Chicago 2019: 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road: Comments

[William Maley]

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Toyota is putting on quite the show today in Chicago with the debuts of the Land Cruiser Heritage Edition , Sequoia TRD Pro, and refreshed 2020 Tacoma. But they had one more surprise up their sleeve in the form of the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road.

Building upon the Adventure model, the TRD Off-Road begins with an updated suspension that takes some ideas from Ryan Millen's RAV4 rally car campaigned in the Rally America championship a few years ago - new coil springs and revised twin-tube shocks. A set of Falken A/T tires come wrapped with 18-inch matte black wheels.

Other changes for the TRD Off-Road include a new front grille, red stitching, and the TRD logo on the seats and floormats. Power remains a 2.5L four-cylinder with 203 horsepower. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic.

No mention of price, but Toyota says the RAV4 TRD Off-Road arrives at dealers this fall.

Gallery: 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road

Source: Toyota

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Toyota RAV4 Drivers Earn Trail Cred’ Thanks to New TRD Off-Road Treatment

• 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road Suspension Inspired by Rally RAV4 Race Team
• Standard Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive
• Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All-Terrain Tires
• TRD 18-inch Flow-Formed Matte Black Aluminum Wheels
• Exclusive TRD Exterior and Interior Features
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0)

CHICAGO, February 7, 2019 – The all-new, fifth-generation Toyota RAV4, which launched just two months ago, is already looking ahead with the unveiling of the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road model at the Chicago Auto Show. Arriving in the fall, the newest addition to the RAV4 family will be outfitted with a full array of special Toyota Racing Development engineering and design features for greater trail-driving capability and standout style.
 
The vehicle that started the segment 22 years ago is now the best-selling non-pickup truck in the U.S. With the latest generation, it is bringing even more sport and more utility. For 2020, the new TRD Off-Road is designed for customers who make the great outdoors a second home.
 
For the first time, the RAV4 will join a formidable team of Toyota TRD Off-Road SUVs and pickups inspired by the brand’s legendary off-road and desert racers. Beneath the new-generation RAV4’s bolder design, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform provides an ideal base for TRD’s renowned go-anywhere capability and style. Building on the 8.6-inch ground clearance and design features of the RAV4 Adventure grade, the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road goes above and beyond with suspension, wheels and tires engineered specifically for trail driving.
 
The Dynamic Force 2.5-liter, 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission, provides get-up-and-go-anywhere performance and exemplary fuel efficiency. The driver can choose from Sport, Normal and Eco modes. To take more equipment along, such as personal watercraft, dirt bikes or a small enclosed trailer, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
 
Standard Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, as well as distribute torque to the left or right rear wheel to enhance handling on or off pavement. When AWD isn’t needed, such as on long highway stretches, Rear Driveline Disconnect optimizes fuel economy.
 
Using standard Multi-Terrain Select, the driver can maximize traction by matching the drive mode to the conditions -- Mud & Sand mode for beach driving, or Rock & Dirt mode for trails, and Snow for wintery conditions, for example. The Multi-Information Display (MID) shows torque allocation and slip control data. The new-generation RAV4’s short front and rear overhangs enhance trail-driving capability. In addition, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road will include Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for optimal on-road and off-road performance and safety.
 
Thoroughly TRD
 
The 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road takes cues from Toyota’s rich off-road racing history. It shares high-rise roof rails, large over-fenders, and aggressive bumper, grille designs and fog light surrounds with the RAV4 Adventure grade, but with a uniquely TRD personality.

Inspired by TRD’s successful learnings with Ryan Millen’s Rally RAV4, TRD Off-Road suspension is engineered to enhance body control and small-bump isolation to help smooth out trails and rough city streets. Unique red coil springs are tuned for an off-road focus. The twin-tube shocks are re-valved and feature new internal rebound springs to improve rebound control. New bump stops maximize compression direction wheel travel and help improve body control over large bumps and dips.
 
