2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD | Review & Road Test

For the latest Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/toyota/rav4/
Find a RAV4 TRD Off-Road Fair Purchase Price here: www.kbb.com/car-values/
The RAV4 is one of Toyota’s best-selling products. The TRD off-road trim makes the Tacoma and Tundra some of the most capable trucks on dirt. See where this is going?
The RAV 4 TRD Off Road. It will definitely get your groceries but what if lunch was at a camping spot on the top of a mountain? Would it make it there?
The engine under the hood is the same 2.5-liter inline four (203 hp/184 lb-ft torque) that powers the other ICE models. Nothing new for the TRD Off Road there. It’s mated to Toyotas eight speed automatic transmission that we’ve all come to know as reliable and taking its shifting duties seriously. No, this crossover isn’t winning any drag races.
Truth be told the powertrain feels a bit stodgy these days with all the great hybrid tech out there. And if you really put your foot in it, this engine doesn’t sound great.
Where it starts to veer off the beaten path is with its off-road mechanicals. It gets a dynamic torque vectoring AWD system that comes with multi-terrain select modes and a TRD tuned suspension.
You can definitely tell this is an off-road version thanks to the Falken Wildpeak A/T tires and off-road looking 18-inch wheels. This body cladding, same as on the Adventure trim, will help you not destroy your paint or give you dents if rocks skip up off the road. Overall, I like the way it looks, a little more aggressive and burly. But it’s subtle.
But can it actually do anything on dirt?
You are not going to tackle Poison Spider Trail in this, but if you’re looking to handle some dirt roads that get muddy or are rutted out then you’re going to be in great shape. You get good traction with that torque vectoring system and the off-road coil springs smooth things out when they get super bumpy over potholes or on wash boarded roads.
When you get it on road you do feel those shocks working and turns aren’t as crisp as with the regular suspension of the RAV4, but you can’t have all things all the time so some concessions feel acceptable.
On the interior you get a lot of TRD Pro badging to remind you of your rugged vehicle with red logos on the headrests and red accents around the cupholders and even the wireless phone charger is TRD Pro ready. The floor mats get the treatment, too. And those are great for cleaning up a dirty mess.
This RAV4 TRD Off road gets the Off-Road Weather package (graphic: $1,015). I’m not sure why it’s called that since all weather happens on road too, but you do get some great options with it.
Those include rain-sensing wipers with a de-icing function, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, yeah, that comes in super handy if you’re camping somewhere cold, I will say. I definitely see the value in purchasing that.
The RAV4 TRD Off road comes standard with all of Toyota’s safety equipment they pile into Safety Sense 2.0 including pre-collision warnings with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts and lane keeping assist.
One thing I’ve noticed in here the digital rear view mirror camera is crisp but I wear contact lenses and this one feels much closer than others I’ve used so it’s actually not possible because of my eyeballs. So before you invest make sure those distances work for your vision.
If you’re looking to buy a RAV4 TRD Pro, then KBB can help you find a good deal. Head to KBB.com and find a Fair Purchase Price for one.
Speaking of price, the base on the RAV4 TRD Pro without the Weather Package, the off-road Tech Package that includes rear and front parking assist plus a digital rearview mirror and the flashy two-toned exterior treatment we got starts at $36,465. With all those extras you’re looking at $40,460.
Cross shopping this sucker is easy these days as there are so many off-road worthy CUVs including the Ford Bronco Sport, Subaru Outback Wilderness, Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, and Kia Sportage Pro-X Prestige. All of these vehicles can get it done in dirt to a certain extent. Some are better than others, so do your research depending on your lifestyle.
We’ve got a lot of videos on KBB’s KZbin channel that will help you make the decision if you’re not able to take them all out on dirt to test drive. That’s actually a great idea, car dealers, start setting up off-road courses on your lots!
We don’t see the off-road, overlanding moment ending anytime soon, so we’re happy to see more mainstream brands embrace it.
With Toyota’s bonafide off-road credentials, some solid suspension parts, extra protection underneath in case of whoopsies, the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road does a nice job in the multi-function department. However, you’ve got lots to choose from these days, so have fun test driving!
00:00 2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
0:36 Engine
1:40 Exterior
2:07 Driving Impressions
2:46 Interior
4:56 Competitors

[@336snake]

I got a 2020 TRD RAV4, I love mine, the suspension is sporty enough and it shines on bad weather and rough roads. MSRP $38500. I think it was worth the extra money plus it tows more than the regular RAV4. Cool seats are nice on the hot summer.

