Always thought the GR Sport angle on the RAV was a marketing gimmick...until I drove this thing. It's the RAV4 that zigs. Steering is sharp, cornering is the flattest I've seen in a non-premium SUV and the ride isn't even punishing, though not as smooth as a regular RAV's. 0-60 is barely more than 5 seconds, and I test that with every vehicle I review on my commute where I access the highway from a traffic light. The thing pulled to 148 before I noticed...
This new gen feels noticeably smaller than the previous one. Height is down, even more so on the GR Sport. The EV side of things delivers a reliable 80 km of range on the GR Sport (base SE is credited with 90 km). I only ran the ICE for the accelleration test, probably won't hear it for the rest of the week with this range. If we swapped the CX-90 with this, we'd probably fill-up only once per year, except for occasional road trips.
All the reviews for the GR Rav are super positive. 0-60 in just over 5 seconds is crazy fast for a (mostly) mainstream CUV.
I was reading on Reddit that the wait times for the XLE Rav4 is about 12 months, I wonder if the GR is the same or worse.
The regular Rav4 PHEV has the exact drivetrain and (I'm assuming here) accelerative performance.
I think for the money the XSE (non tech) is the way to go. It's $1000 cheaper than the GR, and comes with a whole bunch more features, including the 9-speaker JBL sound system, memory driver's seat, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, digital key, etc.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Aug 06, 2026, 10:10 AMThe regular Rav4 PHEV has the exact drivetrain and (I'm assuming here) accelerative performance.
I think for the money the XSE (non tech) is the way to go. It's $1000 cheaper than the GR, and comes with a whole bunch more features, including the 9-speaker JBL sound system, memory driver's seat, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, digital key, etc.
The SE is a significant 8-9k$ cheaper and is hard to ignore when budget matters - and it benefits from the federal $2.5k incentive.
One major dislike is the lack of HVAC buttons - you get front and rear defrost, and up/down temps for the two zones - and that's it. Fan speeds, modes, heated seats / steering are all through the screen - already a dealbreaker for the Mrs, and frankly I hate that too.
About 5 seconds to 100km/h is nuts, this is like the good old days when Toyota put the V6 in the Rav4 and created one of the only CUVs that was actually interesting. For as boring as all the regular Ravs look, this one, especially in red, me likey!!
Good to hear that there is at least a somewhat affordable "fun" SUV that is equal parts frugal and sporty. I'm sure this is an expensive beast to buy if you can find one.
Quote from: Blueprint on Aug 06, 2026, 10:35 AM. Fan speeds, modes, heated seats / steering are all through the screen - already a dealbreaker for the Mrs, and frankly I hate that too.
I don't really understand this.
In the unit I tested, those buttons were prominently displayed at the bottom of the infotainment screen...it's not like you had to navigate IN the screen to get to them. They were prominent.
Also, those worked with gloves when I tested.
Beyond that, I find the climate concierge works perfectly for my tastes. Set it at 20 summer or winter and it controls the heating/coming of the wheel and seats perfectly.
Or is this just another old person thing..if it isn't a truly physical button, it's crap?
Hold on Ron, aren't you old also ? Hahaha. I know I am.
Quote from: RRocket on Aug 06, 2026, 04:34 PMQuote from: Blueprint on Aug 06, 2026, 10:35 AM. Fan speeds, modes, heated seats / steering are all through the screen - already a dealbreaker for the Mrs, and frankly I hate that too.
I don't really understand this.
In the unit I tested, those buttons were prominently displayed at the bottom of the infotainment screen...it's not like you had to navigate IN the screen to get to them. They were prominent.
Also, those worked with gloves when I tested.
Beyond that, I find the climate concierge works perfectly for my tastes. Set it at 20 summer or winter and it controls the heating/coming of the wheel and seats perfectly.
Or is this just another old person thing..if it isn't a truly physical button, it's crap?
Montreal pavement changes your perspective on screens ;) Try to heat your bum, change radio stations ;D
I'm not a big fan of the controls being on the screen in the Prius. I would prefer physical controls. Is it a deal breaker? No. More just an annoyance.
Quote from: Blueprint on Aug 06, 2026, 05:29 PMQuote from: RRocket on Aug 06, 2026, 04:34 PMQuote from: Blueprint on Aug 06, 2026, 10:35 AM. Fan speeds, modes, heated seats / steering are all through the screen - already a dealbreaker for the Mrs, and frankly I hate that too.
I don't really understand this.
In the unit I tested, those buttons were prominently displayed at the bottom of the infotainment screen...it's not like you had to navigate IN the screen to get to them. They were prominent.