The 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road exclusively rolls on lighter and more rigid flow-formed 18x7-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires. These all-terrain tires mean business, with a unique tread pattern and compound developed to TRD technical requirements. A rugged square shoulder design helps protect against punctures, on or off road, and the tires are Severe Snow Rated with open shoulder grooving to shed debris, mud and snow.
 
Available in an exclusive two-tone Magnetic Gray Metallic w/Ice Edge Roof combination, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is accented by dark gray front and rear lower fascias, and front LED fog lights are standard. TRD Off-Road is also available in Midnight Black or Lunar Rock, both of which are available with optional Ice Edge Roof. Other available colors include Ruby Flare Pearl and Super White.
 
Inside, striking red stitching and red trim accent the cabin. Seat surfaces are covered in comfortable SofTex, which is lighter than leather yet highly durable, and the front seats have “TRD” stitched into the headrests. Exclusive TRD all-weather floor mats and rear cargo mat capture the mud, sand and water dragged in from the outside and easily shake out for cleanup.
 
Next-Generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0)

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), which is already standard on all 2019 RAV4 models, includes a long roster of active-safety technologies and capabilities:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
• Automatic High Beam (AHB)
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) system will also be standard on the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road.

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[ccap41]

Uhhh WANT. I'd prefer more horsetorques but it is what it is. 

[Drew Dowdell]

I want to like these, but they drive just so poorly.

[Robert Hall]

I like the styling...maybe the next 4Runner will look like a larger version..the current 4Runner is so ugly.. 

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, Robert Hall said:

I like the styling...maybe the next 4Runner will look like a larger version..the current 4Runner is so ugly.. 

Agreed, this one is actually nice looking which is rare for Toyota and me.

I wish GM would plan stuff like this where they bring out a Z71 or SS set of all models at a show. GM needs to get their planning together to better maximize long term loyalty and sales by offering speed across the whole product line and then offer off road performance across their whole product line.

The one here, one there is just so tiring and not well planned.

What ever happened to GM Performance? ?

Toyota TRD is Killing them!

[frogger]

Experiencing major cognitive dissonance here, I'm not supposed to find RAV4's appealing, inside and out (in photos anyways).  That grey with the white roof, what the actual hell man.

 

 

[Robert Hall]

4 minutes ago, frogger said:

  That grey with the white roof, what the actual hell man.

Retro touch referencing the old FJ Land Cruisers?   They often had white roofs (as did the FJ Cruiser). 

[Suaviloquent]

The classic -

*Buys off road model*

*Never takes it off road*

*Yeah it can do that but...kids...wife...husband...ALIENS*

And @frogger that cognitive dissonance. Are you sure you weren't visited by...

 

 

[ocnblu]

Well the TuRD model snatches the Adventure's man card, like all of a sudden the Adventure has turned a bit metro, with its cute orange interior trim.  The gray/white roof, dark trim and black wheels with slightly more aggressive tire, plus red interior accents transform it a bit.  The 4Runner is still their genuine off-road capable wagon, but this, for daily driving plus the occasional weekend play, might do it for a few folks.

[ocnblu]

Sorry, now that I've seen it, I cannot unsee... those cheeks!

[smk4565]

I wonder how much they will charge for beefed up suspension, knobby tires (that will be crap on road) and some body cladding?  And who is going off roading in a RAV4?  But if they can sell a couple thousand of these option packages a month it is probably a pretty easy profit grab.

The 2.5 liter 4 in this makes 40 more horsepower than the 2.7 liter in the Tacoma.  Why isn’t this engine in the Tacoma?  Does Toyota not know what engines they have in house?

[ccap41]

15 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

The 2.5 liter 4 in this makes 40 more horsepower than the 2.7 liter in the Tacoma.  Why isn’t this engine in the Tacoma?  Does Toyota not know what engines they have in house?

100% agreed. That 2.7 is like 20 years old at this point. It's such a worthless engine. 

[ccap41]

48 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

I wonder how much they will charge for beefed up suspension, knobby tires (that will be crap on road) and some body cladding?  And who is going off roading in a RAV4?  But if they can sell a couple thousand of these option packages a month it is probably a pretty easy profit grab.

