2011 Toyota RAV4 V6 Off-Road Test. Is it a good Overlander?

We take our #RAV4 off the beaten path for an impromptu weekend of trying out Overland trails to see how it does. The #3rdGenRAV4 doesn’t feature big offroad stats like it’s bigger Toyota brothers, it doesn’t have a low gear, a solid axle or even true lockers but it DOES have a lot of heart and with the right set of mods, it ends up doing surprisingly well. I wish we had more time that day to REALLY test the car out but sadly we had to cut the day short for other plans we had that Saturday. Overall, this was a great shakedown for our mini overland Toyota RAV4 build and I am totally looking forward to more. #NomadGrappler
#FRpitcrew
Links to products:
Wheels:
reikavs.com/toyota/rav4-awd/g...
Lift:
northwoodsperformance.com/pro...
Skid plate:
northwoodsperformance.com/pro...
Tires:
simpletire.com/brands/nitto-t...

[@jensschipull7993]

I got the Northwoods suspension kit installed in my 2008 RAV4 last month. Had the same trail planned out last week, but I chickened out! LOL. Thanks for the expertly made video. Now I’m encouraged!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Heck yes, just try to stay on the "overland line" out there because some trails can get super gnarly super fast.

[@zachf6256]

Awesome video! I love how your dogs are just chillin’ in the back - lovin life. What a great build

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you thank you! They love off-roading but they really wanted to get out and run

[@zachf6256]

@@CoolGuyClub Totally! Dogs will be dogs 🐶 I really like your rav 4 build and your sequoia build. One of the most appealing features about your rav4 is that you don’t have the spare tire mount on the rear hatch. Having a 2012 Tundra…I recently upgraded to the alpharex headlights and led bulbs. (Went with the pros). Based on your install and review. So thank you for putting that video together as well 👍

[@Caleb0rocks]

Exactly the video I wanted - Love the content, keep it coming!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you for watching!

[@Kiarabelle1]

Glad I found your channel. Awsome content. Proud owner of two Rav4's with the V6. KZbinr/Toyota Technician The Car Care Nut calls these "the rocket". Thank you for sharing.

[@MitchUSA]

moving to utah soon, looking for a daily driver, reliability, and cost efficient. ive heard lots of good things about the northwoods and was showing my wife right before clicking on this video. the skidplate looks super nice also, this would be great for work (snowy days) and taking the family camping in. thanks for making this video, i think ill go with this setup. great video also!!

[@unnumeroinfinito]

Me encantó este video! very good and encouraging for someone who doesn't know anything about this stuff!

[@chinoyhouse8247]

Love the look of it. Its Like a futuristic scifi dune buggy / dakar rally / planetary expedition vehicle look. And it looks like a fast off roader. Man, I have a gen 5 but that gen 3 with the spare tire on the back just looks so good. Btw, off road performance is great! Excellent video! Wishing you both a Safe and fun overlanding! 👍

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you for watching!

[@FirstLightAdv]

Thank you I've been waiting for ages to see you drive the car!! As with you I have proper 4wd's - a 70 series and Prado. Would be keen to build my v6!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Yes! The RAV4 is so good at being a great all arounder but the Prado will be the offroad king!

[@juangago7999]

Is there any issue with the transmission if you change the tyre size? Great video!

[@Keepsix]

i love my 2010 v6 rav4, i go offroad and ice fishing in it all the time, i love how the back folds flat to sleep on and has over 6ft so im comfy in the back with my 2 Pitbull's

[@MrScoobieman]

Nice video, I have a 2010 rav4 v6 going to install a lift kit with 2” spacers … hopefully it will be ok without the full suspension lift kit . Any thoughts? Thanks

[@nserekodaniel7653]

Any chance you would test the Highlander? Any generation works.

[@leveluplife8585]

That's a nice pump you made!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you thank you!

[@ambienteterrazas]

I had to fallback on my 2016 awd rav4 for while, I installed a northwoods 2'' lift kit and some trail terrain tires, I took my little rav to a lot of remote places in baja, I am not saying they are jeep material but with a little common sense and adventures state of mind they can definitely go outhere, I only wish my rav was full time awd.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Actually same! However for around town driving for the wife getting 20+mpgs almost 30 on the highway is a good thing.

[@buya_pr]

What radio is that? Do you have a link?