Also, those worked with gloves when I tested.
Beyond that, I find the climate concierge works perfectly for my tastes. Set it at 20 summer or winter and it controls the heating/coming of the wheel and seats perfectly.
Or is this just another old person thing..if it isn't a truly physical button, it's crap?
Montreal pavement changes your perspective on screens ;) Try to heat your bum, change radio stations ;D
Easily done with voice if you're too lazy to touch station buttons! LOL 😆
Quote from: Bridgecity on Aug 06, 2026, 04:37 PMHold on Ron, aren't you old also ? Hahaha. I know I am.
For sure I am old!!
But complaining about digital buttons that WORK is silly. So no...I'm not THAT old yet!! LOL 😆
Quote from: RRocket on Aug 06, 2026, 07:53 PMQuote from: Bridgecity on Aug 06, 2026, 04:37 PMHold on Ron, aren't you old also ? Hahaha. I know I am.
For sure I am old!!
But complaining about digital buttons that WORK is silly. So no...I'm not THAT old yet!! LOL 😆
There's still time Ron, one day you too can grow old and grumpy enough that minor inconveniences or changes to your routine annoy you.
For the record, I'm 45 and feel like I too identify as someone who complains about such things. Maybe not the climate control buttons on a touch screen but believe me there is a whole heck of this world that I find annoying to no end that I didn't when I was younger.
To be fair, the HVAC screen controls are much better here than in the new CX-5 (brief GX service loaner drive).
Due to "internal fleet management", wife had to go to work with the RAV4 yesterday and came back with comments for once: "This drives really well - too bad it's ugly" ;D I think the Woodland trim would more be her vibe, but Canada is not getting yet in PHEV form.
My plan was to have this and the Trailseeker back to back in September as potential CX-90 replacements (no move scheduled yet, but you never know). But the fleet manager swapped weeks so he could fit the 911 in my schedule - I obliged.
If I had to recommend a car to someone while knowing absolutely nothing about them, it would probably be this without the GR Sport package. I'd argue that the RAV4 PHEV is THE car that suits the automotive needs of the most people, out of all the cars out there.
Family friends went to test drive this as a possible replacement for their 2016 RAV4 Hybrid with 240,000 km on it. They said it felt like a rocket ship, and got way better fuel economy in hybrid mode compared to their current one (whose battery they suspect is starting to wear out).
I showed a pic of this to the Mrs. Her response was "that looks like my parents vehicle", which is a 2011 GMC Terrain.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Aug 10, 2026, 08:16 AMI showed a pic of this to the Mrs. Her response was "that looks like my parents vehicle", which is a 2011 GMC Terrain.
Here's the similarity between these two: the ridges that form over the headlights and carry on up the hood - it's the detail my wife hates. Me, it's a feature I kinda like.
Quote from: Blueprint on Aug 11, 2026, 12:22 PMQuote from: Bridgecity on Aug 10, 2026, 08:16 AMI showed a pic of this to the Mrs. Her response was "that looks like my parents vehicle", which is a 2011 GMC Terrain.
Here's the similarity between these two: the ridges that form over the headlights and carry on up the hood - it's the detail my wife hates. Me, it's a feature I kinda like.
I like that detail also. I think my wife was more referring to the blockiness around the wheel arches. Regardless, its the best looking RAV to date to my eyes.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Aug 11, 2026, 01:35 PMQuote from: Blueprint on Aug 11, 2026, 12:22 PMQuote from: Bridgecity on Aug 10, 2026, 08:16 AMI showed a pic of this to the Mrs. Her response was "that looks like my parents vehicle", which is a 2011 GMC Terrain.
Here's the similarity between these two: the ridges that form over the headlights and carry on up the hood - it's the detail my wife hates. Me, it's a feature I kinda like.
I like that detail also. I think my wife was more referring to the blockiness around the wheel arches. Regardless, its the best looking RAV to date to my eyes.
I was always partial to the third gen's styling, not to mention the only one that offered a V6.
(https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/amv-prod-cad-assets/images/06q1/35814/2006-toyota-rav4-limited-4wd-v-6-photo-544450-s-986x603.jpg)
So, uh, I may have just placed a deposit on an order for a Rav4 PHEV XSE in Brown Sugar.
I was able to get decent trade value for the CX-5, and a deal at straight MSRP without any dealer adds whatsoever.
8-10mo wait.
That's a way better use of the Prius money than a Subaru Impreza.
Quote from: Oliver on Aug 12, 2026, 12:46 PMI was always partial to the third gen's styling, not to mention the only one that offered a V6.
