Great video. Shows the actual weak points of the awd system not just driving through puddle at 25mph. Subscribed

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support!

@kiriakosgiannios5407

3 жыл бұрын

You mean 4WD system. 4WD system have got 1994-2012 Toyota RAV4s.

Best RAV4 off-roading review I’ve watched. Thanks for the thoroughness and finding its limits!

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for the support!

Love my 21 RAV4 TRD, taking it off road this weekend!

So many RAV4 TRD videos I’ve watched but your video is the best review for the RAV4 TRD Off Road. Thank you.

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great review Matt! Also showing the gauges provided information for testing conditions.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gio! I believe you asked about ivtm4 a while back. As long as things with covid-19 don't get much worse I should have a Ridgeline with I-VTM4 at the end of this month.

I've been looking for a good Rav4 off road review. You nailed it! :)

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Fantastic video!!! Nobody does this with Rav! Love it!

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great challenge test for the TRD version of the Rav4. Seems like it can get through quite a bit in terms of off road terrain. Thank's for doing this review.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting. It is a very capable vehicle, one of the best in it's class. Clearly it has limitations but there aren't many people who are going to find them.

Thanks for testing this out. THIS IS EXACTLY what I was looking for!

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting!

This is some of the best off-roading knowledge I've seen in a car review channel. You do excellent work.

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support! I'm planning to do some compilation videos before too much longer that make it easy to see many vehicles in the same class tested on this same course. The first one is taking me much longer than expected, but they are coming!

@Min4Mass

Жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures Any chance you could review the Compass Trailhawk? I want to know more about the low range. Does it have a real transfer case? I had a TRD Rav4 but I really would like a family car that is more fuel efficient than my Tacoma but can still do moderate offroading.

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

@@Min4Mass I haven't had a chance yet to drive a compass or renegade. I'd like to test the trailhawk versions of both. The Cherokee trailhawk is one I've tested with a true low range transfer case, much more capable than the RAV4

Awesome video man! Really appreciate you putting these vehicles through their paces in a real world environment. Definitely helps gain clarity on theirs strengths and weaknesses

@EngineAdventures

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the support!

I love how in the US this is a "tiny" car where as in Europe it would be a middle-large size SUV.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I should have used the word "small" not "tiny" but your point still stands. 4 door, long bed pickup trucks are common here which is over 22 feet (more than 6.5 meters) long, and 6.5 feet (2 meters) wide.

@wayzUX

3 жыл бұрын

It is huge in europe

@wayneghost848

3 жыл бұрын

The 🇺🇸 likes boats

@JS-qi1ou

2 жыл бұрын

We have much bigger roads so they feel normal, also much more comfortable for people like me who are 6'5.

I will be waiting for rav4 prime review, thanks for making this video...

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe I will bump that one up on the edit list if more people are interested.

Good video! I appreciate the demonstration!

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I really enjoyed that video . Thank you

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for the support!

Great review!

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting!

Excellent video. I have the 2020 adventure model and take it “off-roading” almost weekly. It really does a good job for what you could expect. The different drive modes work exactly as they should. Love the ride.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome purchase! I'm a fan of full size trucks and SUV's but the little guys are certainly growing on me. It really is a very capable machine and should handle all weather conditions, and like you said, any reasonable off-road obstacle.

@reapertalon

2 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures I have ordered a rav4 trd and I owned a 2013 rav4 before. Great little suv. It won't be rock crawling with 4runners at any point, but for the gravel trail and camping, it's a good crossover

Excellent video 👍🏾

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support!

Good vid thanks mate.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

great video

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support, glad you enjoyed it!

Its nice to see what the rav4 trd offroad can do picking one up at 3pm today and trading in my kia so I am glad to see it can handle the offroading part because I do go to the mountains often

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, I hope you enjoy it!

@keithtoews1096

3 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures so far I am but going to be adding the lpadventure bumper guard and full armor skid plates

@jaycadelina6431

3 жыл бұрын

How much were you able to close yours out for?

Amazing video! I have been waiting months for someone to do what you just did. Amazing video! Very helpful and Informative. Now I know my car's limits! BTW, were you on drive the whole time or you set it on 1st gear?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad it was a helpful video. I did try 1st gear and it didn't make a difference. I have done this with many vehicles and never noticed anything different. Have you tried D vs 1st gear and had a different result?

