2015 Toyota RAV4 Moab Off-Road Review: Sand, Wind & Sun

[@briteidea08]

I've rented both a 2015 and 16. Drove each of them over three thousand miles each. The RAV4 is a very solid vehicle. Drove it down a rutted dirt road and felt very comfortable behind the wheel.

[@aleksod]

Finally RAV4 is getting some love from you, guys .

[@keptkozy]

Hmm I hated that car until I drove one 3 weeks ago (also 2015 model) and was super impressed. Car punches above its weight class as shown here and it is great value for money. Side note I love your reviews because they are non bias but also not cynical like half the reviewers on KZbin that spend 15 minutes per video bashing on anything that isn't a Supra. You give your two cents without making the whole thing an opinion piece. These reviews actually help people make buying decisions. Keep it up guys!

[@bucki58]

I would take a RAV4 over a Wrangler in nearly every situation.

[@honestycounts9352]

In super lose sand (like on a beach), if you get stuck, just lower your drive-wheel tire's PSI down to about 1/2 to 1/3 of the original pressure, to around 10 to 15 psi. You will then notice that your tires will literally 'float' over the lose sand. But only do this if you have a bicycle (or auto) air pump with you because once you get to the road you will need to re-inflate your drive wheels back up to normal pressure, otherwise you will have to crawl at 1/2 normal posted speed to the nearest gas station. The extra flexing of the side walls on the tires will cause over-heating and a blowout if you drive at normal speeds on an under-inflated tire.

[@johnnytorres277]

Thats terrible advice. Look at how huge that wheel/rim is and how little tire sidewall they have. If they air down they're just gonna hit the rim, especially down to 10 or 15 PSI.

[@colesisler582]

@@johnnytorres277 airing down a bit should usually be fine for these vehicles. Esspecially if you’re driving in loose sand with no real encounters with rocks. But 1/3 the original pressure is in fact too low, I’d stick with dropping it no lower than 20, and one would probably fair ok.

[@djclown7pb]

my family is a huge fan of the rav4, our old 2000 with 207k is ready for another winter. They are just super safe and dependable, it would be the first thing I would put my kids in.

[@mikeo.4203]

Took my rav4 on many forest roads and backcountry near Yosemite. Honestly, the rav4 gets a bad rep but never bottomed out or got stuck (never once used my center locking diff) . As far as reliability I have a 2016 only thing I’ve ever needed was an oil change.

[@PowerArsenal]

This may sound nuts but I was debating between the rav4 and a bmw 340i. Two totally different leagues I know but now that I know rav4 is off-road capable I’m sold! Thank you Fast Lane Car!

[@LlyleHunter]

If you don't have plans for off roading remember that the runningboards are essential for machine gunners during drive-bys.

[@LlyleHunter]

Glad you got a laugh out of it NA.

[@karamich75]

Ground clearance is below average and belly parts not packaged for off roadind with peace of mind. Otherwise it could be a great choice espcially it is a super reliable one.

[@colesisler582]

If you’re just doing things like driving on the beach/adverse on road conditions and washed out fire roads then it’s great but you’re right, if you plan on going over things it would be nerve racking.

[@tungol00]

I can't wait for the hybrid model for 2016 will probably be trading in my CR-V.

[@anthonymancuso7272]

Average your gay

[@FrancineRA1970]

Beautiful, beautiful place. It's so nice that you go through the effort to feature the landscape. Fun video. Like the Toyota too!

[@MsBess100]

Thank you so much for explaining how the 2015 system works. My husband has a 2010 awd rav4 and i have been looking to upgrade my car to a 2015 or 2016. Aside from the lack of sport mode it appears to be the same system overall.

[@tennisfitapp]

Plus they never break! Getting one of these soon ❤ nice review man!!

[@usagentcyclone]

still on my learners driving my moms 2014 rav 4 and ahh i love the sport button. cant wait till i buy my own car tho

[@AWDfreak]

I think it's safe to bet that 0.001% of Toyota RAV4 drivers will actually even bother to take their RAV4 off road. I'm surprised Toyota and the other manufacturers have caught up to the AWD leaders. Watching this review gives me confidence that more crossovers are actually going to improve their light off-road capabilities with the AWD system, though not necessarily approach, departure, and breakover angles.

