Does The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Live Up To Its Name? We Find Out The Hard Way!

[@JP1348]

Nice video Tommy.

[@joetool4016]

I wish Toyota would stop cheapening the TRD name... Make it live up to the name!! Thank you guys for actually testing what automakers claim, not simply content to judge badges. I can only hope that automakers will take notice and make better vehicles.

[@maximilianrockefeller8854]

Totally agree here. How can they call it a TRD Off-Road and have such poor off road chops out-of-the-box? Imagine if the TRD Off-Road had Toyota's reliability, and Jeep's capabilities (locking diffs, enter/depart angles, etc)? That recipe would easily be king of the trail. Sadly, this Rav4 has the name but not the capabilities. A real disappointment.

[@tonychau1983]

They're not going to stop. Buyers now are idiots and will buy as long as it has CarPlay and androidauto

[@joetool4016]

@@maximilianrockefeller8854 that would be awesome... Fortunately, they have such a vehicle, the 4runner. Which I would choose over a CRV, RAV4, PILOT, ESCAPE, etc, any day of the week

[@Czech91]

I kinda have to agree it's just like Jeeps trail rated BS. If the Rav 4 was much more aggressive in 4x4 terms then maybe

[@neilmurphy845]

Ya that's one thing I hate if u want a m car or AMG buy the real thing

[@jacobgaylord9277]

Thank you so much for an amazing review. This was everything that I’ve always hoped from TFL. No trash talking brands, no wild expectations of a family-based SUV to conquer MOAB, just a detailed, honest review with both isolated and real world testing in a realistic application of the vehicle. Sure, it doesn’t cater to serious off-roaders, but neither does this car. This is targeted at mountain bikers, hikers, climbers, etc and your review shows exactly what they’re looking to know. Couldn’t ask for more, I truly hope to see more great content like this out of you guys.

[@DFM761]

Couldn't have said it better mysel

[@hippiebits2071]

THIS is THE review people need to watch if they are considering this vehicle for more than its on road capabilities.

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

Yep, need to get the 4 Runner

[@billyschannel997]

Better approach angle, lift 2-3 inches, and smaller rims (bigger tire sidewall) would make this a really good off-road vehicle.

[@kurtwuerfele3065]

💯Agreed with this. My thought is, buy an Adventure and mod it!

[@rehaerman6519]

I have a 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 TRD with the off-road package. It's a real beast! I have done mudding, taken off-road everywhere, never got stuck!! It has a very high ground clearance and METAL SKID PLATES! Tacoma is THE REAL DEAL, THE TRUE OFF-ROAD MACHINE!! Don't go with anything else if you are serious about off-roading!!!

[@orion_033]

Gosh I love this channel!, Can't wait to get the 300hp Prime varient of the RAV4 in Australia !!

[@jimgravesus]

This isn't a vehicle for serious off roaders. This is a good vehicle for the person who lives in a state with snow, drives mostly in town and does some nature stuff on the weekends. I have a 4runner TRD pro and I love it but the gas mileage is god awful. The handling is mediocre. Still, I like to go well off the beaten track and into remote areas so it suits my needs. The 4runner is a delight when I'm deep in the rocky mountains. The RAV4 will get you through the snow and mud. It will get you to campgrounds and trail heads. It does not consume nearly as much gas as a 4runner. It is more pleasant to drive on curvy roads. 4runner has a lot of body lean but you are high up and that suits me. I'd rather have visibility over handling. Basically 4runner=Off road #1 purpose and city driving as an after thought. Rav4=City driving #1 purpose and mild off roading on the weekend.

[@ahighervibe4086]

You should get a first Gen RAV4 manual trans and do a New vs Old off-road test😉

[@neilmurphy845]

Ya I love those cars whit the real hood scoop

[@rubenbraekman4515]

First gen with proper tires would wipe the floor with it

[@neilmurphy845]

@@rubenbraekman4515 absolutely are you on about the ones that had a hood scoop ya I love those old ones

[@Carubines]

@@neilmurphy845 first gen never had good scoop to my knowledge

[@neilmurphy845]

@@Carubines ow I thought they did my mistake

[@RyanRKJ]

I completely agree with your conclusion. Great video Tommy. The Rav4 TRD looks great, but if you really can't take it far off road due to clearance, you end up spending a lot of money for what ends up being mostly an appearance package.

