Worlds Collide: The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD

Mike Hagerty

11 minutes ago

3 min read

The Toyota RAV4 is now 30 years old. Its first model year was 1996.

That means it pre-dates Toyota's introduction of hybrids, in the 2001 Prius.

And the first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid, in model year 2012.

And for that matter, the first GR (Gazoo Racing) Toyota, which was the 2020 GR Supra.

Now---as the headline says---worlds collide. The all-new RAV4, which is now only sold as a hybrid, with a plug-in hybrid model (the RAV4 first offered one---the RAV4 Prime---from 2021 through 2024), wearing the GR badge---the 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD.

Unlike the gonzo GR Corolla I reviewed in July, the RAV4 GR Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD requires no engine swaps. The non-GR RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid already has a total system output of 324 horsepower (98 more than in the non-plug-in RAV4), which Toyota says can get you from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds.

What GR brings to the RAV4 Plug-In is other unique performance and styling features, and here, it is best to let Toyota's news release do the heavy lifting:

The RAV4 GR SPORT carries this spirit forward by taking the high output 324 horsepower PHEV system and working with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing company to tweak its dynamic drive to a new level. It is equipped with functional components like a front lip and rear wing spoiler for balanced downforce; air ducts in the front grille and bumper to help channel air and reduce drag; offset wheels with performance tires for maximum grip; and drive battery placement that lowers its center of gravity and stabilizes the chassis. It also has one additional inch of overall width due to wider fender flares. The following components are unique to the RAV4 GR SPORT:

GR Functional MATRIX Grille With Upper and Lower Bumper Active Cooling Ducts.
Exclusive Power Steering Mapping for Sport Mode
20-inch Wheels Equipped with Dunlop Sportmaxx® Summer Performance Tires (2.2kg Less Weight Than The RAV4 XSE Model); Additional 20mm Offset and 15-mm Lower Ride Height (7.5-inch Ground Clearance).
Dedicated Damper Tuning and Coil Springs
Rear Suspension Cross Member Reinforcement and Lower Arm Cover
Front performance damper
Front Lip and Rear Wing Spoiler
Static Elimination Material on Front Driver’s Seat Aluminum Tape in Headliner
Rear Diffuser

Even though there is significant electrification going on, there is a fuel economy penalty paid for the performance. A standard RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid has an EPA fuel economy rating of 101 MPGe, and a pure electric range of 40 miles per charge before the hybrid kicks in. For the RAV4 GR Sport Plug-In Hybrid, that drops to 86 MPGe, but there's up to 49 miles of pure electric range.

Beyond that, it's all the goodness that you find in any RAV4. There's 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats (33.6 in models with a moonroof) and 63.5 cubic feet with that row folded (63.6 with the moonroof). Rear seat legroom is good for a small SUV at 37. 8 inches.

The base price of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD is $48,500 ($49,950 including destination). That money buys a long list of standard equipment (see the window sticker at the end of this review).

Our tester also had some extra-cost options---$475 for the Supersonic Red with Black paint, an additional $500 charge for "two-tone paint" (isn't that red with black?), $90 for chrome wheel locks and $320 for low-profile crossbars. The bottom line on the window sticker reads $51,335.

For a RAV4, that's steep. But for a RAV4 with this much style and performance, it's really not. Production delays kept Toyota from selling as many RAV4s early in the model year as they had hoped. Once word gets out about the RAV4 GR Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD, they'll be selling a lot more.