I took my 19 awd off road thru a tall grass/ muddy area after the big round of storms in Feb (san diego) in mud sand mode. It went thru no prob and all tires were spinning all over the place. I got worried for a second because it was alot muddier than i expected.
What a great video and explanation of all the different systems! Best video I've watched in a long time breaking something down that only people who care will investigate! Bravo!
The more I watch of this channel the more I appreciate it. Substantial, well informed reviewing and REALISTIC real world testing, no comical "outrageously pumped-up Jeep vs Soccer mom crossover on summer tires in Hell's Revenge tub: Only one makes it out" clickbate content... Keep it up!
I appreciate that you're actually explaining how the different AWD systems work and doing tests. This type of video is much better than the average car video dealing with AWD, which is usually without meaningful testing or pushing past the marketing fluff to see what's actually going on. My only critique is that more info would be good (exactly how much torque can transfer and how quickly, do incline/temperature sensors play a role, is ABS beefed up to handle constant brake-actuated torque shifting (master cylinder, pads, calipers), what type of clutch packs are used in torque vectoring (hydraulic, electric, wet/dry, etc. - are they likely to overheat or wear out with constant use?), is software upgradable, etc.). Looking at articulation and clearance would also, of course, be relevant, as would the transmission (some AWD systems seem limited by a CVT not being able to handle the load of moving more torque).
Excellent Vehicle review, I like the technical aspect of the review that’s a big bonus when it comes to buying a vehicle and I really appreciate the interesting content as well as different terrain. Good job guys
Very well done and explained. This is the best video on the AWD systems I have watched, and yes the Toyota guy is just that, trying to sell his cars and systems. The smirk is obnoxious. BUT YOU are right on the money, and that is sincerely appreciated. IF I really wanted full time AWD I'd buy a Subaru.
Excellent analysis of the all wheel drive systems available on RAV 4 and Prius. These systems are part time AWD less sophisticated than what Toyota provides on its Land Cruiser series with central (Torsen) mechanical differential and locking capabilities of the rear differential. The video is very interesting with excellent explanations. Many thanks.
Great video! Thank you guys! I agree with some of the below commenters, I wish you’d do a 2019 rav4 hybrid video on the trail to test out the “TRAIL” mode.
Why would you put a vehicle on your list that you know nothing about? We do know Toyota made micro improvements to the Hybrid RAV4 but in the end it came up smaller and did t place well on a cars.com comparison. Which is typical average Toyota resting on it's laurels.
solid questioning. And great pointing out that the RAV4's rear wheels don't engage as well as other vehicles. Excellent parallel construction. I don't see many others asking the hard questions and pressing past the auto industry's marketing departments. Intellectually rigorous show.
Very interesting. I have a 21 Rav4 XLE and just got my first taste of its performance in snow conditions. I found it to work very well and it did actually seem to power the rears from a hard launch. Since I was inside the car and had no one to observe from outside though I can't say for certain. I am also convinced that the snow mode does not "shut off" at higher speeds as Toyota seems to claim since cycling this mode on and off at highway speeds clearly cause a change in the sound of the drive train. With these systems evolving so quickly I suspect it's quite hard to remain current year to year on exactly how they work. Thanks for a very informative video.
It’s had to of had an upgrade in software since this, I had a 21 XLE AWD and it passed diagonal test with 2 tires in the air. It definitely relies on brakes for traction but when you stay on throttle, it’ll get you the traction you need for the most part. It was pretty good
Toyota’s new AWD is basically still fwd but waits for the fronts to slip before sending any power to the back. It’s all still mpg based; don’t use the rears unless you absolutely have to.
it kind of makes this system very reliable because it will be used so little, so you never have to worry if its fucked if you are buying a used car, on the other hand in the inclement weather it will do absolutely nothing, judging from this video, it will only matter when you are in a real pickle like deep snow or sand, or rocks, and out of these 3 its mainly only the deep snow, but with the climate becoming warmer and last winter we didn't even have any snow at all, this system will just add a bit of value to the car, just not practicality. AWD systems have always been designed first for safety, when you are hydroplaning or when you are cornering at high speed or taking off, and out of all the systems he showed Toyota's one is just plain useless when it comes to safety factor of the system. Maybe somebody smart can hack it and make it more useful, or maybe its a viscous coupling differential with the fluid thats not very viscous, thats why it engages so sluggishly.