[@dan.h210]

Do a little (offroad) group test vs Mazda CX5 with the new offroad traction assist and a Subaru Forester!

[@JusticeGamingChannel]

this

[@willba4]

they cant. subaru wont lend them cars anymore as they damaged one of the previous loan cars by well... trying to make it something that it cant really do :P so unless a viewer lets them borrow their car or something...

[@dan.h210]

@@willba4 :)

[@nathanspence4859]

Yes please.

[@AmericanFry]

Replace Subaru with Cherokee trail hawk since Subaru Is afraid of being exposed

[@Infinitebreak97]

I genuinly think the primary reason the RAV4 doesn't get more goodies for offroad stuff is simply its purpose. This suv is sold around the world, day and night compared to the jeep cherokee, and people will buy it mainly as a city vehicle or dirt country vehicle. No one will want to rock crawl on this, but will be enlightned to know that in a pinch, this vehicle will get them out. The premium price pays itself off in reliability as usual and I don't mind paying for that. I still have my 2008 Rav4 and I do not think I will be getting a new one anytime soon lol

[@crsantin]

This is not an off road vehicle. Dirt roads and trails that aren’t too demanding and that’s it. This is a good vehicle for harsh climates, winter commuting etc but the off road badging from Toyota is misleading.

[@747-pilot]

Yes, but even the REGULAR RAV4 does that, just as well!! (I mean the non-hybrid version). So, then, what's the point of paying 10 grand more and buying this so called "TRD off road" version?? 🙄

[@jiblyjably]

Add a skid plate and give it a 3-6 inch lift and I'd say it can be called an off road vehicle

[@toyotabrony]

That’s why it’s a mild off-road small SUV. As an alternative option

[@brodiwheeler7583]

TRD Dirt Road would’ve been more appropriate.

[@Minsang1st]

Brodi Wheeler or trd off pavement lol

[@Steven-gv1ke]

You keep comparing the RAV4 to the Jeep Cherokee, so let's continue that... #1. The RAV4 will go easy 400k miles on the original engine and transmission. Don't expect to get half that on the Cherokee. #2. When you go to sell the RAV4 in 5 or 6 years, you will get top dollar for it. Don't expect to get even half what you paid for the Cherokee. #3. The gas mileage, and maintenance costs, are going to be significantly higher on the Cherokee versus the RAV4.

[@punktexas]

Come on 400k miles? I hope I never own a car that long to go that many miles in it. I don't have a horse in this race, never owned a Toyota or Jeep. That being said, the Cherokee Trailhawk is $5k cheaper and is far more off road capable. Calling that RAV4 a "TRD Off Road" is doing damage to the brand.

[@lorenzosorice]

Walked away from the dealer in my brand new 2019 adventure last fall for 31k. I can add tires, suspension, and proper skid plates/bumper guard for less than that 40k "TRD". I don't know what Toyota was thinking with this model.

[@briangarner]

LOVE Toyota/Lexus, really disappointed that the threw the TRD plate on this average SUV.

[@bjsimon802]

I live in Canada, I have been 17 inches of snow with My Rav4 with the trucks. We had a massive snow fall, all the cars were getting stuck. My Rav4 rifled through the snow. They are built for more than 150 countries to handle all terrain.

[@zachariahatkinson9379]

Moral of the story is if you want a Rav 4 get the 10k cheaper one. If you want an offroader get a Tacoma or 4Runner. $10k could be better spent on aftermarket offroad gear

[@insomniacryan9916]

What a total embarrassment. Toyota could maybe get away with slapping a TRD Sport badge on there, at best, but TRD Offroad? Just no. When Jeep decided to make their little crossovers off-road, they did it right. Even the tiny Renegade Trailhawk will give a trail a good solid try. This RAV4 is not even trying. 42 thousand dollars? You have got to be kidding. Bad show, Toyota.

[@rainschris]

As always, great video, Tommy. I especially appreciated your comparison to the hybrid with the footage included. Thanks

[@tritchie6272]

So should Toyota give it a 1 inch lift,or 2? Then Aluminum or steel skid plate?

