The Toyota RAV4 is more popular than ever before somehow, with Toyota moving more than 475,000 units of the SUV last year, which is a few hundred thousand more vehicles than Volvo sold out of its entire lineup in the US last year. It’s also more than 100,000 more units than Toyota sold just two years prior in 2022, so sales have rapidly grown, as well, making the RAV4 the best-selling model overall in the US outside of the pickup truck segment. The core of the current RAV4 generation dates back to 2019, though, so it’s due for an update that’s set to be revealed this week, with teaser images hinting at sportier new trims (though no pickup version just yet, which could be smart).
- Base Trim Engine
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2.5L Dynamic Force I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
Do We Spy A GR RAV4?
The full deal of the new RAV4 is set to be revealed on May 21 in an online livestream, but the automaker has already released a suite of teaser images that reveal some interesting details. The most interesting of which appears to be a new GR or GR Sport trim of the RAV4, based on models shown in the teasers. We can see what’s clearly a GR-Corolla-inspired grille pattern in one image, and another reveals a RAV4 with a larger rear wing mounted above the tailgate.
What Would A GR RAV4 Look Like?
This strongly leads us to believe Toyota will offer a GR RAV4 of some sort, though we’re not sure what sort of powertrain upgrades it could get, if any. The GR Corolla makes 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged inline three-cylinder gas engine with power sent through all four wheels. We’re fairly certain Toyota has not homologated that engine for use in the RAV4, but it’s likely the GR model does get the most powerful version of whatever powertrains the RAV4 will offer, if there’s more than one.
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The current RAV4 is offered in pure gas, series hybrid, or plug-in hybrid versions, though it will likely go fully hybrid for its 2026 lineup. The current plug-in hybrid models already make a combined 302 hp.
A far more likely option is that a GR Sport trim will replace the TRD Sport, with sporty styling elements inspired by genuine Gazoo Racing models like the aforementioned Corolla hot hatch.
Other RAV4 Trims Teased Include Off-Roader
Two other teaser images appear to show what could be a new off-road-oriented trim as well, with a new RAV4 shown with roof mounts and chunky tires in the snow. In years past, this would be the TRD Off-Road model, but whether it will retain that name for 2026 remains to be seen. The images have clearly been edited to hide details like tire size and brand, for now. This off-road model sports black wheels, and other images show off the new front headlights, with a main light unit housed underneath a C-shaped DRL, and the rear lighting element sports a new vertical stripe motif.
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All of the previewed trims appear to come with the same black contrast plastic wheel guards, a rear wiper, and the possible GR Sport trim also features a black contrasted roof over a bright red paint job. We’ll find out more on Tuesday.
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