Toyota has the technical capability to transform the RAV4 from a GR Sport version into a full-fledged GR variant. Chief Engineer Yoshinori Futonagane confirmed that a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine can be installed in the engine bay. This engine is already used in the lineup and in Lexus crossovers – the Lexus NX and Lexus RX. In hybrid configurations, the output reaches up to 366 hp, which is significantly higher than the current 320 hp of the RAV4 GR Sport.
The plug-in hybrid scheme provides acceleration to 100 km/h in approximately 5.8 seconds, and the refined chassis (re-tuned suspension, steering, increased track width) makes the handling more composed without sacrificing everyday practicality. Visually – 20-inch wheels and GR accents without radical changes to the form factor.
The bottleneck is not engineering, but demand. A full-fledged "charged" family SUV must compete with European models like the Volkswagen Tiguan R. For Toyota to launch the project, confirmed buyer interest is required.
The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is nearing the end of its life cycle – the company is preparing a new modular family of internal combustion engines. If a GR version of the RAV4 is to appear, a decision needs to be made in the near future.