Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is the most powerful GR model in the U.S.
Toyota unveils the RAV4 GR Sport with 320 horsepower hybrid system, out-accelerating Golf GTI and Tiguan Turbo R-Line in straight-line tests.
Toyota has unveiled the RAV4 GR Sport as the most powerful GR model in North America, delivering 320 horsepower from its hybrid system with two electric motors. Testing shows it accelerates faster in a straight line than both the Golf GTI and Tiguan Turbo R-Line.
Why the RAV4 GR Sport is the new GR series leader
With the GR Supra leaving the lineup, the RAV4 GR Sport now tops the GR range in the U.S. in terms of peak power. Its hybrid setup combines a 2.5-liter combustion engine with two electric motors to produce 320 hp, while the instant torque from the electric drive ensures strong off-the-line performance.
Weighing in at 2,010 kg, it's far from light, but the combined thrust, distributed across both axles, compensates for the mass and delivers a brisk launch.
How competitors stack up against the RAV4 GR Sport
The Golf GTI features a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 241 hp and weighs just 1,410 kg, traditionally seen as the benchmark for hot hatch dynamics. The Tiguan Turbo R-Line is more powerful at 268 hp but heavier, around 1,815 kg. Both are lighter than the RAV4 on paper, but the crossover has a decisive edge: the instant torque from its electric motors, which offsets the weight disadvantage. One nuance is that the power goes to both axles, so the delivery is smoother, yet it's still enough for confident acceleration.
The RAV4 GR Sport isn't a track car, but it proves that its aggressive styling is backed by real-world performance. In practice, this means it can outpace hot hatches and warm crossovers in a straight line, setting a new benchmark for power in the GR lineup ahead of the upcoming sporty GR GT.