@josuesoto9999

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures I have felt a difference when using some momentum. If I were to leave it on D it will switch to second gear too fast. If I were to leave it on first gear I can rev it up just enough to increase torque and the car will detect will slippage quicker. Overall not a huge difference but enough to help you out. However, like you mention, that's not the cause from a stop and go.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

@@josuesoto9999 yeah there are definitely times when I will hold a gear but like you said, I'm not going for momentum in these tests so I never leave 1st gear anyway.

This performs about the same as my 2018 Ford Explorer. Aggressive tires definitely help, but there are just modes where it powers out. Takes some practice to get the correct drive mode for the terrain. Not made for serious off roading. More for things like we'll roads and access roads.

Looks like a capable system let down by a lack of low-range gearing. Great video as always!

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It really is a capable system, similar to the Blazer, but I'm not sure what the limit on the clutches is as far as torque goes. A low range transfer case might be overwhelm it, requiring an upgraded clutch system.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

@Dave Allen I never leave first gear on my articulation or steep climb tests anyway, so that doesn't make a difference. When I'm going through mud or sand I will often do that, or when I'm carrying speed up a hill. In this case I'm trying to push the traction control to it's limits so I'm not helping it with momentum.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

@Dave Allen yeah it's a common question I get, and a legitimate one. I have locked some of them into 1st gear, but never noticed a difference, so recently I stopped doing that unless I know it's shifted out of 1st on its own.

@bobkus

3 жыл бұрын

Engine Adventures with an 8 speed tranny, maybe a crawler 1st would be a better solution than a 2spd transfer case set-up for this type of application !

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

True, it just depends on how far they want to go with it.

just wanted to say thank you for the awesome video! I have watched 10+ videos for this car and they have been useless. This was a great video! That would be great if you could do a road test for us to and the amount of road noise you get (or if you could respond to my comment). I test drove a 2018 "adventure" model and surprisingly was super noisy and had excessive road noise. how is this one compared to other toyotas which are famous for being very quiet.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for the support. I'm just going off of memory, but I believe it was just a little bit louder than the other Rav4's I've tested. I've been in a 2019 Hybrid and the 2020 Prime (video will be coming in a few weeks on that one), and they were both a little quieter than this one is. I wasn't bothered by the noise, but I suggest testing driving one at as high a speed as you will regularly cruise to see if it's too much for your comfort level. I doubt it will be though.

Excellent thanks

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Awesome testing/filming. Love to see another 40k+ paperweight that's significantly less capable than my 98 SR. The only thing these is better at is gas mileage.

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for the support!

Wait I'm confused here. The system was having a hard time transferring power side to side in most cases. Like during the first mud/sand mode, yes you want wheel slip but the system should have been able to tell the 2 wheels are slipping while the others are stationary, which means there is no forward momentum. Greta video though, love when ppl show these types of clips. Definitely stealing this format for my channel 🙌

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

I've been dreading this question because I don't know the answer. I climbed underneath it and verified that there are two clutch packs on the rear. It should basically be able to lock the rear wheels together and lock the center differential (there isn't a traditional center diff, it is another clutch pack), which means at least 3 wheels should be spinning before the brake system even kicks in. In mud and sand mode I don't ever want the brakes to come in or the throttle to be cut, it did that part well, but it seemed like it couldn't quite get the power side to side on the rear. My best guess is that the clutch packs just can't handle the amount of torque needed to act as a locked differential. I'd love to hear others' thoughts on this.

Definitely subscribing

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support!

@Foolrunner02

3 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures have you done the ford f150 model yet?

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I have but I wasn't doing video yet at the time. Not sure when I will have access to another one.

I moved from the 4Runner to the RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Had 2 Xterras, and a 1st Gen 4Runner prior...a comment from one of the developers set my expectations: This isn't a TRD Pro and we don't expect to see one in the RAV4 line. I appreciate the video very much, I do a fair amount of off-pavement and that's what this trim will handle. I won't be able to do about 10% of what I encountered before...it's important to expect what it CAN do well. The Jeep Cherokee wasn't a contender because of the comparably low fit, finish, build quality and long term reliability. If you're like me and hate any kind of reliability issues, the RAV is for you...a locker and L range would be nice...but not at the expense of what else it does well. Also: this thing rallies in the dirt and gravel like a champ. Take it fast in dirt sweepers and you see where the suspension shines.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome purchase! I really enjoyed the RAV4, but I must have been on bad roads that it doesn't like. I agree on owning a reliable car as your main vehicle. Taking the Tundra and Sequoia TRD Pros over the same roads was much smoother and controlled, the RAV bottomed out a lot. I imagine on maintained dirt roads that it would be a blast.

