A Toyota RAV4 Turbo Could Happen, In Theory: Report
Toyota has no current plans to put the engine in the crossover, but that might change if consumers demand it.
The Breakdown:
- Toyota’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder could fit in the new RAV4.
- There are no official plans to put the engine in the popular crossover.
- The RAV4’s chief engineer revealed Toyota might consider it if consumers demand it.
With the launch of the sixth-generation RAV4, Toyota also introduced a sportier GR variant. It’s not a full-blown GR model, getting the GR Sport badge instead, but a hotter crossover is possible if consumers demand it.
In an interview with Australia’s Drive, the crossover’s chief engineer, Yoshinori Futonagane, revealed that a larger engine could fit under the hood of the RAV4. He said, "We could actually fit a 2.4-liter turbo in that engine compartment."
Toyota’s turbocharged 2.4-liter T24A-FTS engine powers an assortment of models, including Lexus. The engine makes 275 horsepower in the RX350 and 366 hp in the RX 500h when paired with the automaker’s electric hybrid system.
The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine alone wouldn’t be enough to surpass the GR Sport’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. It delivers 320 horsepower and features suspension and steering systems tuned by the GR engineering division.
Will A GR RAV4 Actually Happen?
A hot GR RAV4 is not on Toyota’s to-do list right now. Futonagane revealed that the automaker already believes the GR Sport is “powerful enough,” but that could change. He said:
‘If people started making a noise and saying, 'Yeah, we want a 2.4-liter turbo', it might end up on the agenda.’
While there are "no official plans at the moment," there appears to be only one remaining hurdle to a GR RAV4—management. Futonagane said, "The only bits that are missing is a corporate appreciation of the market demand and the potential wow factor."
If Toyota green-lights a GR RAV4, it will likely feature a different powertrain than the T24A-FTS. The automaker is developing a new family of 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder combustion engines, which will also power Toyota’s future GR models.
The engine could make up to 600 hp.
Gallery: 2026 Toyota RAV4
Motor1's Take: We doubt Toyota has plans to put its turbocharged 2.4-liter into the RAV4 anytime soon, especially with a new range of engines in development. That doesn't mean the automaker is not considering a hotter GR variant. If the larger 2.4-liter engine can fit, so can the 600-hp 2.0-liter one, right?
Here's More Toyota News:
Source: Drive
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