Toyota RAV4 (US) review

As one would expect, the different versions of the RAV4 all have their own characteristics, with the Woodlands being the outlier in this regard. Why? because it’s just a style pack, gaining a half inch here and there of clearance due to its bigger wheels and hiked-up fascias. All RAV4s ride on an independent front suspension with a multi-link rear, with the GR Sport standing on the same, though slightly altered.

RAV4s with the standard hybrid put together 226 or 236hp, depending on if they’re FWD or AWD. The latter really comes into play automatically when the car senses a need for extra stability, just as the same system does in the Corolla Cross and other Toyotas sporting this ‘on-demand AWD’ setup.

With this said, it's this version of the RAV4 that is easiest to connect to. Power delivery is direct and is the most traditional-feeling since this integrated hybrid system is more supportive than it is intrusive.

Is the plug-in bad, then?

Oh no, not at all, it just behaves differently and is more involved. The e-motor here is more substantial and subsequently versatile, so the RAV4 can operate on a wider spectrum of modes, be it on short, battery-power-only jaunts or a mix to get the most of the 324hp on tap. This is also why the GR Sport is exclusive to this powertrain.

Talk more about this sport version. 

Gladly. You can tell the Gazoo Racing division isn’t going to let a vehicle wear its badge without significant attention from its part. Stuff like the GR Corolla may get much more development and race track miles, but blessing the RAV4 with the GR touch is regarded with the same level of seriousness.

To that end, the team changed what they could to make the most out of what they had. From the outside, you get the sense that the GR team had to draw within the lines, budget-wise, so changes are relegated to a couple replacement braces for the rear, the performance bar affixed to the front, and tuned dampers. An aggressive fascia looks the part but adds aerodynamic stability while the sport drive mode is equally more punchy.

The end result is a RAV4 with much more spring in its step, eager off the line and tighter through bends. A stiffer setup prevents it from rolling through corners, allowing for more turn-in than you’d expect from such a utility vehicle. The addition of paddle shifters provide more control of the CVT managing things, which is nice.

Is the Woodlands a dud?

We feel a bit bad inadvertently making this grade the punching bag, but we’ve only done so because it’s the only version that doesn’t live up to its own hype. It looks the part, due mostly to how it seems to crib much of the current 4Runner’s style, particularly in the front. We’re not mad at this in the slightest, but it's a style that doesn’t have much substance to back it up. It’s giving Chevrolet Equinox vibes in this regard, we’re loathe to say.