Cody Slab AWD won’t help you with hydroplaning. If you’re hydroplaning, you’re usually going too fast, so adding power to all 4 wheels won’t help get traction. It’s mainly been useful for in rainy weather for accelerating hard into traffic, and climbing hills in heavy snow and ice for me. Most of the AWD systems aren’t torque vectoring so they don’t help with high speed turning.
That is one reason I wouldn't necessarily want to get stuff like a RAV4 over a Subaru of some sort considering the AWD is primarily front and sometimes rear when needed unlike Subaru where it is a 50/50 split always.
These are great in depth non bias videos! - Would you guys do a similar video segment with the all-new 2020 KIA Sportage AWD? I assume it’s pretty similar to Hyundai but I believe they might use two different systems.
Looking forward for more serious tests with the new hybrid RAV4 and see how it compares to a Forester. Is there a limitation of speed like on the Prius AWD?
Erick Estrada oh ok cool. no issues so far ? It is a quiet ride ? No road or wind noises? I’ve never own Hyundai brand and I might consider to get a Santa Fe 2021 with 2.4 engine 4 cylinder. I heard that you get lots of value / features for the price .
@@carlauditts8514 No issues since I bought it. Never thought to myself that it was loud while driving. I recommend to make sure the one you get has android auto and apple carplay, very convenient for driving.
Erick Estrada thank you so much for sharing . I love Subaru Forester and I’m thinking to get one in 2021 but I’m considering hybrid Highlander ( I dislike a bunch of stuff of the Highlander). I’ll check out the Santa Fe 2021 before I made a decision.
Love the research on this! Personally don't care too much what Toyota officially says. They're just using your platform to market themselves. I'm more focused on what your thoughts are, how you feel driving the car and your perspective.
Thanks a lot for this interesting review. I am planning to get one of these cars and the review is good for me to learn about its limitations. I normally don't do offroading. I crive around town and between towns, but there are trails in China and some roads are not paved. And occasionally I may venture out into the suburb area for camping or bird photography (not a very serious hobby). So I reckon the hybrid Rav4 may be quite OK for my purposes. The space, the price, and its limited offroading capabilities look decent to me.
Great video. Kudos to Toyota on their new RAV4: its come a long way from its tall-Tercel roots. I worry that Toyota is chasing down too many paths instead of making one great AWD.
The 3rd system seems simple enough to implement on basically any FWD vehicle and would add low speed AWD grip along with higher fuel efficiency to basically any commuter vehicle. A lot of "hot hatch" enthusiasts would LOVE this tech found in some entry level commuter cars with deep enthusiast communities. For Toyota, it'd be an awesome addition to a Yaris or Corolla. No? It'd be such a good combination of practicality with a touch of fun/performance!
As always one of the best reviews. I wish you had RAV4 Hybrid to test the start and cornering, RAV4 motor on the rear axle is stronger than Prius. I realy wanna see if there is an improvement from the previous model.
I recently drove a 21 Hybrid RAV4 in snow and had to frequently use the "trail" mode that acts as a locker with the brakes as it was very FWD biased even when it said it was sending power to the rear. it was either too much, especially in a turn where it would spin the vehicle out or not enough
Thanks, great overview, really helped me. I tried 2.5L, 8 speed auto, Adventure, was good, passes diagonal test flawlessly (left front wheel in air, the other on gravel) but the 2.5L, 8 speed auto, GXL AWD did well too so GXL AWD is my choice that also gets full size spare wheel; isn't strange that Adventure has space saver spare wheel for bigger trunk? I'd say since greater off-road capability / full torque vectoring you better have full size spare wheel if you go on rocky trail. However RAV 4 only flaw for me is handling, body roll can be tricky while you are not yet aware how it feels - if you get one make sure you get used with its handling in tight corners at speed. Otherwise I really like RAV 4 e.g. the D-4S injection make sense and on GXL AWD the MPG is good too.
all i no is i tested a new rav limited in deep ass snow ans ice roads and it was awesome. engine louder than I like but it handled perfectly and was awesome in snow
In a 2019 Rav-4 hybrid, does the electronic-only "intelligent" linkage between front and rear axles mean if you have a flat on e.g. left rear tire, you only need to replace both rear tires for adequate match, or do you still have to replace all four tires (as in conventional awd) to avoid excessively stressing the transmission?
