A 300bhp Family Rocket urban off-road warrior?!
The world’s best-selling SUV has just had a serious upgrade. I was at an exclusive Toyota preview event in Brussels to get my hands (and camera) on the brand-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport, and let me tell you, this is a whole new beast. Yes, the sixth-generation RAV4 has officially made its global debut, and it’s not holding back. Toyota’s taken everything that made the RAV4 a suburban legend – and added more power, more tech, and a whole lot more attitude.
2026 RAV4 – A Global Debut
Let’s start with the basics. This is the world premiere of the 2026 Toyota RAV4, now in its sixth generation since its launch back in 1994. Over 15 million units have been sold globally, and 2.5 million in Europe alone. So, this isn’t just any new car – this is a major moment for the SUV sector.
Externally, the new RAV4 doesn’t throw out the rulebook, but it sharpens every line. The GR Sport model featured in the video above has a bold, athletic stance, thanks to a 20mm wider track, 20-inch black alloys, and that aggressive “functional matrix” G-mesh grille. It’s the same silhouette we know, but everything’s been tuned to look more purposeful.
Proper Power: The Plug-in Hybrid with Muscle
Here’s where things get really interesting. While the UK will only be getting the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, we’re not short-changed in the slightest. Quite the opposite.
There are two versions of the PHEV:
- FWD Plug-in Hybrid: 264bhp
- AWD-i Plug-in Hybrid: 300bhp
Thanks to a beefy 22.68kWh lithium-ion battery – 30% bigger than before – the RAV4 can travel 62 miles (100km WLTP) on electric power alone. That’s proper EV territory. Add 50kW DC fast charging (10–80% in 30 minutes!) and a new 11kW AC charger, and suddenly the RAV4 becomes a very viable everyday EV alternative – without the range anxiety.
Plus 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds for the AWD-i is now officially hot hatch quick – in a family SUV.
Gazoo Racing Goodies
As a GR Sport, this RAV4 gets all the performance-oriented gear you’d expect:
- High-performance dampers
- Retuned suspension and power steering
- Strengthened rear bracing
- GR-specific interior touches like red stitching, suede-trimmed sports seats, knee pads, and even an aluminium pedal set
The cabin features a new 12.9-inch multimedia screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and all the modern tech you could want – including Toyota’s new Arene software platform that enables over-the-air updates, faster safety response systems, and seamless infotainment. There’s even a sharp new voice assistant and the MyToyota app for remote access and features.
Safety Gets Smarter
Toyota’s next-gen Safety Sense system is baked in as standard, including:
- Front Cross Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Vehicle Approach Indicator
- Upgraded Pre-Collision System
- Lane Change Assist
- Secondary Collision Braking
- 360° camera with a new 3D Panoramic View Monitor
Interior Comfort & Practicality
Jumping into the back, I was impressed with just how roomy and plush it is – loads of rear legroom, comfy reclining seats, dual USB-C ports, and that signature two-tone GR Sport interior trim. Whether you’re doing the school run, a weekend trail, or just flexing outside Waitrose, this SUV can handle it with confidence and flair.
Final Thoughts: The RAV4 Has Levelled Up
With GR Sport looks, plug-in hybrid brains, EV range, and hot SUV brawn, the new RAV4 is easily one of the most compelling choices in the D-SUV segment for 2026. It’s family-friendly, planet-friendly, tech-packed – and now, just a little bit mad. And I absolutely love it.
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