Toyota Rav4 flexes its muscles with the Gr Sport version

With thirty years of history behind it, it's time for Toyota Rav4 to flex its muscles with a Gr Sport version.

Toyota has already entered the world of electrification for some time with the full hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid versions, for the Japanese company's SUV it is now time to take credit for a sportier dimension, with the introduction of new versions that squeeze the keep an eye on performance.

    The step in the new direction for Rav4 also comes after the success of the Gr Sport versions already launched on other models such as Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla, C-Hr and Hilux, a forerunner in the range with a new look and improvements in driving dynamics which now also land on the Japanese SUV.

    The new set-up is available for both the full hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid versions with intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-I) and takes inspiration from the numerous world titles obtained by Toyota Gazoo Racing.

In particular, on the outside the Rav4 Gr Sport can be recognized thanks to the wheel arches, side moldings and the tailgate in piano black finish.

    At the front the fog lamp bezels are more accentuated with the same G-mesh motif as the radiator grille and new front spoilers are finished in dark silver on the hybrid model and gunmetal gray on the plug-in hybrid.

The Gr badges on the front grille and tailgate could not be missing.

    The new Rav4 Gr Sport is also the first model equipped with alloy wheels finished with a new high-precision cutting technique.

The 19-inch wheels, fitted as standard, are finished in gloss black with machined white accents that accentuate the five-twin-spoke design.

    The sporty look does not even leave out the interior of the passenger compartment, where the front seats have a lining that resembles suede to the touch, with side supports in synthetic leather and materials that do not derive from animals.

The headrests are characterized by the embossing of the Gr logo, also present on the carpets and on the steering wheel.

    The new models are equipped as standard with the new multimedia system with a 10.5-inch high-definition display and customizable 12.3-inch digital cockpit, key elements of the Rav4 range for 2023. Likewise, the safety and Toyota T-Mate driver assistance include the additional features of the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense.

The package includes the new emergency steering assistance system and the improved pre-collision system.

    The aggressive look obviously corresponds to technical improvements in a sporting sense, starting with the suspensions dedicated to the Gr Sport model.

The new stiffer springs and shock absorber settings are designed to give the car even better handling.

    Rav4 Hybrid Gr Sport, available exclusively with AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive, has a list price of 50,300, while the Plug-in Hybrid Gr Sport version has a list price of 57,500 euros.

Both models will be available in dealerships starting this January.