[@goshatomasik]

I have taken it off road and the worst part is the low clearance on this vehicle, otherwise it performs quite well. I’ve looked into lift kits for this model and seems like there are some options. New models starting from 2019 have improved clearance height etc.

[@ilovetoyotatrucks]

awesome.... they need to incorporate the trd/bilstien into this & take on everyone's small SUV

[@marcotsubero]

I can't wait to upgrade my wheels and tires for off road on my 2015 Rav ill be taking a trip to Moab right after. Great vid keep it up the good work!

[@daylight1168]

Hey Nathan. I have a 2014 Rav 4 awd xle and like it very much. However the stock continental tires suck in the snow. What would be a better tire. I live in Maryland. Thanks...

[@NathanDAdlen]

James T Bridgestone Blizzak are the best ones I've tested. There are others, but the Blizzaks are the ones I have experience with.

[@daylight1168]

nathan adlen Long time fan of yours nathan. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@orangestranger1]

I have the same year and model, and yes those Continental tires though lasted long were junk on snow. I swapped to a Michelin All Season M&S and for the past year and half , they have worked well in snow, frozen slush and up dirt fire roads in California and PNW.

[@lp9781]

i put on yokohama geolander AT 15s that are snow rated and were great in the snow

[@The_Notorious_CRG]

Thinking about a crossover SUV with a smidgen of off road capability and came across this TFL video. I usually avoid these guys because I can't stand them. Now I know the problem is Roman and not Nathan.

[@shotgunscott]

The real problem I have with my RAV4 is the receiver is mounted very low, and it bottoms out even when doing something as inoculous as pulling out of my driveway. They should have spent a little more time designing that mounting option. Even the tiny Crosstek has a higher receiver. I have a hitch mount bike rack, and it drags when I head to Moab, or Hurricane Utah. It makes me miss my Tundra on bike trips.

[@EdoOregu]

Pimp t-shirt with Andre! cool stuff!

[@robertadu1466]

Please I'm Robert from Ghana and I will like to know which one to go for 2015 rav4 or 2017 rav4

[@seanbaxter1692]

How do you stop it on a hill from rolling backward

[@itsashedthing6123]

The brake pedal

[@albertrenteria8012]

Where can you get this lift kit for the 2015 rav4?

[@thomasmeadows256]

So you're talking about the traction control. If you hit that switch it will make more go to the rear wheels

[@MrRobinski]

Is it also earlier rav4's that have this all wheel drive features or something new from 2014?

[@russrishi]

Does anyone have an opinion or experience with beach driving with a Rav-4? It would be cool if TFL did a review on that.

[@SuperDagod1]

How is the acceleration with a 4 cylinder. also how long will the 4 wheel drive system last before a major repair?

[@roberthicks686]

4:51 - anyone got GPS coordinates for this?

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

***** Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's somewhere in the USA.

[@NathanDAdlen]

***** Hi Robert, here you go. 38.781943,-110.059419

[@roberthicks686]

nathan adlen Thanks Nathan! This is on my short list whenever I get a Renegade.

[@SilverWolf25]

nathan adlen Hey Nathan love the off road reviews! Always wondered when you guys do the off road in Colorado, where is that place at? You usually are around a shooting range.

[@NathanDAdlen]

We have a few places that we film at. We use the Switzerland Trail, Bounce School near Boulder and Lefthand Canyon. All of them have shooting ranges nearby. Hope that helps!

[@ericcontreras8863]

I would like to see toyota make a skid plate for it.

[@Kachok80]

Looks good, but can it top a Subaru? Does it's torque management top X-Mode AWD? And just eyeballing it here but it looks to have significantly less ground clearance then a Forester or Crosstrek which have 8.7"

[@timothyames8385]

Nathan, do you think I could confidently drive this on the beaches of the OBX, stock? I own 2 2013, limiteds. They recommend solely 4x4 (I think mainly for height, since the Rav has a great AWD system) for beach driving there , do you think the Rav would do well?

[@adnanrahman54]

Hi Nathan, how does Mazda CX5 All Wheel drive compare to Toyota Rav4 All Wheel Drive System.

