It seems that we have already talked about the Toyota RAV4 crossover, but there is a great reason to remind you about the car once again – the appearance of the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT sport version! Are there many differences between the outside and the inside? Have sporty features been added to the character? And in general, how has the Toyota RAV4 crossover changed recently? I will tell you about all this in detail in the format of the main questions and answers about the new Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT. Let’s go!
To begin with, what is the difference between the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT externally?
It is hardly necessary to describe the design of the Toyota RAV4 for a long time: you can recall the previous review, or you can just go out on the streets of large cities in Ukraine – the Toyota RAV4 crossover is very common, it is one of the bestsellers on the market, it is a very popular car. I’ll say even more: in the five years since the fifth generation Toyota RAV4 was launched (that’s how it coincided), this crossover has been constantly at the top of the popularity rating among buyers and even sometimes tops this rating. It seems that Toyota is in no hurry to change the successful image it has found – but at the same time, it cannot leave the car unchanged at all. And the answer to this situation is to change individual elements: new headlights and wheels, the launch of new body colors and two-tone paint. Or, the emergence of various special versions, such as the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT.
This crossover is original and remarkable in every detail. The radiator grille has a new pattern of small G-shaped elements and the GR logo, the front bumper is decorated with enlarged black gloss inserts around the fog lamps. I personally first saw these 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels on the Toyota RAV4 ADVENTURE version in matte dark gray, but in the case of the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT, they are now in glossy black and have chamfered chamfers. The rear part of the body deserves special attention: a modified bumper, a dark insert between the lights, and a branded GR logo. And even more – the signature GR color: a combination of rich red mother-of-pearl and black roof and decorative elements is found only on the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT version.
The Toyota RAV4GR SPORT is so familiar and yet so different: the grille, wheels, rear bumper, color combination – everything distinguishes and refreshes the well-known image. Also, the new body elements are just a few millimeters smaller, but slightly change the dimensions Toyota RAV4GR SPORT: length – 4.62 meters; width – 1.865 meters; height – 1.69 meters; wheelbase – 2.69 meters. The ground clearance for the version with 235/55 R19 tires is200 mm.
What is the difference between the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT inside?
The story with the interior is similar to the story with the exterior – the general shapes of the front panel are similar, but there are many differences in the details. For example: the familiar steering wheel received a GR logo, the center console is now outlined with a line in gray-titanium color instead of silver, and a similar decor is used in the passenger area. The seats of the Toyota RAV4 crossover have always been very comfortable and pleasant in terms of seating, as if they were originally designed for a “charged” car; and now they have received an embossed GR logo on the headrests and a combination of synthetic leather and suede trim. By the way, this finish is not only pleasant to the touch and look, but also actually provides better body support – all thanks to the friction properties of suede in the center of the seats.
Interestingly, the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT crossover is not only an example of a sport version of the RAV4 model, but also an example of small scheduled updates to the model. I’m talking about the appearance of a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 10.5-inch central touchscreen display – similar to the new generation Toyota CH-R model, only with an error for changing the size of the central display. The dashboard is excellent: good image quality, several design options, you can customize individual widget windows with additional information. As for the central display and the multimedia system, I personally don’t have any “wow” impressions or incredible delight anymore; however, I admit that the picture has become more pleasing to the eye, everything works smoothly, the menu is logically structured, there is support for wireless Apple CarPlay connection and Android Auto connection, etc. If you were scared off by the previous multimedia system on the Toyota RAV4, then now hold the new one – it’s better.
It’s a pity, but the changes to the GR version have had almost no effect on the rear of the cabin. Yes, the rear sofa is now trimmed with pleasant materials, but there are no other changes: the range of adjustment of the sofa backrest is still relatively small, there is no separate climate control and heated rear seats (the latter are found only in the Premium package), and there are no window curtains. And it will only be possible to talk about increasing the doors and their opening angle to improve the convenience of boarding when the model generations change. The trunk also remained unchanged: the correct rectangular shape and 580 liters of volume, an electric lid and a side niche. What I would like to add to the trunk is a soft material for the side surfaces.
The front panel of any Toyota RAV4 crossover offers an array of soft plastic, a contoured center console, a convenient climate control unit, several niche shelves for small items – the case when everything seems simple, but really turns out to be convenient and thoughtful in everyday life. Separately, it is worth noting the updates for Toyota RAV4: the appearance of a full-screen digital instrument panel and a new multimedia system with an enlarged display. The version of theToyota RAV4GR SPORT adds a few more interesting details to this list: combined trim, numerous GR logos , etc. However, unfortunately, it doesn’t add heated rear seats; everything else remains as it was – sufficient space, although not excessive, ventilation deflectors and an armrest, and backrest adjustment. By the way, the range of adjustments is frankly small, but the basic fit is well chosen – it’s comfortable to sit here. The battery of the hybrid system is located under the rear seat, as indicated by the ventilation grille. After all, Toyota RAV4GR SPORT is a hybrid.
Are there any technical changes? And how have they affected the car’s character and driving experience?