@gabrielreyes8476

2 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures Get the 2" lift kit and metal skid plate from TORQ Engineering and see the RAV elevated. Doesn't change the torque issue, but the extra couple inches of clearance does wonders. Pair that with some more aggressive and beefy tires....yeah. It makes a difference.

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! This was just a media vehicle that I had for a week, but your comment could be helpful to others looking to improve their RAVs for more protection off-road

I'm guessing the new Bronco (technically a small crossover) will blow this out of the water but that's by design. Personally I think this has a pretty credible AWD system.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

This is more of an all weather vehicle than an off-roader. The Bronco will definitely be more capable off-road, but the system in the Blazer is still really good.

I bet a set of good off road all terrains would make a world of difference

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Tires would make a difference, but better tires likely wouldn't have helped it make that climb. My tests focus on the ability of the vehicle to transfer power to the wheels that have traction. On very steep climbs with two wheels in the air the Rav4 just doesn't have enough torque to brake the spinning wheels while sending power to the ones with traction. It's hard to show how steep this hill is, but I've had another vehicle that couldn't climb it from a stop even with all 4 wheels having traction. It's steep enough that vehicles with low torque, high gearing, and CVT's struggle.

@Adrian-jh5cr

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures got it needed more power

Good stuff!!! Most reviewers say this is more like a cosmetic trim with better suspension. Is this a media vehicle or an owner car? Asking because the exhaust definitely dragged... thank you for the sacrifice :)

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

It's a media loan and while the exhaust tips touched, there was no real damage. Thanks for the support!

@freedom_foz_6337

3 жыл бұрын

Engine Adventures I won’t say anything lol

almost close to buying this TRD or a 5th gen 4runner base sr5 model 4x4.I picked a 4th gen 4x4 runner for a good price with center diff, lower transfer case.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Nice purchase I miss the torque of the 4th gen V8 4-Runner! Wasn't much higher than the current V6 but came on early so it felt a lot stronger.

@ 9:43 I see the rear-right wheel spinning despite it being off the ground. Is this because of the clutch slippage you were talking about, or some limitations in their AWD system as a whole (or...something entirely different?). Side note, have you tried the Honda Passport Elite? Subscribed BTW!

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for subscribing! Similar to other vehicles with a dual clutch system for the rear differential, this one can't lock the clutches hard enough to truly act like a liked differential, so the clutches were slipping. That's why that wheel was spinning so much. As for the Passport, I tested one before I started doing videos and this test hill so I can't say for sure how it would do, but I do know I was getting one rear wheel to spin without being able to climb a steep hill.

Thank you !

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support!

Dacia Duster 4x4 pissing in this car, this car is only for two grain rice under the wheels.. but your test is good! Thanks for this. I like this. bye.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Can you please do a comparison video, on a regular RAV4, i’m curious to see how the AWD systems compare. As that may make or break my decision to buy the TRD version

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I would love to! I will see if I can get one.

@MrScoobieman

3 жыл бұрын

Engine Adventures thanks!

This is the best RAV4 off road review by far. But I still think the adventure trim and the trd trim is mainly cosmetic, it struggled so hard on those roads you tested... It's still a very highway biased car with a big price mark up... I don't know if anyone else is like me, I just want a Japanese unibody car with full time 4x4 & automatic transmission.... Sadly that's non-existing in the current American market... Unless I buy a body on frame truck or suv... Or buy a car with CVT transmission...

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting! Maybe the new Nissan Pathfinder with the 9-speed auto, Acura RDX, or Honda Passport fit what you were thinking. All are front wheel drive based, but I think all of them have an auto AWD mode, are unibody, and have regular automatic transmissions.

@169494

2 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures thank you! :)

I want to see how the Prime does in a test like this. It doesnt have the LR control, but seperate motors front and back eliminate the center diff.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I'll see what I can do!

@imnotusingmyrealname4566

2 жыл бұрын

The normal hybrid is definitely worse, but the Prime has a more powerful rear motor. We'll see.