Same
Quote from: Tortoise on Aug 12, 2026, 06:50 PMThat's a way better use of the Prius money than a Subaru Impreza.
This. Lots.
Quote from: RRocket on Aug 12, 2026, 08:38 PMQuote from: Tortoise on Aug 12, 2026, 06:50 PMThat's a way better use of the Prius money than a Subaru Impreza.
This. Lots.
So Ron's old Prius was so good that you are fully on board with a household of Toyota PHEVs?
Can't blame you for this as both their products are excellent and in the world of "appliance" like care free motoring I can't think of much better.
I personally probably would have taken that Prius money and bought a used Miata, but then I'm not always sensible with these types of decisions.
Quote from: Johnnymac on Aug 13, 2026, 07:10 AMbut then I'm not always sensible with these types of decisions.
No kidding!
You could have had a Porsche instead of your Miata for the same money! LOL 😆
Quote from: Johnnymac on Aug 13, 2026, 07:10 AMQuote from: RRocket on Aug 12, 2026, 08:38 PMQuote from: Tortoise on Aug 12, 2026, 06:50 PMThat's a way better use of the Prius money than a Subaru Impreza.
This. Lots.
So Ron's old Prius was so good that you are fully on board with a household of Toyota PHEVs?
Can't blame you for this as both their products are excellent and in the world of "appliance" like care free motoring I can't think of much better.
I personally probably would have taken that Prius money and bought a used Miata, but then I'm not always sensible with these types of decisions.
Ron's old Prius is so good to drive that I'm fully on board with a household of Toyota PHEV's. 8 months of living with it has been the ultimate test drive, so to speak. Both my spouse and I love it.
I'm going to miss the Mazda's interior, though. The Toyota is a downgrade in that regard, both in design and in material quality.
The powertrain is what really sells the Toyota to me. That PHEV system is just "chef's kiss"
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Aug 13, 2026, 08:41 AMQuote from: Johnnymac on Aug 13, 2026, 07:10 AMQuote from: RRocket on Aug 12, 2026, 08:38 PMQuote from: Tortoise on Aug 12, 2026, 06:50 PMThat's a way better use of the Prius money than a Subaru Impreza.
This. Lots.
So Ron's old Prius was so good that you are fully on board with a household of Toyota PHEVs?
Can't blame you for this as both their products are excellent and in the world of "appliance" like care free motoring I can't think of much better.
I personally probably would have taken that Prius money and bought a used Miata, but then I'm not always sensible with these types of decisions.
Ron's old Prius is so good to drive that I'm fully on board with a household of Toyota PHEV's. 8 months of living with it has been the ultimate test drive, so to speak. Both my spouse and I love it.
I'm going to miss the Mazda's interior, though. The Toyota is a downgrade in that regard, both in design and in material quality.
The powertrain is what really sells the Toyota to me. That PHEV system is just "chef's kiss"
Congrats! Hard to go wrong with this choice. You probably won't want to sell it but if ever you do, the resale values on these seem insane. It would be so cool if one day Mazda put Toyota's PHEV system into one of their cars, like they have with the HEV in the CX-50. For people who want a regular Hybrid, the CX-50 Hybrid seems like the best of both worlds.
I don't blame you if you end up missing the CX-5's interior. I had a Signature trim as a rental maybe 5 years ago and I still remember it well and how impressed I was with the interior. It was miles better than the bZ4x we have now, which despite being a top trim is merely acceptable in the materials quality & design area.
Quote from: Blizzard on Aug 13, 2026, 11:24 AMQuote from: GreatBigAbyss on Aug 13, 2026, 08:41 AMQuote from: Johnnymac on Aug 13, 2026, 07:10 AMQuote from: RRocket on Aug 12, 2026, 08:38 PMQuote from: Tortoise on Aug 12, 2026, 06:50 PMThat's a way better use of the Prius money than a Subaru Impreza.
This. Lots.
So Ron's old Prius was so good that you are fully on board with a household of Toyota PHEVs?
Can't blame you for this as both their products are excellent and in the world of "appliance" like care free motoring I can't think of much better.
I personally probably would have taken that Prius money and bought a used Miata, but then I'm not always sensible with these types of decisions.
Ron's old Prius is so good to drive that I'm fully on board with a household of Toyota PHEV's. 8 months of living with it has been the ultimate test drive, so to speak. Both my spouse and I love it.
I'm going to miss the Mazda's interior, though. The Toyota is a downgrade in that regard, both in design and in material quality.
