Review Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GR Sport (2025)

Introduction

The current generation of the Toyota RAV4 has been on the market since 2018, yet remains as popular as ever. In fact, it was the best-selling model in the United States in 2024 – an undeniably impressive feat. Toyota owes this success to a well-balanced mix of reliability, efficiency, and comfort, all wrapped in a rugged SUV design. With the facelift for model year 2023 came a new variant: the GR Sport. This version aims to inject a bit more sporty flair into the SUV, without compromising the RAV4's well-known strengths. But does the GR Sport actually add value, or is it mainly a cosmetic upgrade? We put it to the test.

Video: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GR Sport in detail

Watch our video of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GR Sport here. We showcase the exterior and interior of our test vehicle and take you on the road for a full POV driving experience. Discover for yourself how the GR Sport looks and drives.

Exterior: bolder with style

Although the exterior design of the RAV4 has remained largely unchanged since 2018, the SUV still looks up to date. The sharp lines, pronounced wheel arches and high nose give it a robust and adventurous look. The GR Sport trim takes it up a notch with unique design elements such as piano black wheel arch extensions, gloss black side and tailgate trim, and a pronounced grille with G-mesh pattern. The dark silver front spoilers (gunmetal grey on the plug-in version) and fog lamp surrounds also make a visual difference.

The 19-inch alloy wheels, finished in gloss black with fine pinstripe detailing, serve as real eye-catchers. They highlight the sporty character without going over the top. Combined with the GR badges and the optional two-tone paintwork, the result is a cohesive and stylish appearance.

Interior: functional and refined

Inside, the GR Sport continues the same theme: sporty touches are smartly combined with comfort and practicality. The seats are upholstered in a suede-like fabric with synthetic leather side bolsters, completely free of animal products. The GR logo is subtly integrated into the headrests and floor mats, while silver stitching adds a touch of contrast. Gunmetal accents on the steering wheel, gear lever, and door handles complete the picture.

The late-2022 facelift also brought a new infotainment system, operated via a 10.5-inch HD screen in the center of the dashboard. The system is quick to respond and has a logically structured menu. The physical buttons for climate control are a welcome feature—user-friendly and easy to operate without looking away from the road. Additionally, the driver benefits from a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Comfort is not lacking either. The electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory function ensure a pleasant seating position, while the rear seats offer ample head- and legroom. One small oddity: only the front passenger seat has a seatback pocket. The rear air vents could also be more user-friendly—the tiny control lever is quite fiddly.

The 580-litre boot, with a maximum width of 1,499 mm, is a real asset—especially with its powered tailgate, relatively flat loading floor, and rear seatbelts that stay neatly out of the way when folding the rear bench.

Powertrain: tried and tested hybrid power

Under the bonnet of the RAV4 Hybrid GR Sport is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 222 hp. Power is sent through a CVT automatic transmission—typical of Toyota’s hybrid models. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) provides extra traction on wet roads or light off-road terrain.

The RAV4 Hybrid isn't a performance SUV, but with a 0–100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds, it never feels sluggish in everyday driving. Top speed is limited to 180 km/h.

Driving experience

The “GR Sport” badge might suggest a sportier driving experience, but our verdict is more nuanced. The RAV4 GR Sport certainly feels planted enough, but it remains primarily a comfortable family SUV.

Toyota made the effort to tweak the suspension with stiffer springs and dampers. The problem is that the powertrain doesn’t encourage truly dynamic driving, meaning the upgrades aren’t particularly noticeable in real-world use. Push the GR Sport a bit harder, and instead of a racy soundtrack, you’re met with the familiar droning of the CVT—still the Achilles heel of Toyota’s hybrid system.

That said, if you do drive more spiritedly, the 4.6-metre-long RAV4 GR Sport handles corners surprisingly well, with minimal body roll. At the same time, ride comfort is well preserved, with bumps and uneven surfaces neatly absorbed. Throttle response is sharp, with immediate access to extra power when needed, making for a responsive feel both in city traffic and on the motorway. The steering is precise, not overly light, and free from an annoying dead zone around the center.

Toyota’s hybrid experience clearly pays off: transitions between petrol and electric power are seamless, and the system feels very well calibrated. During our test week, the RAV4 Hybrid GR Sport achieved an average fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100 km—impressive for an all-wheel-drive SUV, especially given our slightly more dynamic driving style.

The GR Sport version comes standard with a heated steering wheel, which was much appreciated during our chilly spring test. The round wheel with paddle shifters feels great in hand and features traditional physical buttons. In a 2025 road test, functionality beats design every time.

The Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), however, is a major nuisance: on the motorway, it repeatedly displayed incorrect speed limits and can only be turned off via a submenu in the digital cluster. Not very practical—especially since other brands offer a simple physical button for this. Sound insulation could also be improved, as wind and tyre noise are noticeably present in the cabin.

Conveniently, the standard Panoramic View Monitor makes parking much easier. And for those who like to venture off the beaten path: with a ground clearance of 185 mm and a wading depth of 500 mm, the RAV4 GR Sport is more capable than you might expect.

Finally, the braked towing capacity of 1,650 kg makes the hybrid RAV4 a solid option for anyone wanting to tow a caravan or trailer on holiday. For the plug-in hybrid, the maximum towing weight is slightly lower at 1,500 kg.

Price: sporty looks with a hefty price tag

In Belgium, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GR Sport carries a list price of €57,950. That makes this version nearly €7,000 more expensive than the base model with the same powertrain, which starts at €51,190. If front-wheel drive is sufficient for your needs, the entry price even drops to €44,950. The two-tone paint of our test vehicle—Emotional Red with a black roof—is a €475 option. For those looking to drive more electrically (read: benefit from tax advantages), Toyota also offers a plug-in hybrid RAV4 GR Sport starting at €64,630.