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

Here is the Prime video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hnigqcqThNWWpKg.html

Question: I have a 2019 RAV4 Adventure. In your test, you experienced the RAV4 lacking low-end torque to sufficiently tackle the steep hill. (The 8 speed transmission lacks a “L” gear). Do you think one could use the manual-mode shifter, gear down to 2nd or 1st, or would it still tap out? (RPM limits not withstanding).

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

It wouldn't make a difference. The transmission is in first gear for all of the traction testing as I don't get enough speed for it to leave first gear. I have tried putting vehicles into 1st gear but it's never made a difference. There are times where I will do that, like deep snow, mud, and sand, to keep the engine at higher RPM's. It's just not necessary for these tests though.

@dylanlam6430

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures Understandable!

Glad to see a RAV4 really put through the paces. People sleep on the RAV and I think it’s more capable than most comparable vehicles (including subies). Thanks for the video✌🏽(quick question, if power is being diverted to the tires that need it, shouldn’t the tie in the air stop spinning and lock?)

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

In some vehicles it does, in others it doesn't. I believe the power transfer in the RAV is less aggressive because the engine doesn't have much torque. Watch my offroad video of the Sequoia. It completely stops the wheel in the air from spinning a time or two, but it's a big V8 with a lot of low end torque. I'm hoping to test a Subaru with X mode this week. I might make it a bonus video and publish it sooner as I'm currently booked over a month out on the vehicles I already have scheduled.

@user-cj3rx3rk3f

6 ай бұрын

If you leave the transmission in D, it starts in 4th. You have to shift to manual mode to shift into 1st

With the TRD Off-road badge you'd expect it to be a better Off-roader.

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

It's on par with any Subaru 😁

@BlueSTI

Жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures but Subaru isn't reliable like a Toyota lol.

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

Probably true, flat engines like drinking oil! Subaru has built a reputation as an off-road capable vehicle, but most manufacturers offering AWD have similar capability to anything Subaru has made. I do agree, a TRD off-road badge might be a little much for this vehicle, at least they didn't call it a TRD Pro.

Thanks for video. Is That the same for rav4 prime

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

It's similar but a little different. I will have the Rav4 Prime video up in about a month

really considering this or going back to Jeep after my Golf. I had a renegade trailhawk that was fun offroad but had to lemon law the thing. now im torn whether to give Jeep another try or try out Toyota.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Jeeps can be hit or miss. I've heard of a few people have tons of problems (mostly with the smaller ones), and others haven't had very many problems at all. The Toyota will probably be the most reliable in this class.

is the clutch pack what limits its ability to "overheat" for extended use vs a true 4x4 or part time 4wd?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

In this case I believe yes. All the alert said was something like "AWD overheating reverting to 2WD mode". There are certainly clutch packs that can handle these loads, but I imagine Toyota used a smaller light weight system to save weight and improve economy. GM trucks with auto 4WD use a clutch system and in testing the Trail Boss under heavier loads (testing recovery ropes) it never seemed to slip or overheat.

@appleman812

4 жыл бұрын

Engine Adventures ah ok thanks. Yeah I guess Toyota didn’t expect people to abuse the AWD system and built it for “light” off-roaring where ass the TrailBoss has a heavy duty clutch pack system to withstand the beating.

Great video! I'm in the market for a new vehicle and looking at a Toyota Rav4. Based on this video, would you recommend the Adventure trim and upgrading everything with that extra $2-3k difference vs. buying the TRD? Thanks in advanced! (Also the 2021 TRD models come with a skid plate now)

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

To me this one does seem a little pricey for what you get. I haven't driven the Adventure trim though so I can't say for sure. Thanks for the support!

@MatthewVlossak

3 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures Appreciate the feedback nonetheless!

@jackplasticy3775

Жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures The Adventure has the exact same AWD system as the TRD so should do the same. Based on your video and others I have watched about this new torque vectoring system, I think it is not a very good system and no improvement over the less-advanced system in the lower trim levels. Maybe even worse since the less-advanced system shifts power to BOTH rear wheels at the same time (without 2 clutches back there). This convinces me to get the lower trim and not pay for this "advanced" AWD system on the Adventure and TRD trims. Better to get the 17-inch wheels on those and put on some nice BF Goodrich BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 LT245/65R17 to get 1/2-inch more ground clearance and way better traction. What do you think?