Because it is a TRD Off-Road and not a TRD Pro, it likely won't be too pricey. 

Personally, I would just want the rear to be able to be locked. I don't know how fancy this new AWD system is but I would just want it to not allow me to get stuck in snow because I wouldn't be off-roading it.

[G. David Felt]

5 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Because it is a TRD Off-Road and not a TRD Pro, it likely won't be too pricey. 

Personally, I would just want the rear to be able to be locked. I don't know how fancy this new AWD system is but I would just want it to not allow me to get stuck in snow because I wouldn't be off-roading it.

I wonder if any OEM will ever install electric lockers by default. I know electric hubs have become standard, but it seems having a beefy electric locker which has proven itself by the masses would be awesome so you can just flick a switch and lock up. I would love that.

[ccap41]

33 minutes ago, dfelt said:

I wonder if any OEM will ever install electric lockers by default. I know electric hubs have become standard, but it seems having a beefy electric locker which has proven itself by the masses would be awesome so you can just flick a switch and lock up. I would love that.

Like what's in some trucks? Or do you mean on a transverse engine mounted AWD CUV? 

Locking hubs have been gone for a long time now. 

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Like what's in some trucks? Or do you mean on a transverse engine mounted AWD CUV? 

Locking hubs have been gone for a long time now. 

I was thinking both, Electric locking Diff on trucks as well as AWD CUV / SUVs. 

It would be really nice and beneficial to folks that due use it allot especially in snow states or off road to have them as part of an off-road package.

[ccap41]

10 minutes ago, dfelt said:

I was thinking both, Electric locking Diff on trucks as well as AWD CUV / SUVs. 

It would be really nice and beneficial to folks that due use it allot especially in snow states or off road to have them as part of an off-road package.

Electronic locking diffs on trucks is available on every truck outside of the Ridgeline, that I can think of. 

Jeep's system might be the only in a FWD-based CUV that can lock the rear end. 

Yeah, the Cherokee Trailhawk is the first CUV that I see that has a locking rear diff.

All of the others have various traction controlled systems for mimic 4-wheel drive. 

[G. David Felt]

29 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Electronic locking diffs on trucks is available on every truck outside of the Ridgeline, that I can think of. 

Jeep's system might be the only in a FWD-based CUV that can lock the rear end. 

Yeah, the Cherokee Trailhawk is the first CUV that I see that has a locking rear diff.

All of the others have various traction controlled systems for mimic 4-wheel drive. 

Thanks for the info, for some reason I thought that most posi lock diffs out there were a manual centrifugal force kind, not the electric switch where you can lock up the diff any time you wanted.

[ccap41]

57 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Thanks for the info, for some reason I thought that most posi lock diffs out there were a manual centrifugal force kind, not the electric switch where you can lock up the diff any time you wanted.

Oh no, they've been electronic for quite a while now. The Hummer H2 had an electronic locking rear end when you selected 4L. 

[caddycruiser]

On 2/7/2019 at 3:17 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

I want to like these, but they drive just so poorly.

Everyone says this, repeatedly, but doesn't seem to affect sales. I think the Hybrid is likely better (as in most Toyotas). Just a mix match of "meh", in your opinion?

They're everywhere. Goes to show, this size, this price, this look, this capability, etc. is far and away a better, more comfortable and functional daily for most people, than a cramped low sedan...even if the driving dynamics (interestingly) don't get fully baked.

[ykX]

I have a co-worker who was looking for a crossover and test drove like 5-6 of them.  Liked CX-5 the most but ended up buying RAV4 because he had Camry before and felt "safe" buying Toyota (even though his Camry had transmission problems)

I think a lot of people buy RAV4 only because of the badge, similar to many people who buy BMWs.

[Robert Hall]

6 minutes ago, ykX said:

I have a co-worker who was looking for a crossover and test drove like 5-6 of them.  Liked CX-5 the most but ended up buying RAV4 because he had Camry before and felt "safe" buying Toyota (even though his Camry had transmission problems)

I think a lot of people buy RAV4 only because of the badge, similar to many people who buy BMWs.

