Test Numbers We’ve Never Seen From a RAV4
What makes the 2026 RAV4 GR Sport so astounding is its ability to travel 48 miles on electric power and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. A full 48 miles will get many people to work and back on electric power alone, and even if you don’t want to set land-speed records, the acceleration is immensely satisfying yet approachable for merging and other daily tasks.
Compared to the RAV4 GR Sport’s 5.0-second time, the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson PHEVs both finish the same 0–60 sprint in 7.1 seconds. The Kia offers up to 34 miles of electric range to the Hyundai’s 32 miles and the RAV4 GR Sport’s 48.
The Toyota wins again once the electric range is depleted, offering better efficiency and longer driving range when operating as a standard hybrid. Even on EV power alone, the RAV4 GR Sport turns in a perfectly respectable 8.4-second 0–60 time.
Not a Supersized GR Corolla
Underneath the funky rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels, and bright red paint, the RAV4 is still a compact crossover and not a wild sports car. The RAV4 GR Sport is kinda fun on a winding road but—not to get too technical—only kinda. Let’s start with the good.
Brake feel is a definite improvement compared to the last-generation RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, which would occasionally send subtle vibrations through the pedal. Also, the 2026 RAV4 GR Sport offers light and responsive steering, though our test team found its feel artificial.
Both in our testing and on the street, this sporty RAV4 flagship leans and dives a lot during enthusiastic driving. It’s an unavoidable part of winding-road jaunts in this SUV. The suspension is on the firm side, but we expect that on a trim like this. We just wish it wasn’t accompanied by so much tire noise.
On the track, we found the Toyota handled better than it probably needs to, and that its GR Sport name, versus a full-strength GR RAV4, was appropriate.