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

In most cases off-road, larger tires are better. Essentially a larger tire reduces the approach angle of the tire over an obstacle. Of course it is all within reason, you have to have the torque to power them and the brakes to stop them. As far as the AWD systems go I'm not which would be better. For example the Chevy Blazer RS has enough torque and pressure on the clutches to be very capable off-road. This system however lacks. Your assumption of the lower one working just as well if not better might be correct, but I can't confirm that one way or the other.

@glow4417

Жыл бұрын

@@jackplasticy3775 Your assumption is wrong. Because the regular rav4 AWD system cannot pass a three wheel roller slip test. So by default, there is no way the regular AWD system by Toyota is better than their torque vectoring system. In comparion, Subaru's system is less advanced as well, because all Subaru's will get stuck on roller's in a three wheel slip test, those system's don't have true torque vectoring. Even watching this channel, check the Subaru Outback on the same hill, it's not able to make it up. But, roller test shows that Toyota's system is working as intended. Although, more power and better approach and departure angles would help.

My 2002 Rav4 will get up them hills, no problem.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Does it have a limited slip rear diff? Very few vehicles have made the hard line without a low range transfercase.

The Rav4 Trail is going to be my choice And pulling the trigger in a day: 1) I need the Anticipated reliability as I will put 270000 km on it in the next six years 2) I need the towing capacity of 3500 lbs as I tow a trailer with side by side and quad 3) I need the fuel economy coming close to my corolla as I commute 5 days a week, 200 km return. Not sure of anything else in the market that has the highest probability of providing all three of those under $40k CAD. As we live in a heavy snow area the eight and half inches of GC is also welcome.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

It's a great vehicle and hopefully it treats you well.

@chrisr6142

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it most likely will treat you well. This isn't a FCA or GM product.

Should more aggressive rubber make a difference? That’s what I’m about to do with mine

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Great question! Tires are extremely important. However, in my testing tires aren't as important as the ability of the vehicle to transfer power to the wheels with traction, and still have enough torque to propel the vehicle up the steep incline. Sometimes power transfer is the issue, other times torque is the issue.

Did you turn off VSC? Or is it one of those systems that by turning off VSC you also turn off TRC?

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

I think when you turn off VSC it turns off traction control, but I honestly don't remember what the RAV4 does.

How is trail mode button compared to all the other custom off road modes? Just curious Bc the trim I was looking at only had “trail.” Was a LE awd hybrid.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Having the multiple drive modes is slightly more effective, but for most things trail mode will perform just about as well. I've only tested trail mode on the Prime, so I can't say for sure.

@NRGRX

3 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures Thanks!

I'm curious how the hybrid version compares to TRD offroad.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

I had a hybrid version before I started doing KZread, it did ok, but wasn't as capable off-road. I tested it on a different test hill that wasn't as steep and it wasn't able to climb. I believe the TRD Off-Road could have been able to make the climb. Here's the link to my review of that one. www.car-revs-daily.com/2019/07/24/2019-toyota-rav4-xse-hybrid-road-test-review-by-matt-barnes/

Could you do a RAV4 LE or XLE to test the Dynamic Torque Control system against the Dynamic Torque Vectoring in the TRD/Adventure/Limited?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

I'll see what I can do

@Central-Scrutinizer

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures Thanks! No one on the internet seems to have tested it yet. I'm trying to figure between a RAV4 LE and a manual Crosstrek.

Not much better off-road capability than mine so I'll stick with my Rav4 hybrid limited, all wheel drive WITH lane keeping and adaptive cruise. I added some weights to the steering wheel which gives me hands free ability on the highways; it's almost like having autopilot. 😉😎

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

The hybrid isn't quite as capable off-road, but still does pretty well. I've tested the hybrid before I started doing KZread and it couldn't make the small articulation hill. It was a 2018 though, so the new one may be different as the 2020 Highlander hybrid I tested did surprisingly well.

I own the Tacoma TRd off road and I’ve been trying to persuade the wife into trading in her little sedan for a 4Runner so we can have an off road suv and pickup because why not? but she feels it’s too big for her, this might be the next best option...interesting.

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

The Rav4 is definitely small and fuel efficient. It might be a good option for her. I prefer sedans for on-road driving, but if you live somewhere with bad weather or like to do light off-roading then the Rav4 is a great option.