[@nittanyburg20]

I have an XLE and can personally confirm that you can get through a lot more off road than you think in the regular RAV-4. Mine’s gotten me to campsites via some pretty nasty trails without a problem. No rock crawling or anything, but rocky dirt, ruts, mud, shallow water, etc aren’t an issue

[@RRLV434]

This car is way to expensive for what it is. Yes, it’s proven reliable but the actual product your getting is more expensive than most of the competition, and you have to add packages to get the features other brands give standard on the model.

[@MonicaHolly143]

At that price i would just save a little bit more and buy 4runner or a used gx

[@curiosityredpill7030]

Ppl still drinking the Toyota cool aid

[@Lucky8s]

Back when I was car shopping in 2019, the RAV4 XLE (Canada) was one of the best value offerings in the segment. The CRV didn't offer LED headlights except on the Touring trim. CX-5 was nice but required packages to get their full safety suite and it only has a 6 speed. The fuel economy doesn't come close to the RAV4 in the real world. I'm speaking broadly of course, not just a specific trim line.

[@gs98999]

This is still best value overall by far in Canada. Base model awd is in low 30k cad. That something like $24k usd converted.

[@qkelly6239]

The car will start to show it's age soon sure I can confirm that is a little more expensive than the competition but it's only a couple thousand more so I would say it's still competitively priced and besides the new CR-V is now $30,000 and doesn't have cooled seats and a panaramic sunroof which the RAV4 does

[@MBisFrenchy]

Where's the 2023 model year Corollas and Rav4 with the updated tech? It's Mid October.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent review Lyn!

[@RoguePlanetStudio]

Now to driving sports tv....to see it off road.

[@ShafinRehman]

Toyota, the master of selling something that feels a generation older than the competition as something new and at a price that's generally too high. I feel like I've taken my Stinger on more rough roads than where you've taken this RAV4 in the video. Not detracting from your excellent presentation skills though.

[@tamowill]

What about 2023 Woodland edition? would it be trd off road hybrid version?

[@PaulY2833]

What is the name of the dirt road in the video? It seems like a fun drive for an easy getaway in Orange County.

[@bjsimon802]

My 2010 Rav4 was amazing, it saved me many harsh winter in Canada. One time I was literally out with the truck when cars were getting stuck everywhere. They are so versatile in so many ways. I think the new one is massive change to Rav4.

[@matrix-fh9tn]

That infotainment screen is what's holding me back from buying the current generation. I'm hoping for a big refresh in the year 2024. Tried very hard to make it grow on me but just can't stand to look at that display. Can't imagine owning one and looking at it almost everyday.

[@electrikoptik]

Thank you Toyota for cancelling the Land Cruiser in the US and instead giving us this Rav4 TRD as compensation.

[@camilogomezkeep2324]

This needs an extra inch of ground clearance in order to have the TRD badge. Let’s hope for a RAV4 TRD Pro.

[@ericgonzalez3897]

I'll just head on up and check the Lexus variant.

[@Jm-my1rd]

What is the MPG?

[@damien7881]

🤔 Hay KBB are you able to PUT the TRD RAV4 AGAINST ITS competitors ON A COURSE and Label Who's your TOP 5 ( $-MPG-RIDE-amd actual OFF road capability) Etc...That would be kool.

[@asiandavidp]

35-45k for a Rav4 with add on package is just outta there when you can get the base model and add on feature yourself and a weather tech floor mats

[@glow4417]

Torque Vectoring AWD is something you cannot add yourself. A normal RAV4 cannot pass a four wheel roller test, where two wheels are without power. A TV-AWD RAV4 can. That's all you need to know.

[@ngb802]

40k plus those dealer markups not worth it

[@fizel69]

For this price you could almost get a RAV4 prime or even the normal hybrid which is just as capable off road as this TRD but more powerful and better mpg

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

I own this car (2024). The first thing I had to do is replace the fake off road tires which have only about 1/4" of tread, for the real Falken tires, which are severe snow rated. The stock tires are not snow rated. Shame on Toyota for putting these 01 tires on this vehicle. The real Falken tires are not noisy, and handle much better in the snow. Other than that, it's a great vehicle.

[@SuperTrey807]

For that price I can get a used 4Runner🤷🏾‍♂️

[@JacobTJ1]

why didn't they make this a hybrid? i really wanted to buy it

[@therichardrichyrich]

There's a 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition with TRD-like off-road features coming to the market soon! I hope KBB will have a video with that car on the channel

[@JacobTJ1]

@@therichardrichyrich I really like the adventure front bumper styling vs the woodland styling

[@SteveNaimi]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@badbilly60]

i like my 2020 jeep renegade.price mpgs and easy handling

[@IEatYouBabies]

the rav4 will last twice as long and hold its value twice as much

[@badbilly60]

@@IEatYouBabies I agree on value but not on lasting longer,it all depends on who owns it and how they take care of it.

