The Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice for off-roaders.
The fifth-generation model is a huge improvement over the previous generation and comes with more appealing looks and improved driving dynamics.
But Toyota didn’t want the RAV4 to be resting on its laurels.
For 2020, it will be offered in two trims: the eco-warrior and the off-road. Read on to discover if these models live up to the hype.
The RAV4 isn’t a great off-road vehicle. It isn’t built to climb steep hills. It doesn’t have enough low-end torque to overcome the braking force of spinning wheels.
But it has excellent off-road performance with sufficient momentum. Compared to its rivals, it performs admirably in the toughest conditions. If you’re looking for a rugged SUV, you’ve come to the right place.
The RAV4 is an impressive off-roader. Its suspension is specially designed for off-roading. It has twin-tube shock absorbers and red springs.
It also has new bump stops, which are supposed to provide better body control when negotiating rough terrain. Despite its small size, the RAV4 handles rough roads well and maintains its balance, even when faced with potholes, dirt roads, and other obstacles.
While it isn’t the most exciting vehicle in the world, the RAV4 is a capable off-roader. The Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is the most capable of the two.
The off-road driving experience is more rewarding than it is stressful, and the long stretches of flat land allow quick breaks. The car’s performance is similar to that of other RAV4 models.
Is a RAV4 a real 4×4?
The Toyota RAV4 was first introduced in 1994 and is based on the popular Japanese sports-utility vehicle. Its name is derived from the fact that it had four wheels.
Its short wheelbase made it extremely agile and light, making it a very desirable choice for a variety of activities. However, the car was designed to be more than just a practical family car. It was intended to be an off-road-friendly and rugged vehicle.
Despite the name, the RAV4 doesn’t truly qualify as a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
It has a front-wheel-drive system and a rear-wheel-drive system.
Unlike other crossover vehicles, the RAV4 is equipped with a CVT automatic transmission.
This type of transmission reduces the risk of jerky gear changes and is less likely to produce road rash.
The main drawback of this type of gearbox is that it robs drivers of the sporty engine noise that is associated with a traditional 4×4 — which is why a true four-wheel-drive vehicle is so important.
While the RAV4 has a permanent four-wheel-drive system, the rear-wheel-drive system isn’t necessary to drive off-road.
The electronic control unit in a RAV4 continuously monitors the speed of the vehicle, the accelerator angle and the wheels’ speeds. It then calculates the optimal spread of torque to send the torque to the rear wheels for the best traction.
Is RAV4 prime good for off-road?
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the first RAV4 to come with an electric motor. This system gives the RAV4 excellent grip on all four wheels.
The drive modes are tailored for mud, snow, and rock-strewn trails. The RAV4’s electric motors do a good job of masking the atypical noises that an inline-four makes when revved up.
While the RAV4 Prime is priced below the original $40K, it still costs more than $40K at the time of purchase. State tax breaks can help RAV4 owners save even more money.
New Jersey taxpayers will save $1,050 on the effective price of the car. Another benefit is the ability to use a single electric motor on highways.
This means that the RAV4 can easily tow up to 3,500 pounds. That is enough to tow a couple snowmobiles or a small trailer.
The RAV4 Prime also offers several off-road-focused settings. The front-end suspension is improved, and a unique design features red springs for better small-bump isolation.
The 18-inch TRD wheels are fitted with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires. Despite the higher price tag, the TRD Off-Road trim also comes with an off-road-tuned braking system and an upgraded steering system.
Is Toyota RAV4 high clearance?
The RAV4 received a major ground clearance boost for the 2019 model year.
Its base LE and XLE models measure 8.4 inches from the ground to the chassis, while higher-end trims have a height of 8.6 inches.
The TRD Off-Road trim adds adds an inch of clearance, making it a versatile off-road vehicle.
However, if you’re looking for an SUV that’s more rugged, you should consider the RAV4.
While the Toyota RAV4 is a comfortable vehicle for five people, it’s not the best vehicle for off-roading. Its ground clearance of 8.6 inches makes it suitable for moderate off-roading but not extreme off-roading.
Aside from the standard suspension, it also comes with optional heated and ventilated front seats. For a fun ride on rough terrain, the RAV4 is a great choice for families.
The Toyota RAV4 has a low ground clearance when compared to other cars. The base model has an eight-inch ground clearance, while the XLE trim has a ground clearance of 8.5 inches.
In comparison, the LE has only six inches of ground clearing. The XLE Hybrid has a height of 7.7 inches, and the SE has a height of 6.5 inches.
What problems do Toyota RAV4 have?
If you’re in the market for a new SUV, you might be wondering: What problems do Toyota RAV4 drivers report?
These vehicles have been on the market for over 15 years, which means that a few of them have developed problems that make them less than perfect.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues drivers have with the RAV4.
Some of the most common issues are listed below:
The most common problem is the fuel gauge. This is a common problem with the RAV4 and is caused by the shape of the fuel tank when the vehicle is moving up or down an incline.
Despite its capacity, the RAV4 isn’t designed to go on long trips with a full tank of gas. This makes it impossible to enjoy a family vacation. If the gas gauge doesn’t work, it’s very difficult to drive.
The 2007-2014 RAV4 was recalled for corrosion in the rear suspension arm tie rods. Some models also suffered from rust and electrical contact failure on window sliding systems, which could lead to a fire.
The RAV4’s steering system is also susceptible to malfunctions, which can lead to a lack of steering feedback. The Toyota RAV4 was redesigned in 2019 and has received a few recalls. Fortunately, these recalls have no mileage limits and are usually covered by Toyota’s warranty program.