[@chad1755]

Love your setup with those tires and skidplate. I used to have a 2011 Rav4 -- was such a great car. We traded in for a Highlander because we needed the space but otherwise I would have kept it forever.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you so much. They are pretty small on space for today's standards for sure, Highlanders are excellent options as well.

[@chad1755]

Yeah 3 car seats don't fit well in the back, plus we needed more towing capacity

[@patrickparsley4091]

Man- so tempted but I hear so many horror strories when you change the geometry of such a vehicle from how it was designed. but great looking job.

[@CoolGuyClub]

All the CV angles are within spec so you don't have to panic.

[@catsofthestreet9547]

@@CoolGuyClubdo you mind exposing what CV angles means? And what is within spec for this particular car? Thanks!

[@KyleStrachan]

I’ve got the same lift kit and added some larger tires on my rav, also without the spare tire. What’s your spare tire plan? I was thinking about adding a swinging hitch mount eventually for those forest road adventures. Love those wheels too, thanks for linking everything!

[@CoolGuyClub]

We are gonna run no spare. I’d prefer to run plugs and patches than throw a spare and a swing out to the wife’s mini mobber

[@Fischouttawater]

I’ve got mine standing in the trunk against the backside of the 2nd row seating. I got some of those heavy duty rubber straps hooked from the baby seat anchors to the lug holes in the wheel. Moves a small amount when I’m turning but more or less stays in place.

[@kickapooCam]

Well damn now I gotta order a lift kit and some tires

[@dadanyow7202]

Cool rav4! I have 2.4l with front wheel drive only I wish I got the awd option instead.

[@spindrift2719]

Put a electric locker in the rear maybe ?

[@CoolGuyClub]

I wish someone made one.

[@yinonsofer]

Do you have a spare tire somewhere installed in the vehicle? Just got the sport model too and wondering what to do. 😮

[@CoolGuyClub]

We actually do not have a spare the same size of the rest of the wheels. We have plug kits and stitching just in case we need it.

[@woolengrappler]

I have a 2009 v6. It’s a rocket!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Such a rocket!

[@MillennialInMedicine]

Where did you get those door handles??

[@CoolGuyClub]

a.co/d/048ubpG

[@bagel411]

Neat

[@ponyboyack00]

Pretty impressive. Clearly not what the car is built for. So, my concern would be issues after unintended use. I wouldn't build a vehicle for uses like this that isn't designed for and expect it to not have problems eventually. As opposed to a true body on frame 4x4. But fun video.

[@mirrorface3]

Anyone have experience with a 4cylinder rav4 in similar conditions??!

[@otahu26]

Best left to maintained Dirt roads. Love my v6 rav. a top speed of 137 mph. It's one Fast sleeper. . but I loved my 4runner better for the fact it has a low range and crawl control. Rav is ok ish on longing road but With the tranny being the vulnerable part and the tin thin rocker pannels. I wouldn't take it into rocks or bump the rockers. You'll destroy them.

[@MC4D.]

Your v6 rav gets better mpg's than my 2.4l rav lol. I love my 2008, i will only get rid of it when i get a v6 one lol

[@seanterry5411]

I just got my first V6 Rav a week ago and my first tank was 16mpg… my old 4cyl got mid 20s

[@CoolGuyClub]

16 is ridiculously low for us. Have you changed plugs and filters?

[@zyl8tr]

Yeah 16mpg is too low. I get 23mpg on my v6

[@oatesandmessina]

@@seanterry5411 ours averages around 23-24. You're getting close to Land Cruiser MPG! Your RAV might have some problems. I hope you can get it figured out because the V6 Rav4 is Toyota's best kept secret. It's a grocery getting sleeper.

[@mercurials54]

36 psi 😮

[@burtbeimers9405]

whats an overlander ??

[@lucasmorris64]

This was hilarious, not even close to a test for the Rav 4. Too easy up your off-road game. I have a stock Rav 4 same gen...

[@Kingpolo-sv4yf]

I’m gonna let you know this right now I don’t give a damn about that RAV4. I want to know about the red Corolla that you have hidden in the corner

[@CoolGuyClub]

ahahah we got plenty of videos on the channel about the ae86. Good eye for noticing.

[@Kingpolo-sv4yf]

@@CoolGuyClub I have one in Puerto Rico that I’m having shipped over here. I can notice one of those cars from 5 miles away and when I see of yours it’s a beautiful vehicle.