@AntiATF

4 жыл бұрын

We just bought the adventure trim Rav4. Basically the TRD without the suspension bits (which imo don't change enough to justify the TRD price) and the badge. Neither of them have skid plates. But a 2.5" lift for these is only $300 and we had a fiat 500x crossover with a 4" lift and M/Ts and let me tell you, offroading in a tiny crossover is so much more fun. Hard to get stuck because they don't weigh much, and everyone has to ask about it that you run into on trails. I took that little fiat down trails that Wranglers wouldn't take, and it was a blast. Best thing about the new Rav4 is the fact that instead of using a cheap brake-bias system to send power to individual rear wheels, it uses a full mechanical AWD system. So far, I love our RAV4. I can't wait to test it out. Plus, the interior color with the orange stitching and trump pieces looks awesome

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome purchase! I love uncommon vehicles being taken offroad! Many people don't realize how much weight makes a difference when off pavement.

@AntiATF

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures "bigger is better" isn't always true lol. Weight is one of the biggest factors in the difference between digging yourself into the mud or getting out, didn't ever realize that until we took the Fiat off-road a few times with some friends that had bigger SUVs and trucks

@inspiredmessenger

3 жыл бұрын

She might like the Kia Sportage, its cute, and a AWD and sure is smaller. Its similar to this, just sweeter, and nothing can do better in the snow. And it costs less! A lot of what Rav4 is, is hype and advertising. You would think no one ever thought of off road mild use b4 the Rav4 TRD came along. Check autotraders for a used one, 10-20k miles on a vehicle like this is just like throwing a cup of coffee on it to get it going. The Adventures are going for sweet prices. And its also fuel injected as well. But get the 2019 newer platform. No I'm not an expert, just researching for myself as well.

Question: did the US side of Toyota come up with this thing? It could've been even better but it seems America line of cars for Japanese models are primarily cosmetic. Not even skid plates?!?

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure where it was designed.

not looking to drop 30k...any recommendations for a compact SUV that will perform well off road? The last mile to our house is dirt(clay) which is a mess the first time it rains. The wife's highlander with snow mode only gets stuck once or twice a year...but what a pain in the rear..PS: when it gets really bad even my 84 FJ60 gets stuck

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Maybe the Kia Seltos? It has AWD but can't do hard offroad stuff. Otherwise maybe a Cherokee or Crosstrek.I imagine tires are what will make the biggest difference for you, clay is awful when wet.

@LiloUkulele

4 жыл бұрын

Engine Adventures thanks!

any chance you're able to do the same with a model 2006~2012?

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

I'd love to, if I get the chance I will!

Do you think the Rav 4 Plug in (Prime) would be even better off road?...

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Check out my channel, I've got a video on it. Then you can be the judge 😁

Great video I am looking at an xse hybrid 2021 I doubt the xse could do anything like this.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! I did test an xse hybrid before I started doing videos. It still does well, but not quite as well as this one.

@HotSizzleTV_

3 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures so should I get the trd off road instead of the xse ? I am worried that the xse won’t be a Capable suv for camping overlanding.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

If depends on how rough you want to get. If you're on decently maintained dirt roads the XSE will do fine. The TRD had a little better capability, but much better suspension for long term rough road driving. I'd say you just have to find the balance between how much you'll be on pavement vs off, and when you're off pavement how rough will the roads be. I've seen front wheel drive sedans in a lot of places people wouldn't expect them to be.

The Subaru Outback wilderness seems very good

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

It's hard to get Subarus out here for some reason, I'll see what I can do.

@Oneofthetwelve

2 жыл бұрын

Hi. I believe you will be greatly impressed ! That wilderness model has done well on some pacific NW logging roads and cleared power line trails.

Definitely does not act like a locking rear differential. Limited slip, yes

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

In theory it can send the same amount of torque to both sides, in practice that doesn't seem to happen

Try the new Ford Escape to see how it will do

Maybe better performance with more aggressive tires and 2 inch lift?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Yes and no. Larger tires are harder for the engine to turn, thus making the steep hill climb even harder on the AWD system and engine reducing it's ability to climb. The lift would help approach, break over, and departure angles.

Do those have a hi and low range gear select? I’d like to see it climb something steep

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

It does not have a high/low range transfercase. You can lock it into 1st gear manually if you want. At 7:30 this hill is steeper than it looks on camera. I mean it couldn't make the climb without momentum, how steep do you want?

@kyjelly5524

3 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures I went back and watched it. Low range would be nice. I have huge mountains where I live. I’d need low range. I’m looking at 1st gen tundras and 4th gen 4 runners.