Yeah, Toyota is the 'no-brainer' choice for many mainstream consumers.  I've worked with people that have only bought Toyota for decades.   My cousin Mike has only bought Toyotas the last 20+ years (but he worked for them for 20 years after retiring from the Navy, so he got discounts).   And it's generational, his 3 adult children drive Toyotas, and their adult children drive Toyotas...

Kind of like how in olden days there were Ford-only families or Chevy-only families. 

Toyota's most off-road capable SUVs (4Runner and Land Cruiser) are so old now and in need of an update.. 

Edited February 10, 2020 by Robert Hall

[ccap41]

2 hours ago, ykX said:

I have a co-worker who was looking for a crossover and test drove like 5-6 of them.  Liked CX-5 the most but ended up buying RAV4 because he had Camry before and felt "safe" buying Toyota (even though his Camry had transmission problems)

I think a lot of people buy RAV4 only because of the badge, similar to many people who buy BMWs.

They do also offer a pretty good overall package for those who just want space, fuel economy, and a solid overall vehicle. There's absolutely nothing special about them(save for maybe the TRD) but there's also nothing glaringly wrong with them. 

[ykX]

23 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

They do also offer a pretty good overall package for those who just want space, fuel economy, and a solid overall vehicle. There's absolutely nothing special about them(save for maybe the TRD) but there's also nothing glaringly wrong with them. 

That's true.  But he obviously liked CX-5 much more, but went with a "safe" choice, at least in his perception.

[G. David Felt]

2 minutes ago, ykX said:

That's true.  But he obviously liked CX-5 much more, but went with a "safe" choice, at least in his perception.

Might be a good move considering how little Mazda produces and the cash flow issues they seem to be having. I suspect in the next 10 years they either get bought or go away.

[ykX]

27 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Might be a good move considering how little Mazda produces and the cash flow issues they seem to be having. I suspect in the next 10 years they either get bought or go away.

Mazda never was a big company.  If you look 10 years back they sold in US almost 230k cars.  2014-2015 were best years for them with over 300k cars.  Last year they sold 279k cars. Globally they sell a decent amount of cars too, with last five years showing a healthy growth.  I don't think they go anywhere, the overall trend is still up.  

Personally, I have a lot of respect for Mazda, for such a small company they have more character and more interesting cars than Toyota and Honda combined.

[G. David Felt]

54 minutes ago, ykX said:

Mazda never was a big company.  If you look 10 years back they sold in US almost 230k cars.  2014-2015 were best years for them with over 300k cars.  Last year they sold 279k cars. Globally they sell a decent amount of cars too, with last five years showing a healthy growth.  I don't think they go anywhere, the overall trend is still up.  

Personally, I have a lot of respect for Mazda, for such a small company they have more character and more interesting cars than Toyota and Honda combined.

True, all good points, I wonder how many auto's they moved when Ford was invested in them? I know they built many an auto for Ford. I know my 1993 Escort GT was a pocket rocket that would have lasted long time if not for the semi that totaled it and hurt my wife.

These were great little cars. I had the stick and could actually fit in this even as big as I am.

[frogger]

On 2/8/2020 at 11:06 AM, caddycruiser said:

Everyone says this, repeatedly, but doesn't seem to affect sales. I think the Hybrid is likely better (as in most Toyotas). Just a mix match of "meh", in your opinion?

They're everywhere. Goes to show, this size, this price, this look, this capability, etc. is far and away a better, more comfortable and functional daily for most people, than a cramped low sedan...even if the driving dynamics (interestingly) don't get fully baked.

Drove a 2019 RAV4 hybrid briefly last fall when my SO was looking for a new ride, it was definitely better than the regular model by quite a bit, though still a bit noisy.   I would have been okay with it as a daily driver due to the fuel economy and competence of it.  Quite spacious too compared to the CX5 which drove better, but still had a lot of understeer as well when driven a little hard IMO, just less than other CUVs.  She ended up with an Outback Limited 3.6R.