[@symmetry08]

I've got Subie Forester and that one will pass those tests easily. I had many terrain, own, experiences thru many hard places where it is somewhat passable for such vehicles and it them all. Of cause I had dents and plastic cracks at the bottom, without which, experience cannot be avoidable anyway. And it is all stock settings going through few countries and few different extreme weather spots.

[@kurtwuerfele3065]

Seriously fantastic review - worth every minute of my time. Thank you, and subscribed! I’m totally onboard with the Adventure after watching this! I think an aftermarket 2” lift would be a great improvement.

[@gerhardstrydom5249]

Just a thought Tommy...what are the approach and departure angles...? Ground clearance (Rav 4 TRD Off Road had 220mm) must be evaluated in perspective... 1. Suzuki Jimny has 210mm, with great approach and departure angles and can go almost anywhere. 2. My Pajero (LWB) has 215mm with good approach, but bad departure angle and is not suited for trail driving. So 220mm ground clearance in itself is not so bad, but the approach and departure angles are the big limiting factors.

[@jonm.678]

More than likely, a Forester Sport would handle this a lot better. However, the Toyota TRD Rav4 looks SO much better. I love the styling.

[@goodybrown5175]

CVT equipped Subaru or any CVT equipped vehicle fails offroad. The CVT overheats when doing light trailing/offroading and the completely cuts power. u will be going nowhere.

[@zurn56]

I have been looking for some thing with better gas millage than my Wrangler and better on highway. Might look into this but I wont be able to take hard trails or fly down a dirt road with this.

[@JackDaniels350]

This video draws the same conclusions I had within the past few months. Only I won’t be so forgiving and pretend like I’m torn on my final verdict and just flat out say that this is an epic fail on Toyota’s end and I find it heartbreaking. Toyota needs to tread the TRD badge like Jeep treats their trail rated badge and make it actually mean something. I’ve been in the market for off roadable crossover for the past 9 months. I’ve only ever owned Toyota’s as my primary drivers and jeeps as my secondary drivers for off roading. I don’t do anything so serious that I can continue to justify having two vehicles for just myself so I wanted to merge them together in a single vehicle and get an ATV for the real serious stuff. Even a Jeep guy like me can admit that Jeeps do have some shirt and long term reliability issues compared to Toyota, so when I heard about the new upcoming TRD version of the RAV4, I got super excited thinking that I wouldn’t have to choose between one of the trailhawks anymore. Then I showed up at the dealership where I was devastated to see a plastic skid plate, abysmal approach and departure angles and no additional ground clearance or any protection to make up for it. I hate to say it, but this is a total poser and the only TRD thing about this package is the damned price tag! Sorry Toyota, you’ve lost this buyer to a Trailhawk!

[@captainstabbin9338]

Absolutely. This thing is sacrilege to the TRD Off Road namesake.

[@James-il3tq]

Should have gone with a 4runner.

[@JackDaniels350]

James if they weren’t 20some odd k (Canadian) more than the trail hawk, I would

[@sammyjammy6647]

For 2021 they legit added a metal skid plate. So there’s that

[@EricLS]

Considering the success of all the various Trailhawk models, it’s completely insane to watch all the other companies flail trying to match the capabilities of my 2014 Cherokee. Anyway I’m going to go swap the transmission cooler and wheelbearings again....

[@oscarmilan2606]

Really good video I really like every detail you and your team put in thanks happy new year cheers

[@carls2572]

You guys seem to like the GX460 for off-road use and it has 8.1 inches of ground clearance. This RAV4 has an additional half inch and you are saying it’s not enough. Can you explain?

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tommy, This is at least 10 GRAND more than the FJ was. That is foolish. Toyota could sell us the basic 2 door #Prado (they sell to the rest of the world) for around 30K and it could take on any of these trails without blinking. Make mine a 2.7 with a manual please.

[@robertyoung8289]

42k for a 30k dollar vehicle? Why? A few dollars more I'm driving a TRD pro Tacoma.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Exactly.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Makes sense to me, I wouldn’t trade my Tacoma for that, nope

[@brodiwheeler7583]

No you are several thousand dollars away from a TRD PRO TACO. I don’t know how they got this optioned to over 42k, these can be had for well under $40k very easily and nicely optioned.

