We Take The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid To The LIMIT Off-Road Deep In The Mountains 

For a 41mpg family car on street tires that was amazing.

Very impressive. BTW the eCVT in this vehicle is very different from a traditional mechanical CVT with belts and variable sized pulleys. It uses a planetary gear set and 2 electric motors in the transaxle and software to achieve a CVT effect with out all of the downsides of traditional CVT.

The RAV4 “CVT” is not a normal CVT. It is the hybrid drive train which is an ingenious use of two electric motors and planetary gears. It’s brilliant engineering.

I just got a Rav4 2019 Hybrid XLE and had to test out it's road chops just this last weekend. I was trying to get to a campground when Google Maps informed me there were road closures. It gave me an alternate route which I did NOT know was going to include gnarly dirt roads no car has any business being on. The road was soft clay, pocked with giant holes, steep in some places with sand traps in other places. I was white knuckling it the whole time, but the car did beautifully! I got through the roads from hell and got on my merry way.

Really digging this video format with the swapping between the roller test and off road. Excellent job y’all. Love watching this channel progress and watching y’all try new things, it’s a huge part of why I follow y’all. Not to mention that y’all seem like people I’d want to have a beer with

I thought it actually performed pretty darn well, given the type of vehicle it is. It’s not a Jeep, nor does it claim to be one. I would never expect it to tow like a pickup truck either. Solid off road performance in my opinion. Seems like a good vehicle overall.

Hey Tommy, thanks for sticking with the slip tests. Geeks like me like them. The mix of controlled tests vs real world demos is a great idea.

10:28 "This RAV4 has a CVT" - No. It has an eCVT, mechanically different animal altogether.

Remember the RAV4 it's not for Climbing, the meaning of this video it's to demonstrate "IF" for any reason you need to do it! And the RAV4 did it. 💪🏼

1. I am very impressed with RAV4 hybrid. The "Trail" button does its job - the rear side wheel (the one on rollers) was not spinning in the last test. It provides a software-based lock - good enough for my needs. The next step is a stronger rear motor and a bigger battery to deliver instantaneous power without front spinning. 2. RAV4 H. has eCVT. It is different than standard CVT. Please mention that as it is actually completely different from the standard belt/chain type CVT. 3. Great video ;)

I would say that the tires are the weakest link here.

Wow! What a helpful video, the way you've explained the systems, compared the slip test to the natural terrain. Impressive. Although I won't purposely be pushing my future Rav 4 into terrains like these, it's great to know that its capable if I do find myself in a hairy situation. You guys rock!

FINALLY! I've been waiting for decent review like this of the 019 rav4 off road. Sure it's not the Adventure but this will do. THANK YOU!

Finally a review of the model that does not only talk about the inside and the technicalities! It was put to the test in real life situations! Great job!

I wish they made this video with an actual off road tires vs the stock tires, it would have been a great comparison going up that trail

Really good review! Thanks for pushing it. I believe you are now my favorite TFL reviewer, keep it up!

Outstanding video Tommy, i have been employed by Toyota for 15 years, worked at the Georgetown plant (Camry and Lexus) and now, at the Indiana plant (Highlander). That's a great real world test you put the hybrid through. I drive a 2011 rav4 and we have been very happy with it's toughness and gracefulness.

I'm loving my new RAV4 XSE. While I don't plan to take it off road, I'm looking forward to using it in the snow.

Great review Tommy, you’ve really taken it up a notch since I first started watching you.👍

Hey, I like the way you did this video. Test and the practical mixed up which explained this new rav4's 4 wheels really clearly. Good Job Man.

Awesome vid! One suggestion though, agreed you can't mash the throttle all the way up the trail, but it is essential to keep the momentum going, which it seems only Nathan has a good grasp on. Not letting off the gas is different from flooring it, and not any more harmful or risky. Just my 2 cents

Great video! Like many others, I too like the controlled and then real world comparisons. I would really like to see a rav4 adventure model do the same test and trail. RAV4’s are more capable than what most people think. I own a first gen and followed my friends down trails, they were in Jeeps, Xterras and the like. It took the abuse well, was crazy reliable, and just sipped fuel. Finally retired it to road duty at 320 000 kms (still sees some muddy dirt roads though back at the farm).

On one of my many trips to Kenya, East Africa, I rented a 2003 Rav4. After hours of driving it on the beautiful highway, my GPS took us to a dirt road that is very close to what is on this video. We were too far along on this road to turn back and had no choice but to try to make it. To my surprise, we made it and that sucker totally changed my opinion about Toyota forever.

I love my 2018 Rav 4 Limited Hybrid AWD. I am in Central Texas, just north of Austin TX. We had a weird Polar Vortex Winter Storm Feb 2021 with snow and ice. Very rare for here. I was very impressed with how it handled driving in the snow and icy roads. I never slipped and certainly did not get stuck. This is my 5th Toyota and 3rd Toyota Hybrid. I love it!

Congrats, for the scientific approach. Very nice to know that a hybrid can get that far on a rocky trail like this!

Very impressive video guys. Great job 👍🏼

You're awesome, Tommy. Spot on, always. We see eye-to-eye on SO many things. Keep up the great work, kid.