The powertrain is what really sells the Toyota to me. That PHEV system is just "chef's kiss"
Congrats! Hard to go wrong with this choice. You probably won't want to sell it but if ever you do, the resale values on these seem insane. It would be so cool if one day Mazda put Toyota's PHEV system into one of their cars, like they have with the HEV in the CX-50. For people who want a regular Hybrid, the CX-50 Hybrid seems like the best of both worlds.
I don't blame you if you end up missing the CX-5's interior. I had a Signature trim as a rental maybe 5 years ago and I still remember it well and how impressed I was with the interior. It was miles better than the bZ4x we have now, which despite being a top trim is merely acceptable in the materials quality & design area.
If you hadn't noticeds, the CX-50 has been cancelled for the Canadian market awhile ago because it's made in the US. Just a few '26 units were imported before the plug got pulled.
You would miss the CX-5's interior too if you got a 2026 CX-5. We had one as a dealer loaner, a base GX, and what a turn-off. Made my daughter's CX-30's look like Volvos or Benzes.
Review is out: https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/essai-routier/toyota/rav-4/toyota-rav4-gr-sport-2026-essai-routier/ (https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/essai-routier/toyota/rav-4/toyota-rav4-gr-sport-2026-essai-routier/)
(https://cms-assets.autoscout24.com/uaddx06iwzdz/tHOZPH4JoNEhNDOr02hD1/a1b645ff9b8e1d91984ed11befe6e183/2026_Toyota_RAV4_PHEV_GR_Sport_-_TD_-_DB_-_260831_-_6.jpg?fm=webp&w=1100)
Best wheels EVER on a RAV4
(https://cms-assets.autoscout24.com/uaddx06iwzdz/450CGUznG97Y1SFXVFaDnV/e25c83286f5ce01e7c5a08b8b6e8f6af/2026_Toyota_RAV4_PHEV_GR_Sport_-_TD_-_DB_-_260831_-_12.jpg?fm=webp&w=1100)
(https://cms-assets.autoscout24.com/uaddx06iwzdz/7cShl0Ar6xbJ8DBwLRrlQN/d4b11476891c3e0c6a77726613b80444/2026_Toyota_RAV4_PHEV_GR_Sport_-_TD_-_DB_-_260831_-_26.jpg?fm=webp&w=1100)
I don't understand why the safety is only 7.5 out of 10.
How much more safety systems do you expect (or need) a car to have?
I have the same safety suite in my BZ and you'd REALLY have to be screwing around to have an accident. Like almost deliberate. The car will stop itself from hitting people and moving and stationary objects. See video below. If it can do all that, what more is expected and what's lacking?
Although this version hasn't been tested yet, the previous version was 5 star both for NHTSA and Euro NCAP. The 26 Lexus NX (same platform) is a top pick IIHS and 5 star NHTSA.
https://youtu.be/Mkz1Q6OT89U?t=145&si=thdePlzya81yLqya
Quote from: RRocket on Sep 02, 2026, 08:43 AMI don't understand why the safety is only 7.5 out of 10.
How much more safety systems do you expect (or need) a car to have?
I have the same safety suite in my BZ and you'd REALLY have to be screwing around to have an accident. Like almost deliberate. The car will stop itself from hitting people and moving and stationary objects. See video below.
Although this version hasn't been tested yet, the previous version was 5 star both for NHTSA and Euro NCAP. The 26 Lexus NX (same platform) is a top pick IIHS and 5 star NHTSA.
https://youtu.be/Mkz1Q6OT89U?t=145&si=thdePlzya81yLqya
We don't have directives on these scores, but my approach is always one of caution when no testing is available from either IIHS or NHTSA. I default to 7.5 in these cases if the aids are behaving fine. Otherwise it's like grading a kid before he takes his exam because his older brother did good the year before.
One exception - the Prelude got a higher score despite not having been reviewed by IIHS or NHTSA since I took care of the crash tests myself ;D
Quote from: Blueprint on Sep 02, 2026, 09:08 AMWe don't have directives on these scores, but my approach is always one of caution when no testing is available from either IIHS or NHTSA. I default to 7.5 in these cases if the aids are behaving fine. Otherwise it's like grading a kid before he takes his exam because his older brother did good the year before.
It's not his older brother...it's the same person who's a year older. Who's historically done well on these very same exams. Aced them, actually. So while we don't want to presume, I think it's safe to believe the RAV4 isn't going to go appreciably backwards in terms of crash testing. And it's posh brother (NX) lends truth to this.
So when it gets 4-5 stars, you'll change the rating to 9-10? Or it will forever be 7.5 regardless of what happens? Because if you don't go back and change it, I feel your methodology is flawed.