[@DingoZed]

@@brodiwheeler7583 Yeah, but the RAV4 gets stumped hard by the resale of the tacoma. The rav4 TRD isn't going to hold value even close to the TRD Pro.

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Yuukiro Nothing can really touch the resale value of Toyota’s Truck Lineup (including the truck based SUVs)... the proposition here with the RAV is economy/efficiency and more features. Again, this $42k optioned TRD RAV is an anomaly, most of them come in at $35k-$39k before discount, good luck trying to get a discount on a TRD PRO right now.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

42 grand?!! There's a sucker born every minute!

[@toyotabrony]

But it’s worth spending money

[@yankkesrule]

This one has like 5k in bells and whistles that most can live without

[@anthonyb2990]

@@yankkesrule Even $37k is about 7 grand too high. At 37k or 42k you might as well get a 4Runner TRD off road or pro

[@lkae4]

Anthony Burke 4Runner TRD Pro starts at $50k, will be $56k or $58k optioned similarly. That's two price segments up.

[@glow4417]

@@anthonyb2990 and a 4runner has 15 mpg..

[@4x4gear33]

Over 42k for the name and badges. Most people will never take it off road.

[@toyotabrony]

Some people do. Because I know few rav4 owners do go off-road

[@brodiwheeler7583]

You can get one of these for $35k or even a little less after discount if you don’t check every option box... this thing must have every option to get it over $42k... it’s over $500 for that 2-tone paint option alone.

[@personalfunfest]

some of us LIVE off road and this is the type of vehicle we want. No need to buy stock and mod for off road... just drive it home, done

[@ReimerKeith]

It needs a slight lift, higher profile tires (60s, really?), and a front bumper with some clearance.

[@KensleyInnocent]

So, they Make monster Trucks now?

[@rayfauteux2143]

17-18 miles per gallon is a deal-breaker for me when it comes to the Forerunner even though it's a super-tough vehicle. You are getting much closer to 30MPG with the Rav and it just makes more sense(cents). I really wonder how many people use all the off-roading capabilities of whatever vehicle they purchase. The Rav is an excellent combination of pretty good off-roading and smooth highway driving. This will be my next vehicle. Love my Honda Element, but Honda stopped making them in 2011 or I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

[@darylhill9400]

This RAV4 to me is very similar to the Subaru outback but a Toyota with Toyotas legendary durability

[@ColoradoMartini]

So glad you took me up on joining the Colorado KZbinrs. It is nice to have community

[@Steven-gv1ke]

*I want to see the RAV4 TRD PRO versus the Ford Bronco Sport off-road test!*

[@muddyh2o2init44]

Adventure is less but the TRD looks way better! Family camper with nice commuter views.

[@stevendensmore7653]

Kinda impressed by the Rav, lift and skid plates and it would be a fairly capable rig.

[@penvon]

Steven Densmore exactly!!! I have a the trail (adventure) & I already have a metal skid plate on that,just waiting on some wheels & tires & im set

[@Niloc1922]

Steven Densmore You’d need bigger tires too. Lifting doesn’t change clearance of important bits without bigger tires.

[@stevendensmore7653]

@@Niloc1922 if you watched the video you would see the only problem was the front wasn't high enough so a lift would help that.

[@Niloc1922]

@@stevendensmore7653 I watched it. The problem is even if you get the front end raised the differential would scrape. Toyota probably designed it to be low so people don't get stuck on obstacles.

[@JackDaniels350]

A lift and skid plates? At that price point and carrying the TRD badge, it’s absolutely inexcusable to have to venture into the aftermarket for either! I’m not the least bit impressed.

[@tonymartucci7097]

Good review. Toyota fan here, but own a Cherokee trail hawk. I don’t think anything competes with the Trailhawk for off-road ability at that price. I’ve taken mine everywhere my friends TRD tundra goes. And the Cherokee can tow 7k with trailer package. MSRP on mine was 36k, nego much lower. I know, no toyo reliability, but no issues @60k.

