Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT Expert Review

The Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT uses a 2.5L A25A-FXS PHEV system producing 329 PS, with a 206 PS front motor and 55 PS rear motor. Toyota does not publish an official 0–100 km/h acceleration time, but independent estimates place it around 5.8–6.2 seconds. It uses ventilated disc brakes at both the front and rear with coordinated hydraulic and regenerative braking.

In normal Bangladesh conditions, you can expect roughly 12–15 km/L in city driving, 18–21 km/L on highways and around 15–18 km/L combined when the vehicle is operating mainly as a hybrid after the usable battery charge has been depleted.

The GR SPORT is the performance-focused RAV4 version and comes with a dedicated 329 PS PHEV powertrain, E-Four AWD, GR-tuned suspension, dedicated EPS tuning, GR Performance Damper, GR rear brace, 20-inch alloy wheels, red GR brake calipers, dedicated sports seats, GR interior details, 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and a 12.9-inch multimedia display. It also includes advanced safety and parking technology such as BSM, radar cruise control, LTA and Advanced Park.

Yes, but its size and low-profile 20-inch tyres deserve attention. The 190mm ground clearance is useful for normal Dhaka streets, speed breakers and moderately uneven roads, while E-Four AWD and the PHEV system provide strong traction. However, the 1880mm body width and 235/50R20 tyres are less forgiving on narrow roads, broken edges and severe potholes. In Dhaka, the vehicle's width can also make tight parking and congested lanes more demanding. For highway travel, bridges, better-maintained city roads and long-distance driving, the RAV4's suspension, stability and cabin refinement are much more at home.

It is capable in the city, particularly when you can regularly charge the PHEV battery and use EV driving for shorter journeys. The electric motors provide immediate response and very quiet low-speed operation, which works well in stop-and-go Dhaka traffic. The 360-degree panoramic-view monitor and Advanced Park can also make parking easier. The main drawback is size: at 4645mm long and 1880mm wide, it is considerably larger than the compact cars commonly used in crowded urban areas. The 5.7-metre turning radius is manageable but not especially small.

It is capable in the city, particularly when you can regularly charge the PHEV battery and use EV driving for shorter journeys. The electric motors provide immediate response and very quiet low-speed operation, which works well in stop-and-go Dhaka traffic. The 360-degree panoramic-view monitor and Advanced Park can also make parking easier. The main drawback is size: at 4645mm long and 1880mm wide, it is considerably larger than the compact cars commonly used in crowded urban areas. The 5.7-metre turning radius is manageable but not especially small.

Routine maintenance should be budgeted at roughly ৳10,000–18,000 per regular service, depending on oil, filters, inspection work and workshop choice. A sensible annual routine-maintenance budget is around ৳40,000–70,000, excluding major repairs, tyres, insurance and accident damage. The 20-inch tyres, PHEV electrical system, high-performance braking components and specialised hybrid components can make major maintenance considerably more expensive than a conventional Toyota SUV. Regular inspection of the hybrid cooling system, charging system, brakes, suspension and tyres is particularly important for long-term ownership.

Check the PHEV battery condition, charging system, hybrid warning history, engine operation, e-CVT operation, E-Four system, suspension, brakes and 20-inch wheels and tyres carefully. Inspect the vehicle for accident repairs, chassis damage, flood exposure, corrosion and poorly repaired body panels. Check the charging port and confirm that charging operates normally. Test EV and hybrid driving modes separately and look for warning messages on the digital displays. Also check the 360-degree camera, Advanced Park, ADAS functions, air-conditioning, infotainment, power tailgate and all electrical equipment. A proper diagnostic scan and independent inspection are strongly recommended before purchase.

The biggest drawbacks are its very high Bangladesh price, large body, heavy kerb weight and expensive 20-inch tyres. The 1880mm width can be inconvenient on narrow Dhaka roads and tight parking spaces. The PHEV system is highly sophisticated, which can mean higher repair costs when specialised components eventually require attention. The GR-tuned suspension also prioritises handling and body control more than a soft, floating ride. Finally, the benefits of the plug-in hybrid system are much greater when you have convenient access to regular charging.