[@framemartgallery4619]

Im watching this informative review a week after obtaining secent condition 2015. 75k

[@lffit]

maximun grip in RWD? With the engine weight over the front wheels, I would have though the opposite?

[@NathanDAdlen]

lffit Maximum grip WITH the RWD kicking in.

[@ReligiousShooter]

Too bad they got rid of the V6.

[@Nemofishman]

ReligiousShooter Now, if it was the V6 only with AWD, and the I-4 only with FWD, it would be a good 50-50 split, and mommy could race to the school in record time - and for about $33,000!

[@shotgunscott]

ReligiousShooter: I agree. This thing gets decent mileage, but I'd gladly lose 3 mpg for more power.

[@karlosxzy]

Great review. I've been tossing up whether to buy an older 2006 RAV4 or a newer 2015 RAV4. Prefer the look of the older model, but the tech and features in the newer models at only a slightly higher price point is great too. We will just be doing 95% highway driving and 5% light duty sand/unsealed driving. How does this vehicle handle washboard (aka corrugated) road surfaces? We have used a 2015 150 series Prado in the past on the same roads and it handled it perfectly.

[@ariabozorgi]

is the ra4's AWD better than the Grand cherokee Laredo or Subaru XV Crosstrek?

[@deanv6434]

I have a 2011 Rav 4 with v6 and a 2005 Grand Cherokee with v8 4.7 l. Both are well over 100,000. Both get stuck in ice and slush until you turn off the traction control. Found this out trying to climb steep grades. Lock the 4 wheel and this obviously turns this off in both. Neither has ever been stuck. The Rav4 has a towing package that I have never used. The Grand will tow 6200 lbs. and has. The new grand with the standard v6 will only tow 3500 lbs. The new rav4 is a 4 cylinder and I don't think I would tow either. Now in market for a 4Runner which will tow 5000 lb. and is much cheaper than a hemi Grand at $54,000.

[@keponen331]

No. Rav4 has a part time awd. Jeep GC and Subaru XV are permanent, much better. They shouldnt even call part time awd, more like fwd assist. But somehow they get away with it.

[@Donmarcopotvin]

Hi Roman, could you try bf Goodrich TA KO2 on the rav4 please? it's the kind of tires that i would put on since you said wanting to try more aggressive tires. Thanks in advance.

[@romananthony3598]

Marc Potvin Sure ill give it a try!!! :)

[@hockeyman4800]

i saw in person this car stuck in snow with the awd locked and only 2 wheels were spinning diagonally

[@garrettm.2843]

Yeah I got my 2016 Rav4 AWD stuck in Tahoe in the snow in a parking lot. Needs more height and locking rear diff or Posi in the rear at the least.

[@keponen331]

@@garrettm.2843 needs real permanent awd. this part time bs has to stop

[@masterpiecefx]

Hahah, it says "Pimp" in russian on Nate's t-shirt :D

[@Bender.Rodrigues]

Nice shirt!)))

[@chadhansen5057]

Get like a 3 inch lift with 30 inch all season tires and you got a decent wheeler

[@ДмитрийМихеев-и8ь]

Nice t-shirt))

[@lifeisgood12341]

Lift it an inch and tuck everything up underneath better and it would be pretty solid

[@lifeisgood12341]

When I posted this I hadn't even heard what he said there at the end that was pretty cool

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

When will you be taking the Jeep Renegade up to Colorado?

[@NathanDAdlen]

***** Hopefully, in the next few months.

[@SaifAli-qg8si]

It's the Mecca for off roaders.... love it

[@aryaahmadi4029]

Question here: Can my 2WD Rav4 go where you drove that AWD??

[@14safeer]

Arya Ahmadi even a 2WD sedan with 4" ground clearance will do these routes with a smile:-))

[@r1cknyc]

I like your sombrero =)

[@MrThepilvi2]

Hyundai Tucson 2016 vs Toyota RAV4 2015? Which one do you choose?

[@cwqrpportable]

MrThepilviVlogs Toyota Rav4

[@MrThepilvi2]

why?

