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2023 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport revealed, Australian launch unconfirmed

Toyota has revealed a sportier-looking RAV4 for Europe with updated suspension, but a local launch is unclear

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UPDATE, November 23: 2023 Toyota RAV4 pricing announced

Australian pricing and specs for the updated 2023 Toyota RAV4 have been announced. Get all the details at the link below.

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STORY CONTINUES: 2022 Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid 2WD review

Snapshot

  • 2023 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport revealed
  • Sportier-looking variant gets new suspension tuning, updated look
  • Australian launch unclear

The popular Toyota RAV4 medium SUV has gained a new GR Sport variant in Europe – but an Australian launch is unconfirmed.

An updated version of the RAV4 is due to arrive in Australia by the end of 2022, with Toyota Australia yet to confirm pricing and features for model-year 2023.

"We’re always considering exciting new models as they become available for our market, but we have no announcements to make today," said a spokesperson for Toyota Australia.

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While the full GR models – such as the GR Yaris and GR Corolla – are performance-focused, the brand’s GR Sport range fettles with aesthetics and minor adjustments, such as retuned suspension – but with no additional power.

As such, the RAV4 GR Sport follows this formula, with a carryover hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, but a new-look front bumper, alloy wheels and GR badging – and retuned suspension.

Toyota says the revised spring and shock absorber settings provide a “handling boost and offer a more engaging driving experience”.

Cosmetic tweaks include piano black wheel arches and black 19-inch alloy wheels – as seen on Australia’s XSE variant, but with a unique design.

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There’s also a new fog light insert, front spoilers, and GR Sport badging on the front grille and tailgate.

Inside, the RAV4 GR Sport adopts sports front seats in suede, with a GR logo on the headrest and silver contrasts on the seats, steering wheel and gear shifter.

It features as part of the revised 2023 RAV4 range, picking up a larger 10.5-inch infotainment system running Toyota’s latest software, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the brand’s latest active safety suite.

Toyota Australia currently offers a GR Sport variant for the LandCruiser 300 and C-HR, while the smaller Yaris Cross GR Sport is due here in December.

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A HiLux GR Sport – replacing the current Rugged X – will launch here in the second half of 2023.

For more information about the 2023 Toyota RAV4 – including leaked pricing and features for Australia – click here.

The updated RAV4 will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2022.

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