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Toyota RAV4 GR Sport Fully Tested: 0-60, Braking, Range, and Performance

2026-03-06 Autos & Vehicles
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Edmunds Cars
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Description

Is the 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport actually a hot hatch in an SUV body or just a clever marketing exercise? We took Toyota’s most powerful RAV4 to our private test track to find out if those GR badges translate to real-world performance. Check out our full rating and review of the RAV4 PHEV, including help finding the right price to pay: https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/rav4-plug-in-hybrid/2026/ Find out what your old car is worth and get an instant cash offer: https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal/ 00:00 Intro 00:44 Pricing 01:37 The Numbers 04:35 Exterior & Trim Level 05:57 Driving Impressions 10:55 Interior, Tech, & Comfort 13:44 Edmunds' Take From a 0–60 mph sprint of 5.6 seconds (beating the Volkswagen GTI and the automatic GR Corolla) to the surprising 58 miles of all-electric range, the numbers tell a complex story. While the straight-line speed is undeniable, our lateral g-force testing and "real-world" charging limitations reveal exactly where this plug-in hybrid SUV sits in the enthusiast landscape. Key Performance Data (Edmunds Tested): 0–60 mph: 5.6 seconds (Gas + Electric) 0–60 mph (EV Only): 8.8 seconds 1/4 mile: 14.0 seconds @ 101 mph Braking (60–0 mph): 118 feet Skidpad (Lateral acceleration): 0.87 g Edmunds EV Range Test: 58 miles (exceeds EPA estimate by 10 miles) What You Need to Know: The powertrain: A 2.5L 4-cylinder paired with a high-capacity PHEV system producing 324 net horsepower. GR enhancements: Specialized suspension tuning, stiffer dampers, and 20-inch wheels with performance summer tires. The charging catch: Unlike the XSE trim, the GR Sport is limited to 7-kW AC charging and lacks DC fast-charging capability — meaning a 10%–80% charge takes nearly 4 hours. Interior & tech: Features the new 12.9-inch touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, but omits ventilated seats despite the $50K-range price tag. Chapters: Subscribe to Edmunds for the most trusted car reviews and track testing data - https://www.youtube.com/user/edmundsvideo?sub_confirmation=1 for the latest car news, car reviews, car comparisons, car shopping and advice. Visit us! https://www.edmunds.com

Top Comments (10)

@Reala27 2026-03-06

It's almost 3 seconds faster than the Honda Prelude...lol

115 20 replies
@chrishartman5383 2026-03-07

Good lord, the constant short commercial interuptions for your web site are so annoying. I'm already a subscriber to your channel, I'm watching your video, you don't need to advertise your own videos, in your video.

20 5 replies
@deanmcmanis4862 2026-03-06

It is a smart move to leverage the GR name, for the RAV4 Prime refresh. The capabilities are solid for this market segment, but I can't help but compare it to the Tesla Model Y AWD Premium, which costs the same. Still, for people who like Toyotas (for all of the reasons why Toyotas are top sellers), and want the security of a gas backup (with EV benefits as well) it is a solid choice.

19 3 replies
@edmundscars 2026-03-06

The addition of the GR initials to the RAV4 gave us hopes that the SUV would have more performance chops, but it's still more RAV4 than GR. What do you think Toyota needed to do to make this a viable, more family-friendly alternative to a hot hatch? Let us know in the comments below!

7 4 replies
@AlexDons 2026-03-14

Subscribed for your honesty and actually testing it in high speed curves. The only honest review, every other reviewer was paid to lie, saying there’s almost no body roll. Same like last year’s model just different design.

6 1 replies
@JimmyHuynhdesign 2026-03-16

Really hope they do a Sienna GR!

4
@urbanstrencan 2026-03-07

Toyota did quite nice updates to the new RAV4, especially the design outside and inside is a big upgrade, and this new infotainment system got well needed an upgrade. For me personally, the Woodland trim is the one to get in the RAV4 lineup, GR should be reserved for sports cars ;) And would love to see Toyota bringing this PHEV powertrain to the European Hilux pickup! Great video, keep it up!

1 1 replies
@bobbituka123 2026-03-06

Great test. The GR will look great for those occasional Costco runs and car camping. Toyotas /Lexus generally are known for road feel opting for loosey goosey isolated steering. It’s the rock solid reputation that sells well. Still.

1
@21bruce 2026-05-23

Possibly the most honest and authentic car review I’ve ever seen. Love this guy! And if Toyota is going to call it a GR Sport, it should be evaluated as such. In a sense, this car devalues the GR brand. But that’s not why I ordered one. I drive 30 miles each way to work plus a ton of related miles. Gas is running me $1200 -$1500 a month. My lead guy does the same, also on my nickel. The Atkinson cycle of the RAV4 is just the ticket to help out. I ordered an XLE for him and a GR for me. For the extra $11k I liked the looks, options and a bit more power and maneuverability given the blah of the others.

1
@timbraun3716 2026-03-13

I think would be cool if you guys included Db readings as part of your testing regime.

0

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