[@cwqrpportable]

Some of my reasons: a. previous experience with Toyota- I have driven 2 previous Rav4s into the ground, each with over 500,000km not to mention similar experience with my Tacomas b. in my geographic area, I find the Hyundai dealers to be "greasy" - too fixated with trashing other brands (particularly Toyota) c. in my geographic area, these same Hyundai dealers service departments nickel and dime customers to death on service. My sister in law, cousin and a good friend are all fed up with their service, d. I find the design of Hyundai vehicles to be "cheesy" - I've grown super tired of the Elantra, Sonata and Veloster. Just my personal opinion. e. I have a long, long relationship with Japanese technology - including motorcycles, snowmobiles, their automobiles. My experience involves driving and working on Land Cruisers, Hilux trucks, diesel and gas on three different continents. Just my preference... But hey, we have a Hyundai portable generator that I leave at the hunt camp. It doesn't work bad, for now. Won't leave the better Honda generators behind though.... Those are just some of my reasons.....

[@unknown--4710]

Toyota if you want a affordable reliable car or hyundai that looks slightly better and a tiny bit expensive.

[@cwqrpportable]

Looks are subjective Carl. I don't buy Korean crap. It doesn't last like a Toyota

[@supernova1976]

Nathan, please compare this to the Subaru forester :)

[@cosync]

CLAY, wind n sun. Sand is what u find on a beach. That is the real test :P. My completely open diff FWD would drive everywhere that this car went in this video, without a problem.

[@MrMarlon123456]

awesome

[@gullf1sk]

"whatever situation you mayb***********MUSIC**************"

[@Business_and_Law]

Thank you

[@TinLeadHammer]

Where is the off-road part of the review?

[@GTAYLOR1972]

Hey Nathan, I watched the video when you tested this against the CRV. I remember you gave the Rav4 a lease it. Considering the Rav4 you drove for this video in this form(without running boards) would you give it a "buy it"? Greg

[@NathanDAdlen]

GTAYLOR1972 Hi Greg. I admit, I like the RAV4 much better after this test. I still think the overall CR-V package is slightly better, but not off road or on ice. My biggest flaw has been comparing the new RAV4 to the old one. Bottom line: IF it came without running boards and IF you get better all season/snow tires - it would definitely get a "BUY IT." Thanks for watching!

[@Username-cb4fg]

Sold 👍 And that's a dope hat my man only desert people understand..

[@traumazombie3843]

I live on the Navajo Rez, this; I could use.

[@MrAlligam]

That lock sounds a lot like my 2014 Subaru Forrester's x-drive.

[@fartman10284]

Toyota has had that lock since the 80's

[@MrAlligam]

Tan N One that shuts off at 25 mph? I agree that Toyota has had 4WD with a locking center differential since the 80's, but nothing that shuts off on it's own -- or I would have bought one.

[@fartman10284]

Max speed with Subaru's X-mode is 18 mph Once you exceed it, it automatically shuts off

[@MrAlligam]

Max speed in X-mode is 25 MPH -- got to try it in the snow. Same specs as the Toyota. It's a "nice to have" unless you plan to drive in deep snow or mud -- then it's "got to have".

[@fartman10284]

You can activate the X-mode (hit the button) up to 25 mph. But at 25 mph, it won't activate. You have slow down to 18 mph or less. for it to kick in. Not the same as Toyota

[@markk3488]

Good tires. Got the same

[@Magyari1]

only Toyota

[@ele_motovlogs5798]

I honestly think that the road you were on wouldnt even challenge a prius. Dont get me wrong i like your guys videos but that is my honest opinion, and those are highway tires from the looks of it even if they say all terrain i still disagree. But honest question, why is it that Australia and other countries get the new ford ranger but here in America we cannot even though ford is American?

[@batsuurinyamdorj1989]

Toyota RAV4 & Toyota Wanguard Ho is BEST ?????

[@666dynomax]

bfg ko2 make a tire to fit. thinking of one for my wifes next vehicle to access the camp more easily.

[@eYebuller]

обидно что на российский рынок они идут без люков и с передним бампером которым только снег чистить можно, у американских же угол вьезда намного больше судя по видео, сам владею таким аппаратом

[@TheYellowSchoolBusDude]

Get a forester and you'll be all set! ;)

[@TheYellowSchoolBusDude]

I had a 98 Outback went to 220k miles before I sold it, ran great, changed the head gaskets ONCE. We have a 09 Legacy, got at 60k miles,we have put on 50k and there hasn't been a single issue. NOT ONE. We also had an 09 Forester that was awesome, it's a shame it was totaled before we were able to get some good use out of it.

