Toyota’s GR Sport-ified RAV4 for Europe Deserves Some Consideration

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is quicker than you’d assume, with its 302 horsepower. However, in true Toyota trend, it retains any and all sporting pretense on the down low. In Europe, the model is enjoying issues a bit otherwise with the announcement of the RAV4 GR Sport.

Now, I do know loads of you’re rolling your eyes at “RAV4″ and “GR” in the identical sentence, until that sentence occurs to go one thing like, “I can’t consider the identical firm that makes the RAV4 additionally makes the GR Yaris!” GR Sport is Toyota’s model of Hyundai’s N Line, or BMW’s M Sport, trickling a number of the motorsport-inspired trim from these manufacturers’ full-fat GR choices right down to odd grocery-getters and family-haulers. The RAV4 GR Sport, which is available in each hybrid and plug-in hybrid varieties, is one such automobile.

However Toyota deserves slightly little bit of credit score right here, and I’ll inform you why. Sometimes with these fake-fast trim packages automakers dangle in entrance of us, the transformation is pores and skin deep. You get the bumpers or possibly the wheels of the true fanatic providing, with none of the {hardware}. This isn’t the case with the RAV4 GR Sport, which truly advantages from a tauter experience! As Toyota explains:

The sportier seems are complemented by additional enhancements to the suspension for the GR SPORT mannequin. The brand new stiffer springs and shock absorber settings are anticipated to present the RAV4 GR SPORT a dealing with increase and provide a extra partaking driving expertise.

That’s slightly little bit of effort! Not a ton of effort, however hey — they’re providing you with one thing the non-GR Sport mannequin doesn’t have, that isn’t purely visible. As a result of inside, wouldn’t you already know there are many GR badges all over, even embossed within the headrests atop the suede-insert sport bucket seats.

In all seriousness, I don’t assume we’re lacking a complete lot right here by not getting the GR Sport RAV4 within the States. However I do discover it puzzling how Toyota’s efficiency branding is form of all over now.

Toyota Racing Growth, or TRD, was as soon as the worldwide signifier for the automaker’s enthusiast-minded merchandise. That was changed by Gazoo Racing, or GR, midway by means of the final decade. In the meantime, Toyota Motor North America has form of repackaged TRD as a purely off-roading kind factor, which I suppose is smart on this overlanding-obsessed market — till you do not forget that Toyota nonetheless gives the Camry TRD. It should be the NASCAR connection that retains it alive.

Distinction that with Europe and Asia, the place Toyota has rolled out the GR Sport line throughout rattling close to its total vary — even the new Land Cruiser. Right here, there’s no such factor as GR Sport. I’m wondering if Toyota’s American arm ever plans to vary that. As for this RAV4, I can’t inform you how a lot Toyota Europe intends to cost for it, however I can inform you that customers can search for it within the coming weeks.