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Electric-enabled GR Sport to top RAV4 line-up
Richard Bosselman
May 21, 2025
A new plug-in hybrid powertrain with 150 kilometres’ electric range is coming.
INTENT to rev up the RAV4’s electric, visual and dynamic oomph has been aired.
Unveiled internationally today and set to be on sale here next year, the new line will locally configure in three lines, each with its own clearly defined look. We continue with mainstream (centre) and Adventure (right) trims, but also add a GR/ Gazoo Racing Sport version (left), the top choice with an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
The Palmerston North-based distributor is promising what is being called a ‘sixth generation’ car - regardless it is not a fresh start but a big revision of what avails now - will be as versatile as the current choice but even more enthralling.
A full exterior and interior redesign will ensure the new car is easily differentiated from the current choice. It also achieves enhanced safety and multimedia technology.
However, it’s the intent to finally present the car with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that is the headline-maker.
As with the ‘self-replenishing’ hybrid models already here, the PHEV is in marriage to a 2.5-litre petrol engine but can driving on electric alone - up to 150 kilometres, according to Toyota Japan.
DC rapid charging is also provisioned, with ability to recharge to 80 percent of capacity in around 30 minutes. In Japan, the model will also deliver vehicle-to-home support to supply electricity in a range of living scenarios.
A PHEV already avails in the current type, but that car - called the RAV4 Prime - has only been in select markets. It never availed here brand new, just as a used import, including some brought in by the brand’s Signature programme.
TNZ has signalled the PHEV will be here as an ancillary to models that continue with the mild hybrid that has proven popular with Kiwis, toiling point RAV4 is not only the make’s best selling car but has occupied at times as the top choice passenger car with Kiwis.
Technical details for the PHEV remain under wraps but the brand suggests that in addition to offering genuine electric-pure driving it will lift the power and torque outputs beyond the current mild hybrid drivetrain’s 163kW and 221Nm and lift from the present PHEV’s cited 225kW. It talks of a 12 percent higher motor output.
It says the type will deliver in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive and will achieve a lower CO2 impact than its hybrid counterparts.
Fuel economy is also expected to be equivalent to, if not slightly better than, the current Prime’s optimal 1.0 litre per 100km. The current hybrid cites 4.8 litres per 100km optimal.
Toyota Motor Company in Japan is suggesting an electric-pure range of 150 kilometres, against 95km from the current type.
That suggests it has a far more powerful battery than the present Prime, which but it is said to be a big revision of the current type, which takes a 18kWh lithium ion battery.
Toyota Japan has not discussed battery size, but says one advancement has come with the new model’s front axle employing silicon carbide power semiconductors to reduce size and improve efficiency.
The PHEV will package here in a first-for-RAV4 GR Sport version, which TNZ says will interest “those people looking for something different from an SUV.”
They say in addition to having good power, it will provision “a more dynamic expression of the RAV4’s handling characteristics and design cues.
“It brings motorsport-inspired driving character and unique visual flair, setting it apart from the rest of the line up.”
The GR Sport has a 20mm wider track than other variants and runs on 20-inch rims. Exclusive to the type are retuned suspension with “high-performance” dampers and a stiffer rear brace, plus a unique power steering calibration. Aside from the large wheel, it stands out with unique front and rear lip spoilers and a GR Corolla-inspired front bumper that matches the rest of the GR Sport family.
The cabin takes GR logos and red accents, upgraded leather and suede sports seats, console knee pads and aluminium pedals.
Also continuing is the Adventure grade “for those who desire the off-road, rugged expeditions.”
This is the model whose look was revealed - potentially more by accident (it wasn’t up for long) than intent - by a TNZ posting on Facebook/Meta last night.
While this RAV4 is still up to a year away - all TNZ will say is that it is set to land in the first half of 2026 - the national distributor’s chief executive officer, Tatsuya Ishikawa, is already talking up its impact.
He describes the car as being another major step forward for Toyota in its vision to make ever better cars and to offer many options across multiple powertrains so customers have more choice than ever before.
“From its inception in 1994, the RAV4 has been an outstanding expression of a crossover SUV, bred for both city and country use.
“Since then, through five generations, the RAV4 has evolved into an important model loved in 180 countries and regions, responding to various lifestyles that have changed with the times.
“With the RAV4 we aim to offer a companion that fits all lifestyles, whether in urban living or outdoor adventures,” Ishikawa says.
Globally, the new-generation RAV4 gains additional safety features such as front cross-traffic alert which is designed to minimise the risk of a collision with crossing traffic at intersections, while the blind spot monitor now includes the rear vehicle approach indicator feature.
The emergency stop function has been recalibrated to improve sensitivity and it has a sudden acceleration suppression system, which restrains acceleration “when it detects excessive or accidental accelerator input, whether or not there are obstacles.”
TMC says the styling pathway was based on three design elements: “Big Foot” (an emphasis on large-diameter tires) “Life-up” (a reminder of excellent off-road performance), and “Utility” (an easy-to-use cargo space).
“These three elements express the unique ‘RAV4-ness’ of a car that feels like it can go anywhere.”
The interior refit delivers new infotainment and instrument displays. It retains physical controls for key functions and audio volume. The gear selector and steering wheel are new, more like those in the Prado.
The infotainment touchscreen is powered by Arene, a new software system said to use AI modelling to work in collaboration with the safety systems and voice control, while offering “continual enhancements” through over-the-air updates.
While the model is on the current platform, and is expected to main the same general dimensions, Toyota says the boot capacity has been expanded from 733 litres to 749. By making the rear seatbacks even flatter when folded, the ease of storage for longer items has also been improved, it says.