Great tests and honest review. Completely changed my mind about the RAV4 Hybrid.

I have this...XSE silver and everything...Love it so much!

Wow this is actually extremely impressive for a car that gets 40MPG. Looks like adding a lift kit, A/T tires, and a skid plate would make it able to do all the “off-roaming” that 90% might ever need

This is why I subscribe to your channels, because you actually test these new crossovers road. Keep it up, I'm pleasantly surprised that a Toyota RAV4 made it up such obstacles. It didn't do that great, but it made it. Passable, but barely.

this video was just what I needed to see. Thx from France !

Love this type of video, every crossover should get one of these

Thank you for making this video. I'm considering the RAV4 potentially for 2020. This should definitely meet my sparse off roading needs.

Full Review Of 2021 Toyota RAV4 VS Subaru Forester - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-y7CbsW1udl0.html

Great job Tommy ! Actually looking at one of those... thanks man!

At least the transmission didn’t overheat like the huyndai kona 😂

Very impressive!! Love the comparison between the control test and real-world test. Do you still have your Subaru Outback? Could do the same test.

Love the new format! The integration of the slip test into the real world test is awesome!!

Gotta say, Tommy, you have been improving alot at this presenter thing, and I have to say, you seem like you found your comfort level with it, and your turning out some very enjoyable work. Good job.

No surprise you're a fan of the hybrid/electric-based AWD. Electric motors aren't affected by altitude.

Great video Tommy! Can you try the same course with the adventure trim level for the RAV 4? I'm curious to see if the different AWD system and the extra ground clearance will make a difference. Thanks!

We have a 2019 Hybrid RAV-4 and live in Montana and use it just like you did in this demonstration. The one thing you mentioned in the beginning of the video that you did not at the end are the tires and the difference they can make. I put a set of Falken Wild peak A/Ts on ours and as you could guess it makes all the difference in the world when it comes to traction. We had a Prius and we’re looking for something with better capabilities that got good mileage and the RAV4 fit the bill . I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised at how capable the RAV4 Hybrid is you find yourself taking it to places you probably shouldn’t but with the clearance you have it really expands the capabilities. We have never seen 40mpg but do average 37mpg still not bad . Thanks for the video it was very well done and really highlights the off-road capabilities. Happy Trails

I changed my 19” to 17” Michelin’s A/T tires on day 1 of ownership. Best thing I could have done.

with those tires, it is really impressive!

A friend of mine has a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid. He likes it very much, but doesn't try to go off-roading with it. It does get used on Pennsylvania hills in ALL kinds of weather, including snow and ice. It works very well!

This is an excellent video, helped me make my mind up about getting one, comes in a couple of weeks.

I have the XLE model and I'm in love with it. Great Video!

I have this exact car (except in magnetic gray). I love the XSE. I bought her three months ago when they first came out and already have over 7k miles. Looks decent. Tons of storage. Can’t beat the mpg for a car like this. Zippy. And apparently it can climb mountains. Who knew? I have a 4Runner too, but will only be using it for the more extreme conditions. Averaging 38 mpg with a lot of Interstate driving. Much better around town. No serious complaints except my right leg bumps the center console, which is a little annoying, but I’m getting used to it. And the gas light comes on with a third of a tank left (guess they don’t trust us Americans to not run out of fuel). I liked the looks of the Adventure, but couldn’t justify buying one without a supremely better mpg than my 4Runner. I’ve come to love it. It’s quieter and quicker than the Adventure I test drove. Not perfect, but I can’t think of a car I’d rather have as a daily driver. The JBL audio is pretty good too if you listen to podcasts and such. If Subaru had a hybrid Forester I would have considered that. But they don’t. I’m in love with this thing. If you get one of the hybrid ones, spring for the XSE instead of the XLE or the LE if you have the budget. It’s just a nicer car, and in my opinion looks a hell of a lot better with the two-tone roof. Thanks for the video.

40 MPG is "pretty good"? dude, be more honest! What other crossover Mid-Size SUV even comes close to this? lol

I really enjoy this review format. Switching back and forth. I usually always click on Tommy's reviews, because he's a hottie, but this one was especially great!

We rented a rav4 in Fairbanks Alaska a few weeks ago. This car went everywhere, even with street tires. Very impressed with this vehicle.

Tommy kind of reminds me of a de-tuned Idubbbz.

I watched the whole thing from beginning to end. Very well done. Love it! The RAV4 is begging for skid plates and a slight lift. Even Subaru has 8.7" of ground clearance. I wonder how the batteries would would when driving in deep puddles and shallow river crossings.

One of the best video I have seen on this channel 👍😎well done mate.

Fantastic, the video I really needed to watch and I am so happy that I did...I love this car more now!

Are we going to see a video with gas limited or adventure? Love how you’re powering through as you would in a real world situation, unlike other videos out there on rav4.

Great video format... can you create an identical video (trails, rollers etc) using the new honda CRV hybrid. Keep up the good work this channel has been getting better each year.... 😀

Love how you guys actually took it off road unlike some others who go on a fire road and flip their bleep over a pothole, then say the car isn’t capable.

