Toyota RAV4 gains a sporty look with new GR Sport grade. Available in Europe in Q4 2022

Following the roll-out of the GR Sport grades across other model ranges including the Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla, C-HR, and Hilux, the RAV4 crossover gains a new styling package and handling tweaks that will resonate with customers who prefer a vehicle with sophisticated image.

The new GR Sport grade is available for both the hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric versions with intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i) and takes its styling inspiration from the multiple world championship-winning success of Toyota Gazoo Racing.

The GR Sport treatment adds piano black wheel arch trims, side mouldings, and back door garnish. To the front there are more prominent fog light bezels with the same black G-mesh pattern as the grille and new front spoilers - finished in dark silver on the hybrid model and, with a different design appropriate to the powertrain, gunmetal grey on the plug-in hybrid. Discreet GR badging on the front grille and back door signify the sportier grade.

The new RAV4 GR Sport is the first model to feature alloy wheels finished using a new, ultra-precise line-cutting technique. The 19-inch rims, fitted as standard, have a gloss black finish with fine bright machined pinstripe detailing.

The sports front seats are finished in a tactile, suede-effect upholstery with synthetic leather bolsters - materials that are free from animal products. The headrests are embossed black-on-black with the GR logo, while contrasts are struck with silver stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift lever and gunmetal trim detailing on the doors and steering wheel. The GR logo is also featured on the floor mats and steering wheel.

The new models come as standard with the new multimedia system with 10.5-inch display and 12.3-inch driver's digital combimeter. The Toyota T-Mate safety and driver assistance features include the additional functionality of the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense. The package includes the new Emergency Steering Assist system and enhanced Pre-Collision System.

In addition, all GR Sport models come with power adjustment for the front seats, together with memory settings for the driver's seat, as well as panoramic view monitor as standard.

The sportier looks are complemented by improvements to the suspension for the GR Sport model. The new stiffer springs and shock absorber settings are expected to give the RAV4 GR Sport a handling boost and offer "a more engaging driving experience", according to Toyota.

The new RAV4 Hybrid GR Sport and RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid GR Sport will be available in Europe in Q4 2022.

Source: Toyota Europe