[@craigpainter337]

I just totaled mine on black ice....went back and got another one ha.

[@vadimus2007]

LOL @ Сутенер

[@billpeirce7127]

This must be the Limited trim level

[@rubenbraekman4515]

"All four wheels help you pull out of the sand." You mean 1 in front and 1 in back cuz it's got 2 open diffs

[@itsashedthing6123]

It's got torque management so doesn't need locking diffs. I got stuck in mine and all 4 wheels were spinning

[@keponen331]

@@itsashedthing6123 torque managment is just using the breaks to simulate a lsd. its not as good but cheaper to make=more profit

[@josecardenas4388]

Lmfao IS THAT REAR DIFF LOCK BUTTON X MODE FOR TOYOTA?

[@turbo_ninja8715]

nice t-shirt

[@skirmich]

We really need to stop giving stupid names to Part Time AWD Systems.

[@YummyPork]

Nice little review. Unfortunately it takes a little bit away from my sales pitch here at home that a Tacoma would be good to have for those trips up in to the snow, camping etc... We already gave this RAV4. Maybe if I just don't point out what that button does...

[@ssander2k7]

How do you think it compares to a Subaru?

[@orangestranger1]

Honestly, I think the Sube AWD system in the best out there, but for most driving I would say this Rav is well capable. I have a 2014 XLE and it's got me through good snow, mountain passes and roads, loose , steep fire roads and out into BLM territory. Its a crossover, its not an off road vehicle. A Forester I think has the edge definitely, but if you know how to drive in the conditions you are in, the Rav will get you through what doesn't drag your bottom out. I think it just comes down to what real world conditions you will be driving in , I know my Rav can get across fields , up fire roads and through snow and ice, I would say the Subaru, has the edge on better control and wheel distribution especially at higher speeds, but in slick or muddy conditions, the Rav , when slowed down a bit does fine. Worst thing I noticed for the Rav especially this year with a few good snow storms and having to get through plowed up snow banks and frozen slushed roads, the Rav 4 has some understeer to it and its a LIGHT vehicle. I notice it doing better actually when the whole family was in the car and I leave the thing in ECO mode and it put less torque to the wheels which allowed it to spin out less. Subaru though has wider seats and the steering column telescopes out further, I'm almost 6"3 and 220 lb. , so if you are a bigger guy, the Rav seats have to be lowered and the steering wheel fully extended out. So more room I feel in the Forester and definitely in the Outback.

[@aryaahmadi4029]

Like a KIA Soul :D

[@jamesgjt]

thanks toyota, but i ll still pick the jeep renegade trailhawk.

[@vv2006]

Make sure that Renegade has a good warranty!

[@thecloud7424]

Just make sure to be familiar with the tow truck guy. Maybe become friends and get a lift for free.

[@pilik85]

Футболка ведущего решает! :)

[@nivlem131303]

ill take jeep compass TH anytime over this rav4

[@ibetrollintheybehatin6857]

Take it to the shop for recalls.

[@CarTestr]

MOAB Drive on Dirt Review. I bet a Honda Civic can do the same thing.

[@tmklunk]

Toyota commercial

[@MemphisMojo15s]

Aren't all of these actually commercials for the auto companies?

[@whitersxtypes]

tmklunk TFLCar has done several pieces including the 4.4 Rav4. This has been the most positive video/review yet. Go watch the initial off-road review with the side steps on the model they were reviewing. That one didn't sound like a commercial. Nor did the comparison to the CR-V where, in the end, the Rav4 seemed a nose better, but they called it a draw. This is the first video in which they highlight some of the aspects that drew me to the Rav4 over the CR-V (and I'm a Honda guy)... It's nice to see the differentiating features get...well... featured. Keep up the good work guys.

[@dillingeradam]

u call this shit off road

[@kyser182]

I feel like I am watching a paid by Toyota commercial here....... Bleh

[@max-zl1vm]

moab is man country? what, women can't drive there?