By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 24, 2020) For years, Toyota products were commonly referred to as “appliances.” Vehicles that — while boring in appearance and not particularly exciting — were extremely reliable and not prone to breaking down or needing repairs. And, as with a refrigerator or kitchen range, owners could easily get 15 years or more service out of them before needing or wanting to buy a replacement.

Now, however, Toyota is determined to have us thinking differently about its trusted and reliable vehicles. While the beefed up TRD off-road designation is traditionally reserved for Tundra and Tacoma trucks, Toyota is bringing it to the Sequoia minivan, Camry and Avalon sedans, and even the RAV4 compact crossover utility vehicle tested here.

Typically, those looking for a rugged, off-road capable vehicle from Toyota will opt for Land Cruiser, 4Runner or Tacoma. So, we were more than interested in testing the new RAV4 TRD for its off-road creds, and couldn’t wait to hit the rugged trails of Butcher Jones State Park in Arizona to see if it was more capable than the standard RAV4 4x4.

Toyota completely redesigned the RAV4 last year, giving it a new platform and styling, and more interior room. For 2020, the new TRD Off-Road trim builds on the sporty Adventure trim, but gets a more aggressive-looking exterior, its chrome accents replaced by black trim. Both models have an increased ground clearance of 8.6 inches. Most noticeable are the knobby Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires that are “Severe Snow Rated” and complemented by 18-inch TRD black wheels.

The TRD features high-rise roof rails, a unique bumper design, and large over-fenders similar to the Adventure grade. Our test TRD certainly looked the part with its light grey Lunar Rock exterior color and Ice Edge (white) roof. Other colors are available, including two other two-tone combinations, Ruby Flare Red, and more.

Inside, the cabin is fit with black-patterned faux leather seats with embossed TRD badging on the headrests. There’s great looking red stitching about the cabin and a frosted red metal accent around the center console surround. Heavy black floor mats with red TRD Off-Road monikers and a rear cargo mat add to the rugged look.

A 2.5-liter non-turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine with 203-horsepower powers the vehicle. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the only engine/transmission combination available. Toyota also added a modified suspension with new red coil springs and twin-tube shocks specifically tuned with an off-road focus. Bump stops improve handling when climbing over large obstacles at speed. These additions are intended to deliver a smoother ride when trail driving.

Toyota also included additional off-road technology like standard Multi-Terrain Select system with driver-selectable Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, and Snow modes. That’s in  addition to optimized vehicle traction control, throttle response and braking according to conditions. Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control are also standard.

While the RAV4 TRD Off-Road certainly looks the part, we quickly found out during our off-road testing that the vehicle isn’t up to the Butcher Jones trails. There’s no underbody protection or skid plates for approach and departure angles, and revised bumpers aren’t engineered for this type of terrain.

Overall, there’s much to like about the TRD Off-Road, but in reality, it looks more off-road capable than it actually proved to be. For those who are serious about off-road adventures, we suggest switching to the larger and more capable 4Runner TRD Off-Road with a starting price just $3,135 more. However, if you’re content with more capability in snow or gravel roads and like the looks of the RAV4 we think you’ll be more than pleased with the vehicle.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $36,180
Price as Tested: $42,902
Engine-Transmission: 2.5-liter 203-hp four-cylinder teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 25/32/27 mpg City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5

Where Built: Ontario, Canada

Crash Test Results: Overall highest possible 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Competes With:
Ford Escape
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Compass
Jeep Wrangler
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester

Fab Features
Rugged good looks
Comfortable, upscale interior
Excellent reliability and resale value