The Toyota RAV4 was Toyota’s best-selling model and the best-selling non-pickup small SUV for two years straight for good reason. New for 2020 is the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road model which has been inspired by Toyota’s trucks. To that effect, the TRD-Off Road model features high-rise roof rails, large over-fenders, an aggressive bumper, grille designs, fog light surrounds, and its wheels and tires have been engineered for rugged trail driving.
The exterior of the new RAV4 is designed to embody a bolder and tougher SUV while being lower and wider than the previous model. It features a chiseled, athletic look with a strong nose. The unibody chassis is 57% percent more rigid than the previous generation. The interior of this crossover is spacious and comfortable.
Also new for 2020 for the RAV4 is the inclusion of Android Auto which joins the vehicle’s Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa support. SiriusXM and Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon comes standard as well. The standard audio system comes with a 7-inch touchscreen that doubles as a display for the rear backup camera. Our model came with the optional upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen, a Qi wireless charging tray that is positioned at the front of the center console, and more powerful JBL Audio speakers.
We took the RAV4 TRD Off-Road standard model for a test drive, driving from New York to Maine. The vehicle is designed with an optimally-tuned front strut and rear multilink suspension systems that help enhance its agility and support its super smooth ride. It also comes with standard with Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect. We walked away impressed with its great handling and how super smooth a drive the vehicle performs. Even the passenger who is prone to motion sickness never once felt sick on the road during the trip.
When it comes to safety, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road comes with Toyota Safety Sense which includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. The standard TRD Off-Road model also comes with a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking are optional and were included in our test vehicle.
Fuel efficiency is solid at a 27 combined MPG, or 25 in the city and 32 on the highway. It’s worth mentioning that there is a RAV4 Hybrid model available that offers an incredible 40 combined MPG.
Bottom line
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is a wonderful, rugged compact SUV that’s ready for your next outdoor adventure. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, great handling, a super smooth ride, and all of the important technology and safety features you could ask for. Our biggest gripe with the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is that the exterior design could be a lot more dynamic. Also, it gets too pricey if you go for the optional upgrades. To that effect, pricing for the standard 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road model is around $35,180, but the model we tested came with most of the optional upgrades included, and it retails upwards of $41,000.