RAV4 Goes Upscale with its Sapphire Hybrid Design Study

Toyota RAV4 Sapphire Hybrid Design Study (Credit: © Toyota)

Toyota’s C-HR took center stage for the Japanese automaker at Geneva, as the world finally got a peek at the brand’s sub-RAV4 Toyota Juke fighter. While all of the attention was fixed to its little brother, the RAV4 Hybrid had its own presence at the Geneva Auto Show in the form of an upscale design study to gauge customer interest.

While an upscale RAV4 Hybrid may not sell well here in the U.S.—higher than its current range-topping Limited trim, that is—in Europe, the RAV4 is actually a pretty posh vehicle thanks to its long-for-the-market wheelbase and spacy cabin. This crossover, dubbed the RAV4 Sapphire Hybrid, appears to scratch the premium itch many buyers in this market would have.

The most noticeable change to this model is its sleek, dark-blue hue that is definitely not a production color. This hue is highlighted by the elimination of the standard black body cladding typically found on the lower portion of the RAV4 Hybrid’s body and around the wheel wells. In the place of the black cladding are silver accents on the base of the front bumper and the base of the doors—the latter accents also house the telltale “Hybrid” emblem, which lives on the front fenders on the production model. Rounding out the exterior changes are chrome accents on the grille and 20-inch rollers.

Toyota RAV4 Sapphire Hybrid Design Study (Credit: © Toyota)

In the cabin, the upscale additions continue. Here, Toyota went all out with piano black trim and “hybrid blue” vents for some added color contrast. The most upscale part of this cabin are the leather seats, which feature a diamond-quilted pattern and “RAV4” embossed on their seatbacks.

Powering this model is likely the same 194-horsepower hybrid unit and i-AWD for added traction.

There are currently no production plans for this upscale model, but I am sure that if customers clamor for it, Toyota will build it. We’ll bring you more details as they become available.