OFFICIAL NEW TOYOTA RAV4

REVEALED Next generation of Japanese firm's family SUV will be plug-in hybrid only in the UK, with 62 miles of electric range

- Alastair Crooks

THE wraps have come off the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4, a key model for the Japanese brand not only in the UK, but also globally. Since the RAV4 arrived in 1994, it's been a staple of the family SUV class and the outgoing version proved as popular as ever, becoming the third best-selling car in the world last year.

The key to the RAV4's success over the decades has been its build quality, off-road capability and, in recent years, hybrid efficiency. This is something that will continue with the new model's full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, although only the latter will be offered in the UK.

At the top of the new RAV4 range is the GR Sport trim, a spec added to the previous model's line-up in 2022. The specification adds 20mm to the RAV4's track, plus high-performance dampers, tuned springs, stronger rear bracing and tweaked power steering for what Toyota claims to be “increased engagement”.

To make the GR Sport look different from the standard RAV4, it gets black 20-inch alloy wheels, a 'functional matrix' grille that's exclusive to the model, GR badging and some tweaks inside - including aluminium pedals, suede sports seats, red stitching and red accents throughout. As a seemingly tenuous link to Toyota's WRC campaign, there are even knee pads on the centre console - just in case you decide to throw the RAV4 around a rally stage.