[@35jaxlove]

​@@badbilly60Dude is a Jeep, like Chrysler, common

[@trxmigz450]

This is by far the most reliable, dependable vehicle compared to the others you mentioned. I wouldn’t even consider the rest even if they have better off road capabilities.

[@johnbouldin9033]

I’m not a fan of reviews that contain few if any statistics. I’ve come to learn not everyone wants to know break over angle, 0-60, MPG, towing capability or see how well it does with a wheel or two in the air. The review strikes me as more like a press release.

[@chukwuemekanwoke9003]

the second still sounds better 😅

[@Brotherhood676]

After watching Driving Sports tv. This car is not off road worthy and it's sad because it looks so good. To have a TRD Tundra,Tacoma, and 4runner in the line up, comparatively this just falls short. I think the Compass Trailhawk might even be better off road(could be wrong). But in terms of its competitors? It won't touch the Cherokee Trailhawk and I would be surprised if it could compete with the Bronco sport. More aggressive tires might help tho.

[@ChicagoOutfit1900]

Not only did Driving Sports TV prove this to be a let down offroad, TFL did as well. It's not worthy of the TRD name. Also, I do agree with you that the Compass Trailhawk is more capable, and with metal skid plates. The Toyota has a plastic air damn that they are calling a skid plate.

[@garrettyamada9821]

Toyota is profiteering off of just the name recognition. The Honda Passport has an AWD system that is way more capable than the RAV4. Personally, I'd rather have Toyota 4RUNNER, properly equipped. Of course, it would be nice if Toyota would offer a locking front differential as an option. Otherwise, I'll just have to find a used 4RUNNER in decent shape, and make all the custom modifications myself to suit my needs.

[@glow4417]

@@ChicagoOutfit1900 Driving Sports TV and TFL both fail to turn off traction control, and that's why the TRD failed. You cannot just push the button and disable it, you have to hold it down for several seconds. It appears off, but it's not actually off. With it on, the engine holds back power to the rear wheels and differential.

[@ChrisG-gl5st]

Note soccer mom's you have no excuse when it comes to snow days 😅🤣

[@kyrosmike]

I just want the rims, my Rav4 Prime wheels are fugly

[@MandusahRamirez]

Id honestly rather buy the Mazda CX-50 Turbo🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Retiredmco]

Yes it's too much!!!

[@tsizzle]

Just get a RAV4 adventure, or RAV4 Hybrid and mod it out yourself… or better yet, just get a 4Runner Off-Road

[@riazr1807]

Reliable yes, however considering the 40K pricetag it is underpowered (not to mention how harsh the engine sounds) and it's very ugly (subjective).

[@ShaniaSuperFan]

I'm offended!

[@michellestratman8893]

I'm happy to have a woman's point of view for a change.

[@williamguillIII]

Why would anyone want to buy this 40k vehicle, when one could buy a Subaru, which is much more capable and way less expensive? I used to drive a 2WD Chevrolet Chevette on rutted out dirt roads over 30 years ago!

[@user-pg9fv7su8q]

Because boxer engines typically have oil consumption issues after 100k miles and generally require new piston rings after 150k. This will require a full engine teardown that likely will require engine removal from the car which is very expensive. The other factor is the cvt transmission is not as reliable as the torque converter type transmission found in the rav4. I would be more concerned about the engine wearing out it's piston rings than the transmission though. Subaru is know for having serious issues because of it's horizontal design with those piston rings.

[@deansmith3540]

Toyota is aging and they have no talent to bring new products to market. This car tells, it is an old car with old tech. Yes, it is reliable but for 40k Sportage seems to be the choice at least at the in car tech. The same reason most households have Samsung or LG appliances.

[@BTC909]

Yes that is too much for a RAV4.

[@Monk7uvi]

Throw couple thousand dollar more, buy 4Runner. Because you want to Look Big Strong Beast not baby as Rav4. Lol

[@garrettyamada9821]

The RAV4 TRD Off road, is a major disappointment. Might as well just spend the extra money and buy a 4RUNNER.

[@dorianrodriguez40]

An expensive makeover of a regular Rav4

[@Paulygoku]

Way over price

[@simpleThInkerr]

Terrible pricing

[@saltymethods2637]

Who asked for this??? If you buy this to go off road, you probably shouldn't be off roading.

[@Moroo1976]

Iam the first muahhhh

[@lickitysplitt]

About 8k too expensive for my liking