At last year’s Chicago Auto Show, Toyota took the covers off the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road and YouTuber Savagegeese recently had the opportunity to put it through its paces.
On paper, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road seems like quite a compelling product. It is based on the RAV4 Adventure, but receives a host of upgrades designed to improve its off-road credentials.
The most notable upgrade is the fitment of a new suspension inspired by the Rally RAV4 Race Team that includes new coil springs, re-valved twin-tube shocks featuring new internal rebound springs, and new bump stops. In addition, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive comes standard and can channel up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the rear wheels as well as direct torque to the left or right rear wheel to improve handling on and off tarmac.
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Toyota has also equipped the RAV4 TRD Off-Road with a Multi-Terrain Select system that includes Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow driving modes. There is also Hill Start Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control, and Downhill Assist Control.
Now, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people buying the RAV4 TRD Off-Road will never go beyond paved roads or smooth gravel, but if they need to, the RAV4 could do the job. Unfortunately, the video below doesn’t include any actual off-roading, though the reviewer does go into details about the changes and takes a look at what’s new and not underneath.
Powering the SUV is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 203 HP and is mated to Toyota’s Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission. Finally, the SUV is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,578 kg).