2026 Toyota GR RAV4 Review: Hot CUV
The 2026 Toyota GR RAV4 is one of the new vehicles that are starting the trend of hot CUVs. The previous RAV4 generation had a similar variant in the form of the PRIME trim. It was the plug-in hybrid that simply had the power, but nothing else to support the additional power over the standard RAV4. Thankfully this new generation has the full Gazoo Racing treatment.
Starting on the outside, the Supersonic Red with the black roof is the way the choice you’ll want to make to match the GR badging. To help with getting the RAV4 to look the part, you get a special aggressive front bumper with active sport ducts in the grille. The 20” wheels come wrapped in summer performance tires and the suspension is tuned by GR and lowered just slightly over half an inch. Finally in the rear, you get the rally style rear spoiler to not only look good, but keep the rear planted.
On the inside, you’ll get a sporty look and feel to the RAV4. The GR badging can be seen throughout in the headrests, carpets, doorsills, and steering wheel. The sport seats will help you stay in place when you decide to go on spirited drives. Of course you’ll get brushed aluminum pedals to finish up the look. Unfortunately you don’t get the premium JBL sound system, but the standard system definitely surprised me with its great quality.
Under the hood, the 2.5L 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid was delivering a combined 324 horsepower through the ECVT, and then to all the wheels. I was a little confused as to why the GR would only get a 7kW onboard charger compared to the 11kW on the other plug-in trims. With the GR, you’ll get a dynamic front performance crossmember dampening brace, and reinforced rear suspension crossmember braces to help in the corners.
Overall, it was fun driving the 2026 Toyota GR RAV4 and to see that this could be the start of seeing hot CUVs. Thanks to the Gazoo Racing team, this RAV4 generation got the much needed items like suspension, aero, and tires to complete the package of the added power of the plug-in RAV4.