[@junehhan]

The pricing just makes absolutely no sense. $43k can buy so much more capable vehicles. Even a stock 4Runner is going to be far more capable. $43k may even be able to buy a decently equipped Bronco when it comes out. However for people who have to have a Rav4 but wants more capability, this is your niche vehicle. If they were to price this at or under $40k, it would be far more competitive price wise. I do love the styling of this which looks so much better than the normal Rav4.

[@HarryJVaughn3]

Picked up my 2021 TRD for 33K. Also the 2021 comes with a front skid plate. That to me is the perfect price point. I have to say I’m enjoying it as is for now before new Bilsteins, 3” lift, KO2s, front bumper with tow hooks, winch, roof rack and KCs. 😁 I’ve owned Jeeps and 4Runners but this things drives on its toes like a little rally car. Much more fun to drive than a 4Runner. Last thing she needs is more power. Turbo charge that 4 cylinder and this thing will be a little beast. Styling is on point as well. Toyota missed some marks here but still overall a great rig!

[@jamiecraswell9368]

Love this video would like to see more of these types of videos especially with so many 4x4 suv on the road !

[@andrewzhuk8713]

I wish they refine the Hybrid version making it more off-road capable. I believe, it wouldn't be so hard for Toyota, as the current version is pretty good offroader. I like my hybrid having ~42 MPG combined but sometimes I wish it had better rear axel engagement when doing off-roading.

[@jtalonrider4769]

The xse h is more sport than off road, 42 mpg is good for me lol

[@carholic-sz3qv]

i think with the bigger battery coming in the rav 4 prime its going to be better for offroad, more power to the rear electric motor

[@andrewzhuk8713]

Le Chat Botté I think, Toyota could send more power to the rear axel in current hybrids. Because electricity is generated by front MGs. And all it takes to generate more electricity is to spin ICE engine faster. But maybe there are some other caveats.

[@Alex_564]

Maybe a Rav4 hybrid TRD off-road?

[@goodybrown5175]

Let's be real the hybrid was made for fuel economy...not offroading....maybe a software update in the future will help with that.

[@moksha6202]

Most owners will NEVER drive it on such a trail !

[@Central-Scrutinizer]

Toyota needs to make an affordable lifted Corolla Cross with true 4wd, the 170 hp 2.0 and the 6mt with a crawler first gear. Make something capable and fuel friendly that people aren’t afraid to scratch!

[@ascendantrobin3230]

all these crossovers are marketed as “AWD” “adventure ready” whatever, and yet we still see these long, low, overhanging bumpers, terrible approach angles, no underbody protection and modest ground clearance. I get it, aerodynamics, weight, center of gravity play an important role in efficiency and on road stability, but i think some buyers in the crossover segment are more interested in 4WD function and durability than fuel economy. My ‘15 nissan rogue front end will scrape a curb if its too high, ridiculous! my ‘04 grand cherokee was unstoppable! Awesome, thorough video, well done Tommy!

[@GR-cf4qh]

The first gen RAV4 was surprisingly good offroad. It wasn't a serious offroader, but it had a short enough wheelbase, enough ground clearance and good enough angles to really go places you wouldn't expect an AWD crossover to go. Current models are just AWD station wagons.

[@stevez4286]

at the risk of taking some abuse... i just bought one of these. i cross-shopped w/ the Cherokee Trailhawk (awesome, but was concerned about reliability) and the 4Runner. the 4Runner nearly won, but i really wanted full-time 4wd for my DD, but didn't want the Limited; too much body kit and the wheels and tires are wrong. so those would be immediate additional expenses to remedy. had toyota offered, say, an SR5 w/ full-time 4wd, i probably would have gone that route. so RAV4 it is. i went w/ the Off-road because, again, i didn't want to immediately have to replace the wheels and tires. i modded my previous vehicle so much (a VW TDi), i thought it might be fun to run a stock but reasonably capable vehicle. my main use cases are winter driving and traversing hilly gravel roads and driveways, in addition to being a DD. i think this will serve me well. there's probably a 4Runner or Taco in my future anyway as a 2nd vehicle, so i'm not fussed if i can't do anything serious off-road in the RAV4. on pavement, the torque vectoring system kicks in nicely on curvy roads. even though it's a bit of a brick, it ends up feeling pretty well planted as a result. i agree it needs some underbody protection, as Tommy mentioned. it also needs some tow hooks. overall, i'm basically pleased. it is more than i would have expected to spend, but i'm also expecting to get 20+ years of reliable service out of it.