@chrisr6142

2 жыл бұрын

Look up keelz ML. He has a video where a R4 is going up a fairly steep incline. The driver switches to manual to go up the rest of the way on 1st gear. It's not an adventure or trd trim level either but he manages perfectly fine.

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

This hill is much steeper than it appears on camera, but the Rav 4 is a fairly capable vehicle for not having a low range transfercase.

👍

could you just keep it in first gear to create that extra torque?

@EngineAdventures

12 күн бұрын

No, when you are in drive it starts out in 1st gear anyway. In some vehicles I've tried, and in some it does make a difference. This one I don't think it did.

all it needs is better tires and it could go to many many places

It’s not a baby 4Runner but still nice

@EngineAdventures

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting!

Can you do the Rock & Dirt mode and shift it to manual 1st. gear?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

I didn't try that combination, but I did lock it into 1st gear in other drive modes. For my testing my speeds are so low that I never leave first gear on the hill climb anyway.

@otakugaijin2298

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures do the vehicle crawl? Or the tire still slipping?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

It did crawl pretty well as you can see at 6:27. The main issue with the vehicle is the lack of torque as you can see at 7:45

@otakugaijin2298

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures thanks. Now I know the limitation of my vehicle.

Heyyy this is in Springville

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

Yup

Keep it onroad

Rav4 v6 still the best

well, if you use a better aggressive tires you going to be succeed in that up hill you show us. Street tires most of the time does not work well even in a normal dirt road.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not denying the effectiveness of more aggressive tires when off-roading. In the steep hill climb though, two wheels are completely without traction (basically they are lifted off the ground), meaning that the system has to be able to transfer power to the two wheels with traction. It still wouldn't have made the hard line even with better tires.

Wouldn't full articulation be the tire staying planted?

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

What I mean by full articulation is one side is at full droop and the other is fully compressed.

@dewildeworld6766

3 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures Roger that.....now I know thank you!!

No cvt?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Surprisingly no! 8-speed auto in this one.

How would A-trac compare to Dual clutch?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Good question, the Rav basically has both. ATRAC is great as long as you have enough torque. The dual clutch is great as long as the clutches engage with enough pressure to not slip. In the case of the RAV4 neither of those are true.

@thehayman7352

3 жыл бұрын

Atrac in a 4runner, Tacoma, or tundra is miles above the capability of this system

It needs a break and a rear diff locker.

Surprised it did this well.

What AWD will outperform the Rav offroad? The Range Rover Evoque. Seriously. We have soft roader days and we take them all off road. The Evoque wins every time. I kid you not. Something you said in your video, (amongst other factors) might explain why. The Rav lacks power. To overcome the way an AWD system works and the braking of the spinning wheel, and still have enough power to send across, an AWD vehicle requires lots of power in the absence of low range. With about 180KW of power and tons of torque in the petrol Evoque, and the legendary Terrain Response system, having big wheels on all 4 corners, the Prestige model Evoque (that stands higher) and comes with 19" wheels instead of 20", rules the roost when it comes to AWD vehicles. The Forrester, Freelander2 and XC60 is also good. The Grand Vitara is very capable, but a bit low, (but has low range, so not really a softroader anyways.) See here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/a5Wp2I9xdpzQmso.html And here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qG2o2ritl8nImLQ.html

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

The BMX X6 does pretty well, the Jeep Cherokee also does well, but if you get the Trailhawk it's a beast. The Mercedes GLC might with the off-road package, but the one I tested was an AMG and wasn't as capable. I haven't tested any Range Rovers yet, but I'm hoping to in the future! Thanks for commenting!

@jackplasticy3775

Жыл бұрын

Range Rovers are seriously unreliable compared to a Toyota. I'd never own a Range Rover because of this.

Why is it that my first gen rav can go over that hill without any issues? Is it b/c it's a smaller vehicle?

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

Great, now I'm going to have to find a 1st gen rav4 to see if it really can make it up the hard line on this hill.

For off road i would rather buy a Jeep renegade trailhawk but I wouldn’t trust it as much when it comes to reliability

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Haven't tested a Renegade Tralhawk yet, but they lack a low range transfer case as well. I've seen a few videos of them off-road and from what I can tell they might struggle on my test hill.

Santa fe & sorento off road please

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

I will see what I can do!

@popular-popularest

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures thank you 👍

Is it CVT ?