First channel that is honest! I always thought the brake attenuating systems that toyota puts out are horrible. My Tundra would always get hot on brakes and give me all kinds of messages.
I still far prefer the always-on AWD of Subaru's. I would prefer to have a slight penalty to my MPG for the piece of mind of knowing that AWD system is working for me 100% of the time.
"...70 percent of new Subaru vehicles are now the object of recalls or service campaigns within two years of being purchased, noting that the “permissible limit” should be around 10 percent." www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/06/report-outlines-how-subaru-is-coping-with-quality-control-issues/
@@timlor1789 if you want proper offroading then sure but for me personally it just about that extra piece of mind always on 4wd gives me when I am in the car with the kids and it is bucketing down outside.
His tests show the fault of the Toyota systems. With their limited rear power on launch it is very limited until the rear wheels do anything to help move forward. The Subaru system has shown shows it works much better in slick conditions because it truly provides power to all four wheels. Still, the Toyota system is good enough to climb our 600 foot mountain to get home (15 percent climb). It just does not work as well as Subaru and other AWD systems that are true AWD. This demo is much appreciated.
Put good winter tires on any of them and it will trump any of the others on all season tires. Winter tires have a far great influence than these AWD systems.
I like the AWD system in my 2011 highlander Limited. I have never experienced a lack of traction when taking off from a stop. Even on snow covered, rainy, or gravel roads. Can you tell me how this new system stack up against an older system like the one I have?
Do you have an update video for the new models Rav4 prime, trd off-road, xse models ? Crazy your test were in pnw I live in Seattle all my life and want to get an suv Rav4
Can you explain Kia Telluride’s Active On Demand system? AWD is very important to me that works year round and not just slip and grip (big fan of iVTM-4 and SH-AWD)
Thank you for the great video! It’s the best explanation of the AWD for Toyota that I’ve come across so far. I was hoping someone can pitch in and help me answer something. I’m on the fence about purchasing an XLE Premium package (standard AWD) or a Limited trim (Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD) RAV4. I live in Canada and we get quite a bit of snow. This AWD is my primary deciding factor between the two trims, and the difference in price between the two trims is roughly $4000. If the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD on the Limited trim is worth it and will make that much of a noticeable difference in the snow I’m willing to shell out the money for it, but if the difference is negligible I’d rather go with the XLE Premium package and save some money. Thank you in advance for any help!
I would say the difference between the two is minor in practice. The "next step up" from the standard RAV4 system in Toyota's lineup is to go with a truck-based auto-4WD setup like in the 4Runner Limited or Land Cruiser.
@@drivingsports thank you so much for the reply, I really appreciate it! This absolutely helps in my decision making process. Please keep up with the great videos!
Any chance to review the hybrid AWD system in recent Lexus models? Mainly I wonder if the "more aggressive software re-tune" for the rear MGR was done in earlier MY (e.g. 2016-2019 RX 450h AWD).
I think you just helped Subaru sell a bunch of new Foresters to people who want their AWD system to do something at launch. Sure makes me appreciate the system in my WRX. I'm willing to pay the small fuel economy penalty for traction.
I recently took the new Adventure off road. The new system its an improve, but still is a FWD feeling as shown in this video. And the engine is too noise when you accelerate hard, doesn't feel much powerful than new Forester, and departing angles and approach, are I think worst than previous gen. I would go for the Forester in this segment for better off road and comfort use.
Aril 25/19. The Rav4 Adventure or Trail in Canada has a engineering defect, it does not have a soundproofing pad under the hood, Toyota is floating a solution: $485.00- plus tax (Canadian) for the snap-in pad. A ton of complaints.
Very informative, I'm not so sure those systems are that great. Snow is the biggest concern in my area and I've got hills. These systems seem inadequate for heavy snow where rear torque is a must have feature.
I love taking my 2020 RAV4 on the NC beaches & AZ rocky hils. It has had no prolem of doing a great job. It just works. When I am in sand on the beach all 4 wheels spin from the start. So they must have fixed that problem. @11:00 Yes and I have. That is what a RAV4 is made for off-road. Anyone that says no is not a true RAV4 driver or owner.
i have the 2019 RAV4 limited and AWD definitely kicked in during launch and cornering. but its not consistent on when it kicks in and when it doesnt, i think the software is reading the road condition, up/down hill and rain.
