2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Debuts in Japan with Special GR Sport Version

Toyota has completed the sixth-gen RAV4 lineup in Japan by debuting the PHEV version along with the GR Sport variant.

It has been months since the sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 made its debut in the US, and Toyota has finally completed this model’s lineup in Japan with the introduction of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant in its native market. The new RAV4 PHEV only comes in two variants in Japan, including a souped-up GR Sport trim that adds sporty additional features to this popular SUV.

2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Z Trim

We’ll start with the non-GR Sport Z trim of the JDM-spec RAV4 PHEV, where no significant differences can be seen compared to the global model. It features several gloss black accents to help it differentiate from the standard hybrid (HEV) version, while retaining key design cues such as the hammerhead front face with C-shaped LED headlights, slim LED taillights, black alloy wheels with a dual five-spoke design, and more.

The GR Sport version, on the other hand, ups the ante with tons of GR-branded parts, including a more aggressive bodykit with a bigger front grille, GR-specific alloy wheels with a two-tone finish, red-hued GR Sport brake callipers, and a more prominent rear spoiler.

Beyond those cosmetic bits, the GR Sport treatment also adds some minor mechanical upgrades for the RAV PHEV, coming in the form of performance dampers, additional bracings, and sharper tuning for both the suspension and the electric power steering (EPS).

Inside, both the JDM-spec RAV4 PHEV variants share the same standard equipment as their overseas twins, and this includes the 12.9-inch central infotainment screen that runs Toyota’s Arene software platform, joined by a smaller 12.3-inch digital metre cluster with a coloured head-up display.

Other key amenities primed here include the “Electro Shiftmatic” shifter, wireless charging, a hands-free tailgate, heated and ventilated seats, an optional panoramic moonroof, and many more.

Typically, the GR Sport version gets some additional GR-branded bits, such as the GR Sport steering wheel, GR embossing on the front seats, contrasting red piping on the black leather upholstery for all seats, sporty metal pedals, GR-branded door sill plates, and a GR-badged key fob, to name a few.

Beneath the hood, both the JDM RAV4 PHEV Z and GR Sport share the same powertrain setup as the overseas-spec models, featuring a 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol engine that is mated to two electric motors and a sizable 22.7-kWh battery pack. And just like the US-spec version, the combined output for the JDM RAV4 PHEV is rated at 324 hp (242 kW), and drive is sent to all four wheels (AWD) via an e-CVT gearbox.

Toyota Japan claims this setup is good enough to provide up to 150 km of pure electric range under the WLTC cycle, thus putting it ahead of both its European and American siblings at 100 km (WLTP) and 84 km (EPA), respectively. Of course, the differences lie in the testing protocols rather than the hardware, as all RAV4 PHEV variants share the same powertrain setup.

On top of that, the Japan-spec RAV4 PHEV also comes standard with Toyota’s own “Power Supply Time Priority Mode," which coordinates the battery and combustion engine to provide electricity to your home for up to seven days at a constant 400-watt load.

Additionally, the RAV4 PHEV can also power up your devices from an internal socket located in the luggage area, and if equipped with a power connector that plugs into the charging port, it can provide up to 1,500 watts of electricity via a 100-volt external socket.

The all-new, sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 PHEV is now available for booking in Japan, with prices starting at JPY 6 million (RM151,312) for the Z trim and JPY 6.3 million (RM158,877) for the sportier GR Sport variant.

As of now, it remains to be seen whether the sixth-gen RAV4 will ever make its way into our market, given that the previous-gen model received a rather lukewarm reception due to the premium asking price put by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) for a fully-imported (CBU) version.