Well done review! Answered some of my questions. Thanks

I'd really like to see if the Adventure model would be better like I think it would be. Although I gotta admit to being really surprised at how well the Hybrid did.I wasn't expecting it to get beyond the first hard test.

Tommy, you are a very smart kid when it comes to 4WD off-roading. Really enjoy your videos!

Great job! Very knowledgeable. Anyone doing vehicle videos could learn a lot from you. You really know your tech and people like to see what a vehicle can really do, not just what kind of headlights and seats it has. Thank you✊🏼✨

Such a great video. Because of this video I purchased my 2020 rav4 xse.

Thanks for the review. I just bought the LE version of this, and happy to see how it would perform in situations I'll never take it into... it's just too pretty ;-). Interestingly, the first roller test, where Trail mode gave the worse result, is actually Trail mode working as it should... that is, allowing for more slip. Anyway, I also wonder if the LE, XLE or Limited versions would offer better off-road performance as they have a more conventional AT tire, rather than the sporty tires on the XSE? Final thoughts... I LOVE my 2019 Rav4 Hybrid. Currently getting 5.6L/100km... word.

Is there a video where you put the Adventure model through this same test? I would love a side by side comparison!

Highly informative and detailed review!!!

I have an 06 Highlander Hybrid with a similar AWD setup except it's 200hp from an electric motor + V6 up front and 68hp pure electric motor powering the rear. People hate on the system because the front and back wheels aren't mechanically connected, but it's always worked out great for me. It doesn't have a trail button, but 68hp from all electric gives great torque to power through slippage. I'm not an offroader, but I've had to take it on similar rough trails and in deep snow and I've never had an issue. The traction control is extremely aggressive at cutting and redirecting power and can't be turned off, so it's really bad in situations that require letting the wheels spin, but really good at everything else.

Toss some Yokohama Geolanders on it and you've got a decent car with some reasonable off highway capability.

Toyota made a wonderful design and top quality would like to have this car for sure love it👍

Thank you! You just convinced me to keep my 2004 Rav4 full time AWD manual shift until I can afford a 4Runner! 🙏

Thanks. I really enjoyed the review!

Awesome for a hybrid! Way to go Toyota!

Very professional review, Tommy! I was a bit shocked that the car performed worse in Trail Mode than Normal on the first roller test. Keep up the good videos, fellas!

Great job with the review, I like the way you test them. Like to see more suv tests

I have a built 4 runner with about everything that you can think of in terms of upgrades for off roading and overlanding. Chins lake Colorado has one of the more difficult trails and we were thinking about checking it out. Right when we got to the start of "Jeep Road" a older stock Rav 4 came clunking down the trail. There is barely a road in most parts and you literally have to drive from one rock to another, sometimes with only 2 tires touching. Toyotas are amazing. Been thinking about that a few years now so we just purchased a 2021 Rav 4 XLE premium in the Lunar Rock color for my gf. Freaking stoked!

Nice video, thank you for sharing this. It would be great if you could do the same off road tests for the adventure model. Thank you.

You have road tyres on that car so it's done extremely well

Great video! I bought a RAV4 Hybrid XSE - same as your tester. I trust it makes it out of the sub division after a snow storm! Rocky top - I'll hike it.

Very impressed. I don't think Toyota ever envisioned the Rav4 to be a true off roader but it has proven me wrong.

Why not make a button that makes the electric motor spin both rear wheels, like a fake rear locking diff

Bring back the FJ Cruiser as an all electric AWD badass.

I really like seeing what these Toyota hybrids can do on paths like this. Park the ride and chock the wheels and turn on the AC or heat and sleep overnight with comfort. BLM roads National forest roads etc. Well done video!

Nice review! Thumbs up!

Nice vehicle. Nice test. Those tires have no business being off the pavement though lol.

This shows how much hybrid tech can benefit offroad vehicles. It's a shame the 4x4 community is so traditionalist

Very informative review. Excellent work.

Awesome video. Shows what technology can do. Really considering this crossover

you have to get the Rav4 trail or LTD to get Active Torque Control System the hydrid Rav4 does not have it.

Will you take the Adventure model up? It had a different AWD system.

Wow Tommy!!! Great job buddy!! I’m sure your dad is proud AND jealous...because you are getting so good at these vids!!! Keep up the great work!!!

Had to subscribe 😎 really intertaining

Thanks I just bought a 2019 Rav4 hybrid in the exact Limited trim. I was impressed with this review! It gave me the confidence of what it could potential and actually perform. Will I be taking to do crazy off roading? No, but it’s just good to know it’s there. The control and non control testing was super helpful review. You earned a subscriber! From Southern California 😜👍

Would like to see same test with reasonable tires.

Excellent video!

This video sold me on the RAV 4 hybrid w/AWD. I rarely need off road capabilities...and not much when I do..The RAV 4 is a hell of alot more economical and comfortable than my LT swapped 86 Chevy 4x4

Impressive for a Rav4!

I want to see all these tests on the Adventure

Very well done test drive and slippage tests!

With those tires doing what you did is AMAZING. Good Driver+Capable Car