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Nope, it is an 8 speed auto.

Can we go for drag racing?

Ground clearance is not good enough and neither is the departure angle. Already seen on other videos that that is very limiting.

@gabrielreyes8476

2 жыл бұрын

2" lift kit. Beefier tires. Changes all that and gets rid of some limitations

Has anyone tried to stay in 1st and 2nd gear to climb steeper hills? I might try it when i get better tires.

@EngineAdventures

6 ай бұрын

I've tried it with multiple vehicles on this test, most vehicles it doesn't matter. The only ones where it did matter were on vehicles with a low range transfer case. With the extra low gearing sometimes they would start in 2nd gear instead of first if left in auto. I've never had a crossover start out in anything but 1st gear, so it hasn't made any difference for me on those vehicles.

@rustishackleford3354

6 ай бұрын

@@EngineAdventures : I see, I guess momentum is key.

@EngineAdventures

6 ай бұрын

@@rustishackleford3354I believe the saying is as fast as needed, as slow as possible. Momentum breaks things and damages terrain, but sometimes it's needed.

So it can be driven on gravel road, it can splash little puddles, it has red springs, it has TRD badges. I'm sold. This IS a off roader

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

For its class it's definitely more off-road oriented than anything except a Cherokee Trailhawk.

I thought it would do better. I’m know the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is 100% better. But I’m pretty sure the Compass is much better as well.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I haven't had a chance to test the Compass or Renegade trailhawks yet, so I can't comment on those. I was expecting a little more out of the TRD Off-Road than it gave, but it was about on par for this class.

wonder how the bronco sport would do compared to this

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Hoping to get one to test soon!

This Rav4 has a good AWD unlike that useless Hybrid and the older gen models.

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

The 2018 hybrid I tested a while back did struggle a lot more than this one off-road. The hybrid was definitely built for pavement!

For the money these are hard to find and expensive when you do find one I'd go with a 4Runner sr5 instead

@EngineAdventures

Жыл бұрын

I would go that route as well, but if you are looking for better efficiency and don't need the capability then the Rav4 hybrid would probably be the better option.

@davidaix5771

Жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures I like the prime but the hybrid ones don't do as well off road with a cvt

Umm Cool ‘nervous’ 25 percent Like?!

@kminhajpllpprafi5164

3 жыл бұрын

Aye don’t be shy you...ok

So basically it's just an all wheel drive vehicle nothing a base model Subaru or Astro all-wheel drive can't do

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

It's a little different and better in my opinion. The drive modes actually change things and the torque vectoring rear is a plus. Will it get you further off-road than a Subaru? In most cases no, but in some yes.

@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618

4 жыл бұрын

@@EngineAdventures I respect that answer

Tiny? It's fucking huge where I'm from :D

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, I drove a suburban as my first vehicle when I first got my driver's license, kind of skewed my opinion on all vehicles since then!

Dacia/Renault Duster will outperform Rav4 on off road, also most of Subarus and Jeep Renegade. New Rav 4 is still capable though for a modern crossover especially this TRD version

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

We don't get the Duster here in the US, so I can't comment on that one. I'd love to try a Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, as I believe it doesn't have a low range transfer case which may hinder it on our test hill. As far as Subaru's go, I've only tested an Outback with the CVT and it couldn't climb the steep hill when lifting a wheel. Either needs better gearing or more torque. Thanks for watching!

Disable the assists and watch it go up.

@Gripitandripit450R

3 ай бұрын

...good tires make all the difference.

@EngineAdventures

3 ай бұрын

That's not the case on many vehicles. If you disable traction control it also disables the brake based limited slip system. That does allow you to rev the engine more, but sends all the power to the wheels that are in the air and not the ones with traction. It is also vehicle dependent, in Nissan 4x4s the brake based limited slip is still active with traction control off, so in that vehicle it helps. Having the right tires for the terrain is very important, but in this case it's not about the tires. The vehicle has to be able to transfer torque to the wheels with traction, which is what this test is about. Doesn't matter how sticky your tires are if they are spinning in the air. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

rav4 trd offfroad off-road

@EngineAdventures

4 жыл бұрын

I guess technically it would be RAV4 TRD Off-Road Off-Road

This isn't tiny. The Suzuki Jimny is tiny!

@EngineAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

You are correct, the RAV4 has grown a lot from when it first debuted as well. Wish we still had the Jimny in the US!