When Toyota unleashed the all-new RAV4 GR Sport, it caught everyone by surprise. Despite being a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the electrified crossover is now one of the most powerful crossovers from the brand.

With 329 PS on tap thanks to a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that's assisted by dual electric motors, it beats the likes of the GR Corolla and the GR Yaris, which both crank out 300 PS. More importantly, the RAV4 GR Sport can do up to 150 km without using a single drop of fuel, thanks to a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It also benefits from a GR-tuned suspension system to better handle the corners. We're hoping Toyota PH eventually brings it here.

But despite the performance prowess of the RAV4 GR Sport, it seems some customers still want a high-performance RAV4 without electrification. Well, a Toyota engineer has found out that a turbocharged performance version of the sixth-generation RAV4 could happen should customers demand it.

Speaking to Australian publication Drive, Yoshinori Futonagane, the Chief Engineer for the latest RAV4, shared that while the RAV4 GR Sport is already powerful and fast, it's not exactly the fire-breathing GR RAV4 Toyota has yet to build.

In fact, Futonagane said that Toyota is currently not aware of any customer demand for a high-performance version of its popular compact crossover. However, the chief engineer did say that the brand's 2.4L turbo inline-four (AKA the T24A-FTS) fits under the hood of the latest RAV4.

“We could actually fit a 2.4-liter turbo in that engine compartment. There are no official plans at the moment, but you know, the only bits that are missing are a corporate appreciation of the market demand and the potential wow factor. If people started making a noise and saying, 'Yeah, we want a 2.4-liter turbo', it might end up on the agenda,” said Futonagane.

For those who are not familiar, the 2.4L turbocharged engine dubbed the T24A-FTS powers several Lexus and Toyota models, particularly the Lexus NX 350, the RX 350, the RX 500h F Sport, and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. In pure ICE form, the 2.4L turbo makes 278 PS with 430 Nm of torque, while the turbo-hybrid version makes a combined 371 PS with 460 Nm of torque.

Should Toyota actually make the GR RAV4 a reality, we won't be surprised if the automaker goes for the turbo-hybrid route, as the Lexus RX 500h F Sport. But to make it a GR model, it might have to generate at least 400 PS with 500 Nm of torque, complete with suspension and chassis upgrades to complement its performance pedigree.

While the idea of a GR RAV4 sounds great, it might not make sense in the long run since Toyota is pivoting towards new engines that will be shared more broadly across various models, segments, and brands. And while the RAV4 continues to be popular among mainstream buyers, it might not do so well in the niche performance category.

Still, if Toyota somehow decides to make it a reality in small numbers, it might attract those who want a RAV4 that can even beat sports cars.