I'm continually perplexed by these completely arbitrary and journalistically questionable methodologies..
Quote from: RRocket on Sep 02, 2026, 09:35 AMQuote from: Blueprint on Sep 02, 2026, 09:08 AMWe don't have directives on these scores, but my approach is always one of caution when no testing is available from either IIHS or NHTSA. I default to 7.5 in these cases if the aids are behaving fine. Otherwise it's like grading a kid before he takes his exam because his older brother did good the year before.
It's not his older brother...it's the same person who's a year older. Who's historically done well on these very same exams. Aced them, actually. So while we don't want to presume, I think it's safe to believe the RAV4 isn't going to go appreciably backwards in terms of crash testing. And it's posh brother (NX) lends truth to this.
So when it gets 4-5 stars, you'll change the rating to 9-10? Or it will forever be 7.5 regardless of what happens? Because if you don't go back and change it, I feel your methodology is flawed.
I'm continually perplexed by these completely arbitrary and journalistically questionable methodologies..
The previous gen RAV4 got no awards and more significantly marginal ratings from the IIHS on the updated side impact test:
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2025 (https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2025)
There's a strong chance Toyota revised the structure significantly with the 2026 to improve crash performance. Plus, note the "acceptable" rating for automated braking. Had I based my score on the 2025, it would have been a 6.5, so I'm giving the new one the benefit of the doubt.
As for the rating remaining there, the text states it has not been tested yet. When me or a colleague reviews the 2027, the scoring will reflect on the results of said testing once it's done.
In my "real" field, there's something called "engineering judgement" for grey areas. It's what I apply too in my "other" field ;)
^^^ After looking at the iihs safety ratings for the previous Rav, I understand and agree with what you're doing r.e. the 7.5 safety rating.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Sep 02, 2026, 12:29 PM^^^ After looking at the iihs safety ratings for the previous Rav, I understand and agree with what you're doing r.e. the 7.5 safety rating.
So the IIHS carries more weight than NHTSA results which were 5/5?
For example, if he'd (hypothetically) drop it a point because of a "marginal" from IIHS, would it regain that point by getting 5/5 from NHTSA? Is NHTSA results excluded entirely then?
And I don't point this out just for the Rav4, I see inconsistencies like this for other vehicles frequently. I've seen vehicle A with less total rating than vehicle B...but vehicle B was more highly rated (or the same) for safety by the reviewer. It seems arbitrary.
I totally get the "personal" ratings (how it "feels", drives, etc) and how those could be scored. I'm less clear on scores using outside data.
Also, his last review of the Rav4 (2022) gave safety 8.0. So it's hard to understand how even using the "old" crash data he'd (hypothetically) end up with a 6.5....1.5 points lower than the old 2022 model.
Quote from: RRocket on Sep 02, 2026, 02:58 PMQuote from: GreatBigAbyss on Sep 02, 2026, 12:29 PM^^^ After looking at the iihs safety ratings for the previous Rav, I understand and agree with what you're doing r.e. the 7.5 safety rating.
So the IIHS carries more weight than NHTSA results which were 5/5?
For example, if he'd (hypothetically) drop it a point because of a "marginal" from IIHS, would it regain that point by getting 5/5 from NHTSA? Is NHTSA results excluded entirely then?
And I don't point this out just for the Rav4, I see inconsistencies like this for other vehicles frequently. I've seen vehicle A with less total rating than vehicle B...but vehicle B was more highly rated (or the same) for safety by the reviewer. It seems arbitrary.
I totally get the "personal" ratings (how it "feels", drives, etc) and how those could be scored. I'm less clear on scores using outside data.
Also, his last review of the Rav4 (2022) gave safety 8.0. So it's hard to understand how even using the "old" crash data he'd (hypothetically) end up with a 6.5....1.5 points lower than the old 2022 model.
In 2022, the RAV4 was an IIHS "Top Safety Pick". Relative to that model year, and the testing methods of that model year, it did great, hence the 8.0. When the IIHS moved to its "updated lateral impact test", where the rig is sized and weighed like an SUV, test results went sideways. Manufacturers that crave IIHS awards, like Subaru and Mazda, went straight to their engineers and introduced under-the-skin changes. Toyota did not with the previous RAV4, so relative to its competition, its results got downgraded. NHTSA is useful, but not as detailed, but I'm aware of some IIHS biases (against smaller cars) in their communications.
So it's all relative to when the score is attributed - like water quality test at a beach. The test results are valid for that specific moment, until the next test is done.