[@AndrewGroat7]

For that second vehicle you should look for a 4th Gen 4Runner (03-09). The v8 models came with full time 4wd, like the new limiteds. The V6 models came with a part time 4wd (2h, 4h, 4l), but with a sweet twist. If you toss it in 4h, it actually goes into a full time 4wd mode (really just awd as it has a center differential). Then you have to hit a button to lock the center diff to put it in traditional 50/50 locked 4wd. So you get the best of both worlds-standard 2wd for good highway driving and max fuel economy, an awd mode for those snowy/icy conditions, and traditional 4wd (high and low range) for off road fun!

[@streetsandpeaks3013]

Great video. In Canada the TRD Metal Skid Plate is a standard feature on the 21 RAV4 TRD. Going to pick one up this week! Cheers!

[@niuhuskieguy]

Sounds like the AWD was using more brake than actual torque vectoring. Traction control off would likely confirm if that was the case or not.

[@mfcriz2561]

Great Job as usual. Killing it as usual. Good thing your dad wasn't there when you scratched that front end!

[@brittonsfireprevention3523]

I picked up my 22 off-road for 40 out the door and it now comes with skid plates. Small 2 in lift and some ko2s and it should take me to most campsites.

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

The RAV4 with the glacier ice roof was the best look the RAV4 has ever had. It really compliments the vehicle nicely. Even more so than the black roof two tone.

[@DrBenz63]

Next gen of TFL right here ! 👌

[@deemfingtee]

I bought those tires for my forester and have also added skid plates. A bit of a lift would help, but it is fine for lumpy trails.

[@Soh90]

Been waiting for a TRD Off Road review. Thanks for being the first to make it happen. Physical stats notwithstanding, the TRD Off Road seems very capable. Though it is very pricy. does the Adventure trim and TRD Off Road trim have the same AWD system and differential? If so I can just get the Adventure trim and put on slightly more aggressive tires and make it work.

[@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

Yes, they’re the exact same car minus the suspension (the adventure suspension is more than adequate as I’ve taken mine off road on both dirt and rock trails) and the wheels/tires...The wheels on the adventure are 19 inch and while they look awesome it’s been hard to find a beefy tire that’ll fit on that wheel so I’ll have to sell the rims if I ever want to go with a meatier tire setup. Falken does sell the wildpeak that will fit but the sidewall is obviously not that beefy since it’s going on a 19 inch wheel. Other than those things though they’re the exact same car. And with the 0% financing that Toyota is doing right now for up to five years you could score a really good monthly payment on a 2020 adventure.

[@andrewsmith1655]

Need to do a TRD Rav-4 vs Renegade Trailhawk!

[@BaleshNTP]

I would also go 4Runner at that price... but I wonder how it compares to the Subaru Forester Sport which would save you like $13k

[@theinternets7516]

I'm glad you made the comparison to the Cherokee Trail Hawk. When I first saw it that was the first cross over that came to mind.

[@onebackzach]

To be fair, it's not marketed as a rock crawler that's supposed to compete with the 4runner or Tacoma. I think different bumpers and skid plates would definitely make it way better, but the suspension and tires would definitely make it great for rough gravel roads. In my personal experience, I find good independent suspension and tires makes a vehicle more practical than something with low range gearing and skid plates for the average hiker/camper/mountain biker because the vast majority of "off-roading" is really just rough gravel access roads. I have never found myself high-centered or with a busted oil pan in my 2008 RAV4, but I do find myself being way more comfortable compared to riding in a friend's Jeep Wrangler on the same roads.

[@franciscogonzalez1472]

I got a 2021 Rav4 Adventure and is great not so expensive and very capable for the use i need it, and of course for me is the best design of all in his segment! Thanks for the info!

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

I love the styling of the RAV4 TRD actually seen one in person yesterday however I believe that the Subaru is probably much more capable my Chevy Astro all wheel drive has a rear locking diff and all terrain tires

[@goodybrown5175]

Subaru lost its credentials the second it stuffed CVT everywhere.

