Toyota’s RAV4 seems to have grown over the generations to become a reliable, sophisticated all-around family SUV. The latest fifth generation adopts a more muscular silhouette and comes packed with tech. The family-friendly RAV4 is already the bestselling SUV in North America, and by way of attracting new audiences, the RAV4 now comes with the TRD Off-Road trim.
With the exclusive TRD enhancements, Toyota aims to distinguish the RAV4 as a more rugged off-road machine. Unveiled at the 2018 New York International Motor show, the eagerly awaited fifth generation RAV4 became the most radical model to date. The TRD trim, however, became available in 2020.
It’s important to point out that TRD, which stands for Toyota Racing Development, is a completely different entity from the GR (Gazoo Racing) brand. TRD is Toyota’s in-house tuning division that focuses on enhancing the performance of existing Toyota vehicles.
GR models, on the other hand, are bespoke machines that are specifically built on Toyota’s production line for delivering high performance, such as the brilliant GR Yaris. As with the rest of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 range, the automaker has made subtle improvements to the TRD model. Priced at $36,500, the Toyota RAV4 represents good value for money in this competitive segment.
2022 RAV4 Features TRD Enhancements
Aesthetically, the RAV4 has a more aggressive design than its predecessor. Its rugged appearance and clean lines present all the hallmarks of a serious SUV. To distinguish itself from other RAV4s, the TRD model features subtle styling differences.
These include a TRD-stamped stainless-steel front skid plate, imposing roof rails, black TRD badges, black exterior trim accents, and dark gray front and rear valence. Moreover, the 18-inch matte alloy wheels are unique to the model and come fitted with chunky, all-terrain tires. In addition, the rear has also acquired a meaner look with the incorporation of dual-tipped exhausts, spoiler, and LED tail lights.
Toyota RAV4 Luxury Cabin Is Loaded With Tech
The modern cabin of the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is spacious with advanced tech and high levels of standard equipment. Moreover, the fit and finish are excellent, as you would expect from the Japanese marque. It also feels more luxurious than its predecessor.
Furthermore, the TRD model features Softex trimmed seats with the letters TRD emblazoned on the headrests. Both front seats now come with eight-way power adjustment. In addition, red accents are apparent throughout the cabin.
The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the center dash and features the navigation and audio settings, although it’s not the best in the business. A further 7-inch screen behind the steering wheel displays driver information.
The RAV4 scores highly in refinement and driver environment. What’s more, it also comes packed with eight airbags and an array of driver aids as part of Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes radar cruise control, lane track assist, and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
The clever Birds Eye View Parking Camera, however, remains an optional extra. The RAV4 also offers 580 liters of cargo space behind the rear seats. That’s more space than its Lexus NX cousin, though slightly less than a VW Tiguan.
2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Is A Decent Performer
Despite the TRD moniker, the engine in the RAV4 remains unchanged. It comes with the same potent naturally aspirated 2.5 liters, four-cylinder powerplant as in other variants, churning out 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission channels power to the front or all four wheels allowing the RAV4 TRD to reach 60 mph in a decent 8.5 seconds.
No doubt, its off-road ability is what differentiates the RAV4 TRD from the rest of the pack. Indeed, the TRD variant is the only model in the line-up that comes fitted with tuned independent McPherson strut front suspension and a multi link rear suspension. Couple that with 8.6 inches of ground clearance and Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive to provide the TRD with optimized handling and traction.
The RAV4 TRD surprisingly performs well on the tarmac. Steering is sharp, and the handling is rather decent with good ride quality. It’s true to say, most RAV4 TRD buyers will rarely venture off-road. Those that do, will find the RAV4 a fairly capable SUV on the dirt and gravel track. However, it’s by no means a tough mud plugger like the Toyota 4Runner.
For fuel economy, the RAV4 TRD averages around 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
2022 Toyota RAV4: The Best-Selling SUV, Gets Better
The tremendously popular RAV4 may be one of the bestselling SUVs, however, the TRD badge does not make it an all-terrain hardcore performance machine. Instead, it adds kudos as well as a touch more confident off-road ability.
For many, the RAV4 TRD will provide the perfect balance between hauling a small family and adventures off the beaten track. Backed by Toyota’s reputation for quality, reliability, and a five-star safety rating, the TRD RAV4 will certainly attract plenty of new customers in this segment and maintain its top position for years to come.
Source: Toyota