Flash Drive

2020 Toyota RAV4

August 16, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road is the top-of-the-line model that adds extra off-road capabilities to this highly popular compact SUV.

Engine:2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 203 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined

Base Price: $35,180

As Tested: $42,507

Performance:

TRD tuned suspension

Falken all-terrain tires

The Toyota RAV4 is very much at home on dirt roads and snow, but most owners see more highway and city roads.

18-inch matte black TRD wheels

Hill descent control

Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow

Adjustments for mud and sand to rocks and dirt

Manual shift capability

Torque Vectoring AWD

Great fuel economy—our best was 37.5-mpg highway

Smooth highway ride

Comfort:

Stretch-out front row legroom

Interior room and comfort are excellent. The TRD package includes all the upscale options including heated and ventilated seats.

Great shoe room

Heated and vented front seats (3 temps)

Driver power lumbar

Heated leather steering wheel

Very good rear seat knee room even with fronts all back

Excellent headroom

Quiet, well-insulated interior

Utility:

Power liftgate with ample clearance

Flat cargo deck

Rear seat room is excellent for any SUV, but especially so for a compact crossover.

No lift-over

Good cargo space behind rear seats

Split, folding rear seats have significant slope

Big infotainment screen

Large moonroof

Large roof rack for luggage/accessory carriers

Hard plastic mud flaps

Medium front door bins

Medium glovebox; no lock

One big seatback pouch

Cargo space is very good, but the folded seats do have a noticeable slope.

Small rear door bins

WOW Factors:

High quality, spacious, comfortable interior

Outstanding fuel economy

Excellent highway ride

Good size city commuter

Great safety features

Versatile off-road settings

Whines:

Premium audio/navigation seems overpriced at $1620

Sport mode makes more noise than acceleration improvement

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD has rugged styling cues that are backed by TRD suspension upgrades.

Liftgate close button not well marked

Bottom Line:

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is one of the leaders in the popular compact SUV class and rightfully so. It’s well designed and executed. It gets excellent fuel economy and is easy to drive in the city, on the highway, and on dirt roads or snow. The TRD Off Road iteration is new and it infuses added ruggedness/styling. Comfort, interior space, materials quality, and great features are plentiful in the top RAV4 models like the TRD.