We recall the previous review and record the main points: TNGA GA-K platform, fully independent wheel suspensions, a hybrid based on a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor; availability of versions with front-wheel drive (218 hp) or all-wheel drive (222 hp) – in the latter case, a separate electric motor is used to drive the rear wheels. This is a general description of the Toyota RAV4 crossover; however, are there any technical differences for the GR SPORT version? Yes, there are – the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT has a modified suspension. Moreover, if you search for information in detail, you can even find a specific description: springs with a compression stiffness of 30 N/mm are installed in front (versus 28 N/mm in conventional versions of Toyota RAV4 with a hybrid engine), springs with a stiffness of 46 N/mm are used in the rear (versus 40 N/mm).
Frankly speaking, the change in springs is not felt – although perhaps this is for the best. After all, I personally consider the suspension of Toyota RAV4 hybrid versions to be one of the best in terms of the balance of comfort and energy capacity. The car allows you to literally rush along broken roads, small and medium-sized pits or ledges, with only a little swaying of the body – the rest is confidently worked out by the suspension, leaving all the troubles somewhere below and preventing them from entering the cabin. You just need to beware of frankly large and deep pits that can damage tires and wheels. And don’t go too hard into corners: you can feel the body roll, the desire to slip out, and the steering wheel makes an unathletic 2.5-2.7 revolutions from stop to stop. Speaking of sport in the form of the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT crossover, it’s more like a protracted rally-raid on medium-broken roads, rather than perfectly precise driving on an asphalt track with profiled turns.
So, in general, the nature of the chassis has not changed. And the hybrid also remains unchanged in its design and character. It gives quick responses to pressing the accelerator pedal, acceleration is smooth and without jolts (there is no gearbox); however, it is not to say that it is slow – under the rich and noticeable rumble of a gasoline engine, acceleration and dynamics are quite enough for a crossover of this class. In addition, I note several driving modes that change the behavior of the hybrid system and all-wheel drive: it is logical that in ECO mode the reactions become as smooth as possible, SPORT mode allows you to get maximum dynamics and acceleration; and the TRAIL button activates the off-road mode, which makes the rear electric motor work more actively.
I should also note that compared to the previous review, the car has slightly improved its dynamics and economy – it seems that, as expected, the summer tires worked: we managed to win back a few tenths of a second during the test acceleration and 0.5-1 liter of fuel. We also managed to measure the braking distance. After all, personally, I have always had only one significant criticism of the Toyota RAV4 and its behavior on the road – early activation of the ABS system and the feeling that the brakes are not enough. So…
Technically, the Toyota RAV4GR SPORT crossover has a modified suspension, but in my own experience it is very similar to the rest of theToyota RAV4 versions with a hybrid powertrain. Let me remind you: for the car Toyota RAV4 with a 222 hp hybrid and all-wheel drive, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and fuel consumption of 4.8-5.1 liters per 100 km (depending on the measurement cycle and car version) are declared. My own observations: acceleration from 0-100 km/h is given in 8.4-8.5 seconds; fuel consumption in the city usually stays around 7 liters per 100 km; although with a strong desire, very careful driving style, on empty roads, you can actually get about 5 liters per 100 km; on the highway, when driving at 100 km/h, fuel consumption is 5.5 liters per 100 km of the road. Finally, braking: I performed several braking cycles and the average result is 38-40 meters, which means that there is nothing wrong with the brake efficiency; the question is about the driver’s feelings.
How much does the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT and other versions of the Toyota RAV4 cost?
The Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT crossover occupies one of the flagship positions in the Toyota RAV4 model lineup. This vehicle offers not only a modified appearance and interior, but also a very wide range of equipment. In addition, the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT crossover is offered in Ukraine only as a 222-horsepower hybrid with all-wheel drive. This is me mentally preparing you for the price of the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT, because without preparation you can’t exhale here – from UAH 1.99 million or $48 thousand; although of course, there are more affordable versions of the car.
The model lineup is opened by the Toyota RAV4Active, which already offers a considerable list of equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels, reflective LED headlights, power windows, fabric upholstery, a choice of driving modes, cruise control, parking sensors and a rearview camera, heated steering wheel and front seats, separate 2-zone climate control, traditional instrument panel with 7-inch color display, 10.5-inch touchscreen display, vehicle stabilization system, Toyota Safety Sense active safety system, front and side airbags, driver’s knee airbag, side inflatable curtains, etc. The cost ofToyota RAV42.5 Hybrid 2182WD e-CVT Active starts from UAH 1.48 million or about $35.5 thousand.
The next step will be the Toyota RAV4Active+ with extended equipment: roof rails, electric trunk lid, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, wireless charging, and Trail mode for all-wheel drive versions.Toyota RAV price 4 2.5 Hybrid 2182WD e-CVT Active+– from 1.55 million UAH or about $37.5 thousand; Toyota RAV price4 2.5 Hybrid 222 AWD-i e-CVT Active+– from UAH 1.68 million or about $40.5 thousand.
