the capability to utilize CCS chargers. On the GR Sport, it is rated for a battery-only range of 48 miles. In a recent charge, we got 51 miles on a full battery. Because we have been using both battery juice and gasoline, we averaged 41.9 MPG in our care. 

There is a noticeable increase in power takeoff thanks to the PHEV’s extra horsepower and electric assist. You might say it “runs silent [and] runs deep.” In fact, we closed a 0-60 MPH sprint in just 5.33 seconds. In a PHEV! Cruising is more confident on the highway.

We were expecting a sportier ride and handling mix. However, we had to remind ourselves that it is a GR Sport and not a full-on Gazoo Racing model. It was well-behaved overall. Ride quality was smooth without delving into any firmness. Cornering was fine, but at certain limits. Beyond those limits, there was some roll and lean. 

If you leave the Drive Mode in Normal or Eco, the steering feel was a bit soft. To match the GR badge, you want to put it into Sport, where the weight gets heavier with more control on the turns. Otherwise, it exhibited solid on-center control and had a good turning radius. The brakes were wonderful, starting a solid pedal feel and response to the wheels. It also stopped very well in normal and panic situations. You also got to love the red calipers wearing the Gazoo Racing logo, too!

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV is available in four trim levels. Pricing starts at $41,500. Our GR Sport test vehicle came with a sticker price of $51,015.

The focus of this review is not on the 2026 RAV4 itself. We already covered that. Rather, we were curious about the addition of an improved PHEV driveline and a Gazoo Racing variant. We do so without any comparisons to any GR badged model we already covered. 

With that said, the 2026 RAV4 PHEV got a personality boost withy GR logo and additional body and interior enhancements. It can wear sporty clothes and run quicker than its stablemates. It can also still accommodate up to five people inside and take their luggage or sports bags with them in the back.

Does it really need a Turbo MAX (turbocharged hybrid driveline) to fulfill the promise of the Gazoo Racing badge. At this time, Toyota doesn’t think so. You have to admit that this is truly the coolest RAV4 on the block. Is that enough to check it out? If that’s your vibe, why not?

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle was provided by Toyota Motor North America. – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern