Toyota RAV4 revealed: new SUV gets up to 300bhp and a GR Sport version

After fifteen million versions sold, the sensible Toyota RAV4 has grown up. Learnt a new language. Hit the gym. Found muscles it never knew it had. This is the new sixth-generation car, available exclusively as a hybrid and with up to 300bhp on tap. Sounds like the GR Sport team's food truck got diverted to HQ.

Speaking of which, there is actually a GR Sport version of the new RAV4 - the red car in the pics above - but more on that in a tick. First, some power. In the UK, you've got the choice of two plug-in hybrid cars: a 264bhp front-wheel-drive version, or that range-topping 300bhp AWD car. Elsewhere in Europe there's the choice of a 'full' hybrid (ie, the kind you can't plug in), but we won't get those.

All cars will get a new 22.7kWh li-ion battery developed from Toyota's full EVs and buried in the floor of the car, allowing up to 62 miles of electric only driving. It'll also top back up to 80 per cent in half an hour using a 50kW charger.

Floor it in the 300bhp PHEV version, and you'll manage 0-62mph in 5.8s. Five point eight. In a RAV4. Good thing it looks... robust. The dimensions and use of sharp creases mirror its predecessor, only here it's all been moulded to look a bit tougher, broader and more rugged. Especially when combined with that new headlight and grille combo.

Sportier, too, at least in GR trim. This car gets 'high-performance' dampers, retuned springs and power steering, and stronger rear bracing that Toyota reckons makes it more stable and allows for "an engaging drive". Naturally it's a little wider than the regular car - 20mm front and back - to better incorporate the lightweight 20in twin-spoke alloys. It also ditches the standard grille for a hexagonal mesh one similar to other hot Toyota products.

Inside, the GR gets numerous WRC-inspired bits like aluminium pedals, sports seats and... knee pads on the console. Gotta admire the ambition. Additionally, the seats are trimmed in synthetic leather and suede.

Standard features across all new RAV4s include a 12.3in driver’s display and a 12.9in infotainment screen, both synced up to the marque’s fancy new ‘Arene’ operating system. Toyota said Arene "marks the beginning of a new era of software-defined vehicles in which advanced digital technology creates new opportunities to enhance safety and contribute to Toyota’s ultimate goal of zero road accidents".

In short: it employs a suite of Toyota's next-gen driver and safety assistance like 'front cross traffic alert', lane change assist and a pre-collision system, all with improved response times and able to be constantly updated via OTA updates.

Like we said, the sensible RAV4 has grown up.