2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport’s “EV” range is absurd
#toyota #rav4 #phev #hybrid #grsport
I put TOYOTA’s new 2026 Rav4 PHEV to the #range test with its upgraded battery and motors. Here’s my surprising results.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 kicks off the sixth generation of America’s best-selling compact SUV and joins Toyota’s ever-growing list of all-electrified models. This all-new RAV4 is equipped with the latest Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) system that has an increase in all electric driving range to a manufacturer estimated 52-mile range rating. The RAV4 PHEV is available in Sport or Rugged design styles. The SE, XSE, and GR SPORT grades make up the Sport options and the Woodland grade has the Rugged look. The RAV4 GR SPORT PHEV debuts the first-ever GR SPORT model in the U.S., designed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Company and is an expression of sporty driving and passionate design. Also joining the PHEV lineup is the RAV4 Woodland, which brings outdoor-ready good-looks and a powerful electrified drive. The new RAV4 also launches new versions of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system and Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) receives a significant engineering update that improves power, efficiency, charging capability, and onboard technology. Built on Toyota’s latest TNGA-K platform, the RAV4 PHEV combines a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors and a larger lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output increases to approximately 320 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 ever produced while maintaining standard electronic all-wheel drive through Toyota’s AWD-i system.
The updated battery delivers an estimated 50-mile all-electric driving range, allowing many daily commutes to be completed without using gasoline. Charging performance is also improved with an available 11-kW onboard AC charger, significantly reducing Level 2 charging times compared with the previous model. A CCS-compatible DC fast-charging capability is available on select trims, allowing the battery to recharge from approximately 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
The hybrid system continuously optimizes power delivery between the gasoline engine and electric motors to maximize efficiency while providing strong acceleration, with a projected 0–60 mph time of around 5.5 seconds. Regenerative braking has also been refined for smoother energy recovery.
Inside, the 2026 RAV4 PHEV features Toyota’s newest digital cockpit with a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software updates, and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 driver-assistance technology. The result is a plug-in hybrid SUV that delivers impressive performance, everyday practicality, and exceptional fuel efficiency in one highly versatile package.
00:00 – 2026 Rav4 PHEV range test: EV mode
05:51 – 2 hour timelapse GR Sport Rav4
09:47 – Final Results