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

@@C10sRule I absolutely agree it's a Jeep and doesn't it have a rear Locker

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

@@goodybrown5175 that's true I'm going back to the old days before the cvts though

[@coastalbeer]

We got the 2024 Rav4 LE with AWD for $31,677. Everything we need and nothing we don't ! I think with some all Terrain tires we could safely go down a primitive road and be okay. At any rate, if you really need an off road vehicle, get something with four wheel drive, seriously. All Wheel drive is not intended for the Rubicon. Btw, we love our Rav4.

[@athletejmv]

Like others have mentioned, the RAV4 is great for rough roads in a pinch, and daily driving in poor weather (rain/snow/light sand) but no where near the TRD branding for off-roading.

[@JusticeGamingChannel]

Good tests, I want to see what this TRD Offroad version can do in the snow, light and deep, maybe circle back around to it in the winter and try it out?

[@FaithisKey792]

Great review. Thanks for sharing.

[@PersingerJim]

NEVER off road in a 2020 RAV4, unless you want to risk being towed back or you bring along a 5 gallon fuel can. Like tens of thousands of others, I bought a fully loaded Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited for my daily 200 mile commute. This vehicle has an advertised 580 mile range, 40 mpg, and 14.5 gallon fuel tank. All in - $47.5k. I haven’t bought a car for myself in 20 years, but I needed it because a serious accident left me disabled and in need of all the bells and whistles, and great mileage this promised. The first time I drove it to work, after 75 miles I RAN OUT OF GAS! I contacted the dealer, and shortly was being told there was a manufacturer defect which shorted the tank “a gallon or two.” This didn’t account for the 26 mpg I was getting, but they had no answer for that either. In the end, I found myself filling up the tank (which took on average 3 gallons) up to three times a day. It has ended up in the shop now for over 200 days since purchase. I don’t have my vehicle or my money back, and Toyota has argued it is operating normally and refused a buyback. Buyer beware - You’ll not only pay way more for this vehicle for more competent off-roaders, but you risk a lemon, and Toyota no longer backs their warranties on this model, as more than 90k people can attest to for the 2019 and 2020 models.

[@DFDSLX0988]

The fuel tank issue is isolated to the Hybrids and the tank needs to be replaced after re-engineering. Toyota is working on it. I have the ‘19 Adventure model and no issues filing up. As for off-roading, let’s not kid ourselves. These are softroaders at best like Subaru’s. Still the built rigs roaming around prove there’s value in lifting these and throwing on some better, beefier tires. If I were you, I’d hire a really good lemon law attorney (get a Jewish one) and get your money back. It’s been done. But if you think Toyota will do the buyback under warranty then you’re wasting your time.

[@keithtoews401]

I do agree but thinking about adding on the lpadventure skid plates and their lift kit it quotes the vechicle after adding on the lift kit and metal skid plates for 10.6 inches of ground clearance

[@dreamcruzer4743]

Nice review. I love the roller tests. New sub.

[@hetspiedendoog]

You should check your lights, they are blinking all the time...

[@tomtalker2000]

I'm debating over this model and the Limited. If i go the Limited route i will DEFINITELY be putting on A/T tires. Even though i'm losing a bit of ground clearance over the TRD along with some other AWD enhancements. At least i can get navigation on the Limited which the TRD doesn't have.

[@roxydog545]

Great review. Love the TRD.

[@DB-nt1gl]

If this is an off road vehicle SKID PLATES & GROUND CLEARANCE IS A MUST!!!

[@nobodyisprfct]

Thank you, Tommy. I had no idea Rav4 had a trd option. Now i will be looking at Rav4 trd vs subaru wilderness off road.

[@FreePalestine718]

Great video Tommy keep up the good work.

[@michaeljuliano5716]

42k ?? I was just quoted 35k 0% APR fully loaded RAV4 TRD in good ol' Colorado. Thinking about doing it and adding a 2.5 inch lift. Maybe even a skid plate. My concern was more so the power since it only has 205hp. It wasn't a dog but it wasn't too zippy either. If not the Rav than a used (2018) Tacoma Pro but I'm not too stoked on using that as a daily driver with its low mpg. It's also much less comfy for that daily drive or any kind or road trip. You also can't really sleep in it. Decisions, decisions.

