Does The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Live Up To Its Name? We Find Out The Hard Way!
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- Опубликовано: 30 май 2020
- ( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is the most expensive RAV4 and the promises to be the most off-road capable yet, but how does it actually fare in the real world? We find out by taking it off the pavement in the Colorado Rockies!
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#Toyota #RAV4 #TRD 
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Nice video Tommy.
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.
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.
They're not going to stop. Buyers now are idiots and will buy as long as it has CarPlay and androidauto
@@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
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
Ya that's one thing I hate if u want a m car or AMG buy the real thing
THIS is THE review people need to watch if they are considering this vehicle for more than its on road capabilities.
Yep, need to get the 4 Runner
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.
Couldn't have said it better mysel
Gosh I love this channel!, Can't wait to get the 300hp Prime varient of the RAV4 in Australia !!
Better approach angle, lift 2-3 inches, and smaller rims (bigger tire sidewall) would make this a really good off-road vehicle.
💯Agreed with this. My thought is, buy an Adventure and mod it!
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.
As always, great video, Tommy. I especially appreciated your comparison to the hybrid with the footage included. Thanks
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.
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.
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!!!
So glad you took me up on joining the Colorado RUclipsrs. It is nice to have community
Next gen of TFL right here ! 👌
Really good video I really like every detail you and your team put in thanks happy new year cheers
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.
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.
Great review. Love the TRD.
Love this video would like to see more of these types of videos especially with so many 4x4 suv on the road !
Great Job as usual. Killing it as usual.
Good thing your dad wasn't there when you scratched that front end!
Nice review. I love the roller tests. New sub.
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.
LOVE Toyota/Lexus, really disappointed that the threw the TRD plate on this average SUV.
Great review. Thanks for sharing.
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!
Great video Tommy keep up the good work.
I love the roller testing .. hope you guys do this for all future vehicles
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
You should get a first Gen RAV4 manual trans and do a New vs Old off-road test😉
Ya I love those cars whit the real hood scoop
First gen with proper tires would wipe the floor with it
@@rubenbraekman4515 absolutely are you on about the ones that had a hood scoop ya I love those old ones
@@neilmurphy845 first gen never had good scoop to my knowledge
@@Carubines ow I thought they did my mistake
Really excellent review. Thanks,
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!
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.
That torque vectoring is impressive. Thinking about getting this for my last now.
Do a little (offroad) group test vs Mazda CX5 with the new offroad traction assist and a Subaru Forester!
this
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...
@@willba4 :)
Yes please.
Replace Subaru with Cherokee trail hawk since Subaru Is afraid of being exposed
Over 42k for the name and badges. Most people will never take it off road.
Some people do. Because I know few rav4 owners do go off-road
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.
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
Great video! Given your recommendation, how does the Adventure stack up to the Limited as far as off road capabilities?
Very good awd system in this trd off-road model! GG Toyota 👏
This was helpful. Thank you.
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.
Very good and interesting video 👍!! Thanks!!!
Excellent work Tommy... Any more Toureq videos coming?...it's Ron Smith here...had to get new tablet..thanks again for the video Tommy
Please stay tuned
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?
Surprised me, in it's climbing abilities!
Well done Sir!
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.
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.
Nice video! What I’d really like to see is a comparison between the Hybrid and Adventure but with the same all terrain tires on both cars. The tires make such a massive difference to a cars off road capabilities so it’s the only way to fairly compare the 2 setups and also show people if the Gas AWD/8 Speed gearbox is really worth the purchase over a Hybrid AWD/CVT gearbox.
First time viewer this is the best vehicle review I seen in a long time.👍so let me go on and hit that button and subscribe!
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!
Great video!
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.
Well done Tommy! 🍻🇨🇦
*I want to see the RAV4 TRD PRO versus the Ford Bronco Sport off-road test!*
Excellent review! I especially like the price comparo with the other potential vehicles. It sounds like a great but since probably only 50% of buyers might need to go off road but not extreme off-road.
This has everything I need and is not complicated.
Great review. Very sensible.
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.
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.
