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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

I am confused, here is Tommy hailing the rav4 trd whilst Nathan was crucifying the same car yesterday.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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.

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

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!

For 99% of siatuations the AWD system of most vehicles is pretty capable. The problem is the lack of ground clearance, oversized front bumpers and in some cases the CVT transmission.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Summary, 4 wheel drive system does pretty well but it just lacks ground clearance. I don't think many people would buy.a Rav 4 to go off road.

To be worthy of the TRD badge, the next 2021 model needs to: Rework the front bumper to get a better angle of attack, the grill protrudes too much. Lift it up 0.2 inches. The combination of these to should increase ground clearance from 8.6 inches to 8.8 to 9 inches depending on AoA. Add metal skid plates on the undercarriage. And they better not increase the price one cent after adding these basic offroad improvement. How cheap can toyota be to forgo skid plates on a TRD, that's ESSENTIAL! I'd rather pick the Adventure model, and spend 2.500 USD difference on skid plates and real offroad tires.

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

No doubt a crossover CUV is ideal for a dirt trail. I’ve taken the 2009 RAV4 4 cylinder on trails in the Wasatch. This doesn’t appear to be an improvement, just more tech and big overhang.

This is basically just a lifted Toyota Camry on the same architecture. I would take the Camry AWD any day of the week and not pay the CUV premium.

If you want off-road worthy goodies in this segment, you get the Cherokee Trailhawk. I'd take it over the Rav4 TRD all day long. Locking rear, 4WD transfer case, better angles I'm sure, etc.

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

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.

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?

2020 TRD RAV4 Vs 2020 Subaru Crosstrek PLEASE!! I do have a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek so I am bias

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.

Honestly the adventure wheels look better than the trd. You can upgrade to a set of falken wild peaks on your adventure and you’ve basically got the same car. The difference in the suspension systems is marginal at best. I’m going to go that route on mine and am thrilled that I saved a ton of money.

What happens with the manufacturer when you damage one of their vehicles? Great video by the way. Just curious as, I know accidents happen

Sr5 4x4 has low range already just buy that. Yeah gas isn’t the best but still Sr5 is way more capable stock

Would've been nice if it had a front TRD skid plate and at least a fuel tank one with a locking diff or just a-trac

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

Not worth having the TRD logo slapped in it. Just by the standard Rav at a much lower price or buy the trailhawk which is much better with the diff lock or the 4Runner which is just shy of that price as you said.

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.

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!

I would like to see this Rav4 testing in Snow with the snow mode

The real question for the TRD Rav4 is can it get the groceries and cruise the malls?

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.

Hope they make one in a PRIME version. Would sell instantly.

4 passengers and full of gear could greatly affect this review. That 4 cylinder is too weak in my opinion.

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

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

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 :)

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

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.

I bet the aftermarket is already working on a lift kit and proper skid plates for this RAV4.

Toyota certainly must have made you a good offer for this glowing review. The TURD RAV4 should have a rear locker and a centre diff lock - but wait - it's a FWD bias, wtf? Foot flat to the floor for zero movement up a gentle slope is a massive negative. Overpriced junk, for mine.

it would be nice to see how a Mitsubishi outlander off road. it's in the cheaper suv class. and it has super all wheel control. it would be nice to know if you get what you pay for.

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

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.

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

The ground clearance in this one seems just like my Mitsubishi Outlander 2016 AWC. My Outlander does not have the bells and whistles of this Rav4 and it does not pretend to be an off-road version either but with the KO2 tires I installed on it for the outdoor adventures on rough trails, it does exactly what this (way more expensive Rav4) does on this trail. And I don't have any fancy AWD adjustments (Only Auto and Lock). But both my Outlander and this Rav4 are not meant to be in this environment thanks to the stylish plastic in the front and back... I can't wait to see Toyota revamping the 4Runner for better fuel economy or even better a hybrid version...

Tommy TFL will have to get a Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road & Ford Bronco Sport Badlands & Jeep Compass Trailhawk & GMC Terrain AT4 too See Who Builds the best Off Road Crossover

"Kyle Busch would still be....stuck in the bushes!" 😂 good one 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.

Having my breakfast to this 😀