It has been said by Toyota that it “needs” a quick SUV

It’s no surprise that Toyota, known for its high-performance Gazoo Racing cars, is considering a bold addition to its lineup- a powerful SUV. While many models have already received the GR Sport makeover, the absence of a full-fledged, high-riding performance SUV has been felt. However, this could change soon, marking a significant shift in Toyota’s product strategy.

In an interview with the Australian newspaper Car Expert, GR’s head, Tomoya Takahashi, said, “In my opinion, we will require a GR SUV.” Because of family needs or lack of room, some people have to drive SUVs. It might be good for our company to have an SUV.”

He would not say which model would be given the GR treatment. Still, it would be one of the bigger SUVs because the Yaris Cross and C-HR are so crowded. The bZ4X would also be left out. The Land Cruiser is our pick, whether it’s the big LC300 (shown above), which is only sold in a few places, or the smaller LC250/Prado, which we get here in the US. With a time of less than 5.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, a GR RAV4 might be faster than the 302 horsepower Prime.

Tomoya Takahashi, head of GR, emphasized the importance of strategic planning for future portfolio growth. With limited resources, Gazoo Racing must carefully choose its next moves. While the 86, Supra, Corolla, and Yaris are already available in full-fat GR form, the introduction of a GR SUV would require a thoughtful allocation of resources. This strategic approach is crucial for maintaining the brand’s value and meeting customer demands.

The potential introduction of a GR SUV by Toyota could be a game-changer in the automotive industry. While large automakers have been offering more powerful versions of their SUVs for years, Toyota’s entry into this segment could signal a shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics. This is evident from successful models like the T-Roc R, Tiguan R, and Touareg R from Volkswagen, and the Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT from Hyundai and Kia. Customers will have to spend their own money to decide if the GR brand has become more valuable enough to pay the extra cost for a bigger SUV.