Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid shows its sporty side with GR Sport makeover

The plug-in hybrid RAV4 might not seem like the sportiest car Toyota makes but even this family-friendly SUV has been given the GR Sport treatment, with first deliveries expected in 2024. 

The RAV4 Plug-in GR Sport is available to order now and sits as the range-topping variant of the RAV4. Priced from £49,450, it commands a £5,310 premium over the RAV4 Plug-in Design. 

For the extra outlay you do get a bespoke new look with black wheel arch extensions housing larger 19-inch alloy wheels finished in black, side trims and the section between the rear lights is also blacked out. 

The front bumper has been redesigned with new fog light surrounds, a new grille pattern and lower lip. There’s also GR badging on the front grille and bootlid. 

Inside the RAV4 GR Sport you’ll find sport seats up front upholstered in faux suede and synthetic leather. The headrest features the GR Sport logo and there’s contrasting silver stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gear knob.

Like the standard plug-in hybrid Design, the GR Sport comes with the newly-updated 10.5-inch central touchscreen along with Toyota’s latest infotainment system. The driver has a 12.3-inch digital display. 

Toyota’s ‘Go Navigation’ sat-nav is standard, as is wireless smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other features include a panoramic roof, powered bootlid, keyless entry, a reversing camera, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. 

Powering the GR Sport is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an 18.1kWh battery powering two electric motors for a 302bhp total output - unchanged from before. Power goes through a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) but Toyota has tweaked the suspension with stiffer springs and a revised shock absorber so the GR Sport should at least feel a tad more responsive in the bends.

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