When you’re on a roll, you’re on a roll. Well, the Toyota RAV4 has been the best-selling compact SUV for the last six years. That’s impressive because it’s one of the most competitive segments in the marketplace. Does the ’24 model have what it takes to stay as the king of the hill? Let’s take a look!
In The Army Now
At first glance, it’s hard not to notice our tester’s newly available Army Green paint. We love it on our TRD Off-Road model – it just makes sense for an outdoorsy-focused vehicle.
It’s also a rugged looking ride, Up front is a large, but not too large pentagon shaped grille framed by aggressive looking angled LED headlights and running lights, while a lower TRD stamped front skid plate adds a look tough.
The profile is consistent with small SUVs, and we like the RAV4’s take on rugged with squared-off wheel arches and lower body cladding, set off by 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels.
The rear is crisp and modern with wrap-around rear taillights, a rear window lip spoiler, contrasting lower fascia and powerful-looking dual exhaust pipes. Interestingly, the RAV4 keeps traditional badging, while many competitors like to spell out the model’s name in big block letters. We bet that change will happen soon. All in all, the RAV looks capable, tough and ready to tackle anywhere from mall to mountain.
Rugged and Well-Equipped
Inside, the RAV4 has a blocky, well-built look that feels capable of lasting for a long time.
With high quality materials, and a bit of contrasting stitching and red accents adding a little visual bling, the cabin feels airy on modern.
Not too modern, though, unlike many competitors that are using dual digital screens to create an info-wall, you have a separate gauge bin and a large info-tainment touch screen sprouting out of the center of the dash.
The driver’s gauges include a mix of analog, like the 8.000 rpm tach, temp and fuel gauges, and a center driver’s display including digital speedo and other info you can call up from a button on the steering wheel. Certain models offer a fully digital gauge display that looks more modern, but that was not on our tester.
Info-tainment is handled by a 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while our tester also enjoyed an optional wireless charger for smartphones. Below the screen is a dedicated climate control system, with large knobs that would be easy to use even with gloves on. Below that is a chunky shift lever, rotary knob for traction settings, and convenient buttons for things like Eco/Normal/Sport, Snow and Hill descent control – all things you’d like handy and are easily found.
The front seats are exceptionally comfy and trimmed in SofTex faux leather, while red stitching, embossed seat inserts and TRD stitching on the front headrests hint that you’re driving something special. We also loved the “Off Road” grid pattern that was used throughout the interior. Our tester also had the TRD Off Road Weather Package that adds heated steering wheel and perforated heated and cooled front seats. Nice!
With a tall, boxy body, the rear seat is adult friendly, and even with the rear seats up, there’s plenty or cargo space. The rear seats fold down easily and with a generous rear hatch opening loading larger items is a snap.
Ready for Adventure
Driving the RAV4 reinforces that rugged nature.
While we have tested the powerful Hybrid RAV4, it’s been a while since we tested the standard model.
Under the hood is a 2.5-liter, four cylinder making 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque. It’s a stout little powerplant that feels like it will last hundreds of thousands of miles without much trouble. It’s got a nice trucky sound that suits the Off-Road vibe.
There are some other great reasons to opt for the gas model. A major one is the 8-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the CVT in Hybrid models. While CVT’s are getting better, they still can’t match traditional automatics for response and driving fun.
We’d say the RAV is perky and responsive especially in Sport Mode. But if you want fast, you’ll have to pay the extra bucks for the hybrid models. Again, faster doesn’t necessarily mean more fun.
Fun defines the drive though, with sharp handling, great visibility and a nice overall size that lets you zip into parking spaces and slice and dice traffic. The taller suspension also helps to serve up a supple ride that makes this a comfy vehicle for long stints behind the wheel.
Adding to the capability, the Off-Road AWD system not only feature different modes depending on road/trail conditions, but also features torque vectoring and Rear Driveline Disconnect to help improve fuel economy. Speaking of gas, with a combined EPA rating of 28 mpg, the RAV4 is as efficient as it is capable.
Toyota also equips the Off Road for strenuous activity with an engine oil cooler, auto transmission fluid cooler and upgraded 150-amp alternator. That’s on top of an upgraded suspension, 8.6-inches of ground clearance (vs 8.1 on others). Like other TRD-branded Toyota models, you feel like you get a heap of additional features for a reasonable price.
All models feature Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5, with loads of active safety including Pre-Collision System that can detect vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. Emergency steering is designed to detect pedestrians and stabilize the driver’s emergency evasive steering maneuvers and help prevent lane departure.
You also get Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. Other available features include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. You feel well looked after, On and Off Road!
Smart Value
So, all this goodness – how much? You can get into a 2WD RAV4 LE starting at just $28,675. Spacious, loaded with tech and Toyota reliability, that’s a great buy. Our TRD Off Road is at the other end of the spectrum (at least in non-hybrid models), starting at $38,095. Adding in the TRD Off Road Technology package ($640), Off Road Weather package ($1,015), Digital Rearview Mirror ($625), and $1,350 for Destination, we rang the bell at $41,725.
Key competitors would include the Honda CR-V, at $42,905. Also an excellent vehicle, but probably more of an On-road choice – it would be tough to match the RAV4’s Off Road capability. We’re also big fan of the Mazda CX-50 at $44,675, a bit more expensive, but you do feel like you’re in a vehicle a level up.
Rugged, capable and smart, the handsome 2024 Toyota RAV4 looks sure to keep its best-selling crown!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.