2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited
Toyota RAV4 Details
L4, 2.5L
Silver
AWD
Gasoline
66,470 Miles
001620
4T3DWRFV1LU001620
Hybrid Limited
Estimated Payment
$0 / month
2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Review
When I first drove the new RAV4 last year, it was apparent that Toyota infused it with a real dose of SUV. Other than Jeep, this class generally puts 4-wheeling on the back burner, but this one has some real chops so Toyota has taken it a step further; this is the new RAV4 TRD Off-Road.Toyota Racing Development, or TRD for short, was founded in the U.S. in 1979 and was put in charge of improving production vehicles for more performance. But it wasn’t until 1997 that customers could buy a Tacoma straight from the dealer that was outfitted with TRD parts, and thus the TRD Off-Road Package was born.
Flash ahead to 2020 and Toyota offers 3 TRD Off-Road models; Tacoma, 4Runner and now the RAV4. Unlike the TRD Pro models, the Off-Roads are more tepid in their approach. When the RAV4 was redesigned last year, Toyota introduced an Adventure model equipped with additional ground clearance, a more advanced all-wheel drive system, rugged appearance, and greater towing capacity.
The biggest difference between this TRD and the less adventurous Adventure Grade is that this one comes equipped with shocks and springs that are designed to better handle rough terrain. It also includes new bump stops for a smoother ride and better protection of your components. And of course, you also get these TRD wheels and off-road tires.
With the same 8.6” of underbody clearance, torque vectoring all-wheel drive system with Multi-terrain Select, downhill assist control and 3,500 pounds trailer towing, the TRD is a little chunkier looking, comes in exclusive colors such as this Magnetic Gray with Ice Edge Roof, and includes Hill Start Assist Control. Inside there are TRD all-weather floor mats and cargo mat and some amazingly comfortable seats wearing black SofTex with the TRD logo.
So while there’s nothing all too off-road crazy going on here, this RAV4 is certainly more capable than the vast majority of its competitors with the Jeep Compass and Subaru Forester being the outliers. These new Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires are likely the TRD’s most distinguishing attribute in that they provide the footwear needed to tackle the trail without sacrificing open road drivability. They’re also Severe Snow rated. The Bird’s Eye view camera with perimeter scan is also another ace in the hole for both sizing up obstacles and parking spaces. And though there’s no low range gearing, the slow-speed drive modes tailored for mud & sand and rock & dirt do well to set the driver up for success. You can monitor the torque distribution up here. As for the TRD suspension components, they don’t stand out as anything extraordinary on or off-road. I’d describe the ride quality as OK.
The engine; yeah, this is the RAV4’s missing link. It’s slow, incredibly noisy and paired to a transmission that’s doing it no favors. So the TRD is kind of a Jekyll and Hyde scenario; you’ll love driving it out here but much less so anywhere else.
Same complaints as my first time around but perhaps a little stronger: this 203 horsepower 4-cylinder has to pull the most weight here and its asthmatic sounds and deliberate acceleration start to grate on you. Combine that with poor highway manners and lots of wind noise and the TRD will have you wishing for more mud time where it’s a joy to drive. This one is also the least fuel-efficient RAV4 rated at 27mpg in combined driving.
Loaded with all of the extras including the 2-tone roof, this RAV4 stickers for $41,485. That includes the best front seats in the segment, hands-down…upholstered in a synthetic material they’re soft and supportive. Absolutely perfect. But that doesn’t include a height adjustable passenger seat or memory settings.
Yeah, there’s some sticker shock here despite the nearly fully-loaded flavor. Though the infotainment is CarPlay compatible and simple, the graphics look low res and the screens are dim and hard to see in sunlight. The driver assistive features are also robust but the dynamic cruise control with lane keep assist is perhaps the crudest on the market. I also wish some of these buttons, like the one for the camera, were somewhere on the right for easier access. The rear seats are spacious and comfortable and the cargo area equally well-sized with a power liftgate.
But if this is the kind of small SUV fun you’re after, a Jeep Compass Trailhawk may be a better bet and at the very least is definitely worth a look.