One level higher is the Toyota RAV4Lounge crossover, which additionally offers 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, heated windshields in all areas, synthetic leather seats, electric seat adjustments for driver position, etc. The cost ofToyota RAV42.5 Hybrid 2182WD e-CVT Lounge – from 1.63 million UAH or about $39.5 thousand.; the cost of Toyota RAV42.5 Hybrid 222 AWD-i e-CVT Lounge – from 1.75 million UAH or almost $42 thousand.
Next up is the Toyota RAV4Style, which features the following: black grille, glossy black front/rear bumper, glossy black wheel arch covers, black 19-inch wheels, LED spotlights, combined seat trim (synthetic leather and fabric with blue accents), black ceiling, contactless trunk lid control system, etc. The cost ofToyota RAV42.5 Hybrid 2182WD e-CVT Style starts from UAH 1.73 million or almost $42 thousand.; the cost of Toyota RAV42.5 Hybrid 222 AWD-i e-CVT Style – from 1.85 million UAH or about $44.5 thousand.
The next option is theToyota RAV4ADVENTURE special edition: original front bumper and grille, wheel arch extensions, dark gray matte 19-inch wheels, synthetic leather seats with embossed ADVENTURE decor, mirror blind spot monitoring system, rear cross traffic monitoring system, etc. The cost ofToyota RAV42.5 Hybrid 222 AWD-i e-CVT ADVENTURE starts from UAH 1.9 million or almost $46 thousand.
I’d also like to mention the special version of the Toyota RAV4GR SPORT: original grille, modified rear bumper, black 19-inch wheels with mechanical turning, faux leather seats with suede, driver seat memory, steering wheel petals, etc. Toyota RAVprice 4 2.5 Hybrid 222 AWD-i e-CVT GR SPORT – from UAH 1.99 million or almost $48 thousand.
The maximum option in terms of the list of equipment (although not in terms of the highest price) is the Toyota RAV4Premium crossover, where the following is added: chrome 19-inch wheels, perforated leather seats, front seat ventilation, heated rear outer seats, and more. Toyota RAVprice 4 2.5 Hybrid 222 AWD-i e-CVT Premium – from UAH 1.92 million or almost $46.5 thousand.
The Toyota RAV4GR SPORT crossover immediately offers 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, the maximum safety package, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster and a new 10.5-inch touchscreen display; Even here, however, there are additional package options, such as JBL audio and a surround view. Add the options and the price tag of the Toyota RAV4GR SPORT exceeds 2 million hryvnias! It should also be noted that the price list of Toyota RAV4 2024 currently includes only 2.5-liter hybrid versions, and there are no basic versions with a 2-liter gasoline engine. Accordingly, the most affordable variants of Toyota RAV4priced at $30 thousand plus or minus have also disappeared; that is, now theToyota RAV4crossover costs at least $35 thousand and then the price tag continues to about $50 thousand.
What will competitors offer for similar money? The main rivals have already been presented in the comparison guide; only instead of the Hyundai Santa Fe, we should mention the Hyundai Tucson, the Mazda CX-5 is asking for the Mazda CX-60 (I will soon tell you about the next update separately), and you can also add the Citroen C5 Aircross (for those who need comfort and front-wheel drive). Further, I would like to note that the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V offer excellent fuel-efficient hybrids, and the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover offers a 7-seater interior and all-wheel drive. However, in my opinion, none of these vehicles can offer the forgiving suspension character combined with the good comfort of the Toyota RAV4 crossover.
What about the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT version? For example, the Mazda CX-5 model drives more interestingly for the driver even without any sport versions; but it is trivially inferior in power and dynamics. An interesting competitor could be the Hyundai Tucson N Line crossover: it was brought to us as an experiment, but it is not available now. Finally, we are waiting for the possible appearance of the new Volkswagen Tiguan in the R-Line version and with a powerful gasoline engine – this will be the most correct ideological competitor. But have you noticed how many nuances there are? We are waiting, maybe it will be. Meanwhile, the availability of the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT crossover is certain here and now.
Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT test drive results
I’ll admit it: I honestly like the current generation of the Toyota RAV4 for its efficient hybrid and suspension setup, which makes it feel great on bad roads. I also like the wide range of configurations (although it’s a shame that 2-liter versions have disappeared from the price list) and the comfortable, updated interior (although it’s a shame that only the front end has been changed). Yes, competitors can do better, but the Toyota RAV4 crossover still tries to keep up with the market and does not think of giving up in the fight for customers’ wallets.
I also like it when manufacturers make special versions of well-known models. Everything seems to be familiar, but the special little touches make me look at the well-known car with a fresh eye. This is exactly the case with the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT crossover: the new version does not change its overall essence – it is still the most versatile crossover; however, the new version definitely makes the Toyota RAV4 even more interesting for potential buyers and makes them visit Toyota showrooms once again. Whether they choose GR SPORT or other versions of the Toyota RAV4 is not so important. The main task is to draw attention to a familiar car. And the sport version of the Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT has coped with this task perfectly.
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