Toyota RAV4 Off-Road, or Not? – Auto Trends Magazine

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV, a design accessible in common, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations. It now outsells the midsize Camry sedan and compact Corolla sedan and hatchback and is one of the most effective-selling vehicles in The united states.

With these kinds of a potent nameplate driving product sales, the automaker is getting the RAV4 to places it has not gone prior to. Specifically, to the off-street in which most crossovers panic to tread. A exclusive RAV4 Off-Street course is now aspect of the model line, a quality degree we reviewed in this article very last 12 months and just lately took off-street this calendar year.

Where by beforehand we had large uncertainties about its off-road worthiness, we have since amended our considering to give it a skilled thumb’s up. Read through on to find out what altered our minds and what reservations we nevertheless have about this unique version.

Toyota RAV4 Overview

For this review, we’re on the lookout at the fuel product only. Toyota prices the 2022 RAV4 from $26,975, additionally a $1,215 destination charge. This car or truck comes in LE, XLE, Confined, Experience, and Off-Highway grades. The initial a few grades come with regular entrance-wheel drive and available all-wheel push. The Adventure and Off-Road grades are all-wheel travel only. When totally outfitted, a RAV4 could possibly expense as much as $42,000, including the shipping and delivery charge.

Just about every RAV4 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. These are strong quantities and are between the very best in this class for naturally aspirated engines.

Ability routes to the wheels employing an 8-pace automated transmission. Toyota could have absent the constantly variable transmission route, but we are glad they did not. Specially for any type of off-road punishment.750

We Have a Concern

Prior to we dissect the RAV4 Off-Road trim, a issue requirements to be requested and answered. Precisely, why would Toyota supply this sort of a product? The respond to is uncomplicated – its opponents do. We presently have the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Far more not long ago, the Ford Bronco Activity arrived, demonstrating that there is room in the crossover sphere for models that are appropriate for mudding.

But to get to go destinations where the common crossover should not go meant that exclusive modifications ended up important. In unique, the TRD-particular 18-inch wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Path 01A tires offer enhanced grip and extraction on muddy terrain.

More, Toyota tweaked the suspension process to squeeze through tough patches with simplicity. As for ground clearance, there is no big difference among this trim and most other RAV4 grades – it features 8.6 inches.

Lacks Underbody Defense

What this RAV4 does not have is a rear locking differential or low gearing. These are characteristics typical to regular SUVs with 4-wheel-generate systems. They’re also critical for rigorous off-road adventuring wherever the probabilities of receiving stuck are substantial.

In its place, Toyota supplies extra equipment options for mud and sand as properly as rock and dust. Once again, it isn’t a real 4Lo process, but it mimics just one, even so.

You also will not obtain underbody cladding these kinds of as a metal skid plate to protect the gasoline tank. We can consider an individual using this crossover on the identical trails as Toyota 4Runner, thinking they have an equivalent off-road warhorse. Clearly, they would be making a important error. And if you do get stuck? There are no tow hooks present. This crossover is not made for them.

Let’s Go Locations

The RAV4 in any quality is a comfy, roomy, and pleasing crossover. On the highway, that is. Handsome appears, a clean cabin, and a spacious and adaptable cargo compartment are between its chief characteristics. It also has a 1,500-pound tow rating or 3,500 pounds with the Experience and TRD Off-Highway trims.

Most Toyota supporters, although, opt for a Tacoma when towing this measurement vehicle. The Tacoma is rated to pull from 3,500 to 6,800 pounds. Also, the 4Runner arrives in at 5,000 lbs. Continue to, the towing number for the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Street is laudable.

Our previously reservations about this grade’s off-road abilities ended up eased when we tested a single when in Texas. That Texas function was part of the national press preview of the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV. Moreover the Sequoia, Toyota had the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra on hand to examination on its off-road course.

We discovered the RAV 4 was included with the check fleet, but a separate course was made exclusively for it. In other text, the place the hard, entire body-on-body products had been put through the rigors of axle articulation, the RAV4 climbed a rock outcropping before navigating the identical muddy path as the other automobiles.

The RAV4 acquit alone as it gradually but steadily made its way forward. Similarly, in exams done domestically, we observed the TRD Off-Road playful on a selection of surfaces, which include gravel. Without a doubt, just when this crossover appeared as if it would eliminate grip, ability shifted from the front to rear wheels to hold it steady. We limited our adventuring to very well-worn paths, steering clear of the mud sloughs that can obstacle even the most arduous SUVs.

The all-terrain tires are a major big difference maker below as they plowed as a result of terrain with ease. Coming out on the other side and you’ll locate a substantial sum of mud splatter on the RAV4’s sides. Adhere to a capable direct auto and you could experience comfortable heading sites you’d otherwise avoid if alone.

Parting Ideas

So, choose the RAV4 Off-Road on well-worn paths, through shallow puddles, and up and down gentle rock outcroppings. Apparently, Toyota shares technique (19 degrees) and departure (21 degrees) angles, but not the breakover angle. Probably Toyota acknowledges the RAV4 may crack as it climbs about particular obstructions. Or at the very least the fuel tank may well get punctured.

Right here in North Carolina, off-street adventuring is extensively accessible, but having this design to the trails of Uwharrie Countrywide Forest or on the sands of the Outer Banking companies is not smart.

See Also — Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime

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