[@vorticity4]

Really excellent review. Thanks,

[@AndrewGroat7]

I can see a market for skid plates for this vehicle, as well as a metal piece that replaces that lower plastic fascia that Tommy scratched. Do that, and it will be perfectly adequate to run most forest service roads.

[@XterraRob]

I have the 2019 Rav4 Adventure...and spent 600 bucks to put the Falkens on after I bought it. My wife hasn't let me take her car off road yet though...but I'm still working on that :)

[@futbol1972]

Iam debating between the xle rav4 hybrid or the forester sport? I don't go off roading but I wanna start taking my family camping so iam assuming I will need AWD... I live in california so don't really need awd but I guess it will be good to have it just in case. I will be adding mud tires to the car I buy and also an ikamper and hitch for bike rack:) Just don't know which one to buy hybrid rav 4 or forester sport...

[@charliek3124]

Try a Subaru Forester Wilderness up that same trail. It'll put Rav4 TRD to shame lol

[@MoY206]

That torque vectoring is impressive. Thinking about getting this for my last now.

[@MrCiovo]

Hi! What shock absorbers and springs are mounted on that Rav4? Well thank you.

[@nawazzaygham9852]

Very good review. Does the transmission overheat in stressful environment and then disengages.

[@gffriedman]

Looks like a better Outback/Forester. Seems like a real candidate for best in class outdoorsy winter capable crossover. On the other hand, I bought a 4Runner TRD ORP for less than 40k

[@stephenshepherd5068]

Is there anything mechanically different with the 4 wheel drive system on the RAV4 TRD vs LE AWD? I think there are some extra coolers, but that seems like it.

[@cpear760]

Against the Cherokee, I'm going back to FCA for this one. For the points Tommy mentioned, and that TABLET DASH 😠! Digging the wheels though.

[@ReimerKeith]

The $42K can be dropped by over 5K if you don't take the stereo and technology options. Shave off a couple thousand below list and this could be a $33K vehicle - still pricey when compared to an SR5 4Runner in the same price range.

[@goodybrown5175]

let's be real....skip the sr5 4runner...its either TRD offroad or PRO

[@ReimerKeith]

@@goodybrown5175 True, but a little pricier.

[@CarTechConnect]

Very good awd system in this trd off-road model! GG Toyota 👏

[@PumpUptheJam81]

Does anyone know how this does on washboard roads? My Tacoma does okay but being body on frame its a bit wobbly with factory dampers.

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

As a 4Runner owner, I’d stay with a 4Runner. I hate my gas mill, but that’s the sacrifice.

[@rightlanehog3151]

As long as people do their research before buying there is nothing to complain about with 4Runner mpg. Sooner or later a more fuel efficient 4Runner will arrive but the current model is the top choice in today's 4x4 market.

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

Right Lane Hog People can do their research and decide what they are willing to sacrifice when making their purchase. Toyota’s engine in the 4Runners have been the same for years. It’s a rock solid engine, so Toyota hasn’t seen the need to change it for a higher mpg motor.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@Lokahi-fo-life Exactly.

[@rivers2375]

Howswould you compare the hybrids vs the Trd on the off road modes. The off-road video of the rav4 hybrid left a pretty good impression.

[@taebby78]

I don't even purposefully drive off road, but I watch these kinds of reviews because the regular roads where I live are so horrible that I need a good off roader lol the potholes here are moon craters

[@VladInc]

is this TRD a better offroader than the upcoming plugin hybrid?

[@Theredeemedchild2]

Good old Toyota always doing fearless than any other manufacturer at making their vehicle an offroader.

[@zora_tech]

Great review of the car and honestly I would probably stick with a 4runner but also please adjust the shutter speed on the camera so that the LEDs on the headlights don't look like they are flickering

[@LionRunner]

Really wish Gold mine hill was open to test. That's the best place to test AWD systems from what I've seen.

[@monicawilson896]

This has everything I need and is not complicated.

[@nflcolts83]

I love the roller testing .. hope you guys do this for all future vehicles