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.
torque vectoring is very nice, probably best implemented in sh awd, but not quiet tough enough for rocks and deep holes where it usually burns clutches
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Nice vid Tommy. Interesting to see what they are doing with the crossovers. Soooo... Looks like I'll still shop the 4runner. In another vid you said you'd take the 4runner TRD Off Road over the Pro. I agree. Big Q here though... KDSS or no? With, it has better road manners although will cost close to the same as the RAV4. Without, you will get a lot of body roll, have a less refined ride, although also save more money. Thoughts? KISS or 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
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.
This RAV4 to me is very similar to the Subaru outback but a Toyota with Toyotas legendary durability
Adventure is less but the TRD looks way better! Family camper with nice commuter views.
42 grand?!! There's a sucker born every minute!
But it’s worth spending money
This one has like 5k in bells and whistles that most can live without
@@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
Anthony Burke 4Runner TRD Pro starts at $50k, will be $56k or $58k optioned similarly. That's two price segments up.
@@anthonyb2990 and a 4runner has 15 mpg..
Very impressed with this little vehicle,great little get around vehicle and great on gas .
Wow I’m impressed
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
Subaru lost its credentials the second it stuffed CVT everywhere.
@@shitloveaduck I absolutely agree it's a Jeep and doesn't it have a rear Locker
@@goodybrown5175 that's true I'm going back to the old days before the cvts though
The new rav4 is indeed worthy to be part of the TRD. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
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.
Very good review. Does the transmission overheat in stressful environment and then disengages.
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.
If this is an off road vehicle SKID PLATES & GROUND CLEARANCE IS A MUST!!!
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!
Absolutely. This thing is sacrilege to the TRD Off Road namesake.
Should have gone with a 4runner.
James if they weren’t 20some odd k (Canadian) more than the trail hawk, I would
For 2021 they legit added a metal skid plate. So there’s that
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....
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
Need to do a TRD Rav-4 vs Renegade Trailhawk!
Tommy, you hurt the RAV-4. Well, that is 4x4'ing. This is still a cute ute. It is quite good, but looking at the approach and departure angles and your breakover. It needs more clearance and better tires. This car is compromise still because it needs to be nice on road and off road. Nice to see you put the RAV-4 through its paces. Hope you and your Dad and Nathan and the gang are staying safe!
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.
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.
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.
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?? 🙄
Add a skid plate and give it a 3-6 inch lift and I'd say it can be called an off road vehicle
That’s why it’s a mild off-road small SUV. As an alternative option
TRD Dirt Road would’ve been more appropriate.
Brodi Wheeler or trd off pavement lol
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
Hi! What shock absorbers and springs are mounted on that Rav4? Well thank you.
Pretty decent for light off road fun. I wouldn’t mind purchasing one if I get an extraordinarily good deal. But I also have to agree with everyone about the TRD Off road being used on a car that’s not as capable as the TRD versions of the Tacoma and 4 runner or even Cherokee or grand Cherokee Trailhawk. Heck I don’t even think it’s any more capable than a grand Cherokee Laredo or base Cherokee. However if they would have labeled it as TRD 4sno and dirt it would have been far more acceptable. However With that being said this particular model with the suspension and tire upgrades despite the badging is the best rav4 available and would probably be better received if it wasn’t priced like a baby Benz
Good old Toyota always doing fearless than any other manufacturer at making their vehicle an offroader.
What trail are you on? Looking to go to Colorado in the summer.
i think this car would be the more “family friendly” and “budget friendly” 4Runner! still can’t beat the FJ or the 4Runner, but with some mods it could be pretty good!
It needs a slight lift, higher profile tires (60s, really?), and a front bumper with some clearance.
So, they Make monster Trucks now?
Very good thanks 👍👍👍
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.
Hi guys you are my favorite car channel
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?
Great Video. What is the main difference between the ADVENTURE and the TRD off road. Do you think the adventure will behave the same way the TRD did on the test ?
Really wish Gold mine hill was open to test. That's the best place to test AWD systems from what I've seen.
thats a cool test, nvr seen that begore
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 :)
Can you guys go over the AWD in the LE and XLE models? From what I understand it is a more basic AWD vs the torque vectoring system. Wondering if that works "better"
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.
The xse h is more sport than off road, 42 mpg is good for me lol
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
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.
Maybe a Rav4 hybrid TRD off-road?
Let's be real the hybrid was made for fuel economy...not offroading....maybe a software update in the future will help with that.
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.