The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid gets a new GR SPORT trim

Since it came out nearly 30 years ago, the Toyota RAV4 has been the best in its class thanks to a program of constant development and improvement. Toyota has used its expertise in electrification to make hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. This aligns with the company's tradition of adding new features to keep the model attractive. The cars' fuel economy has improved, and the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has become even more valuable and practical as an SUV.

With the release of the GR SPORT models, the range of Toyota RAV4 models is getting a new, more sporty look. The new GR SPORT is a level of equipment that has been sold successfully in more and more models, such as the Toyota Yaris, Corolla, C-HR, and Toyota Hilux. In the GR-SPORT version of the Toyota RAV4, a new styling package and other changes will appeal to people who like a car that stands out a bit.

The styling of the new trim level is based on the success of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in the World Championship. It applies to plug-in hybrid models with intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i).

With the GR SPORT equipment level, the cars get high-gloss black wheel arches and side moldings. In the front, fog lights with black rings have the same G-net pattern as the grill. The spoiler has a different design and color. GR logos are hidden in the grill and on the back door of the cars to show what level of the sports equipment they have.

The Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT is also the first model to come with aluminum wheels that are cut with a very precise method. The 19-inch wheels come as standard equipment. They have a high-gloss black finish with thin lines that draw attention to the unique 5-spoke design.

The inside is also sporty and unique. The sports seats are covered with soft, suede-like covers, and the upholstery is made of synthetic leather, which does not come from animals. The GR logo is stitched in black on black into the headrests. The seats, steering wheel, and gear lever have decorative silver stitching, and the doors and steering wheel have metallic grey details. The GR logo is on the steering wheel and the floor mats.

The new models have a new multimedia system with a 10.5-inch high-resolution screen in the dashboard and a 12.3-inch digital combination gauge in front of the driver. These are the essential parts of the update for the model year 2023. The Toyota T-Mate also has the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense, which gives the safety and driver assistance systems more features. The package also comes with a new approach to help with steering in an emergency and a better system to protect against crashes.

All Toyota GR-SPORT models now come with a panoramic monitor and front seats that can be adjusted electrically and whose settings can be saved for the driver.

For the GR SPORT models, the suspension and wheel suspension has been tweaked even more to give them a sporty look. The GR SPORT versions should have even better handling on the road because the suspension will be stiffer, and the shock absorbers will be set up more tightly.

When it came out, the Toyota RAV4 made a lot of noise because it was the first compact SUV. How it was received in important markets led to a steady stream of new competitors. Today, this market segment is one of the most popular and competitive. The long-term success of the Toyota RAV4 is shown by the fact that the model has sold more than 10 million units and is still the best-selling SUV in the world.

In its latest, 5th generation, the Toyota RAV4 continues to set the standard for its segment and offers efficient electrified powertrains and Toyota's Intelligent Electric All-Wheel Drive as an option (AWD-i). The first model built on Toyota's GA-K global platform has a low center of gravity and a well-braced body that makes driving easier and more comfortable and gives passengers and their things more room.

People will be able to buy the new Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid GR SPORT in spring 2023.