2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road review

The Toyota RAV4 is like the khaki pants of the midsize crossover segment: It’s a reliable classic that never goes out of style, even if it doesn’t exactly make a statement. As a perennial bestseller, this compact SUV appeals to a wide range of buyers with its exceptional value, versatility, reliability and practicality. 

It might not be the flashiest or most exhilarating vehicle out there, but if you’re looking for dependable performance and straightforward functionality, the RAV4 delivers exactly what you need. To make sure there’s a RAV4 for everyone, Toyota offers an impressive 13 trim levels, including six gas-powered and seven electrified options. 

Photo courtesy of Toyota

We recently had the chance to spend a week with the TRD Off-Road trim, and if the standard RAV4 is like a pair of reliable khakis, this version is like upgrading to rugged cargo pants ready for any adventure. With its tougher exterior and an interior that’s not afraid to get dirty, the TRD Off-Road is built for those who love to explore off the beaten path. 

But do you really need an off-road-ready RAV4? Here are some things to keep in mind before you rule out the other 12 trims.

Shop Toyota RAV4 listings on KSL Cars

Photo courtesy of Toyota

Price and Value 

Probably the most important factor to consider when you’re deciding whether or not to buy the TRD Off-Road trim — or another model in the lineup — is the price. The MSRP ranges from $28,675 for the base LE trim to $40,030 for the Hybrid Limited model. The TRD Off-Road is the priciest of the non-hybrid models, with a starting MSRP of $38,295.

Our tester came with a few extras, including the TRD Off-Road Technology package (front and rear parking assist with automatic braking and wireless smartphone charging), the TRD Off-Road Weather package (a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and rain-sensing wipers) and a digital rearview mirror with a universal garage door opener. After delivery and processing fees, that brought the grand total up to $41,725.

Given its nearly $10,000 premium over the well-equipped lower trims, it’s worth asking: What does the TRD Off-Road offer that the other RAV4s don’t?

Search Toyota RAV4 listings on KSL Cars

Photo courtesy of Toyota

What sets the TRD Off-Road apart? (Hint: Not much)

The RAV4 TRD Off-Road model’s unique features are — you guessed it — geared toward off-roaders. It basically takes all the features of the Adventure trim and adds 18-inch wheels, an underbody TRD skid plate, an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires and rubber floor mats. In a brilliant move by Toyota, the rubber mats extend up the back of the rear seats to ensure that everything in the back is protected from whatever muddy cargo you might throw back there.

Other than that, the main difference between the TRD Off-Road and all the other RAV4 trims is the way it looks. Its blacked-out elements and TRD badging serve no real purpose other than to make you look cool. And for some people, that’s a big selling point. 

Find Toyota RAV4 listings on KSL Cars

Photo courtesy of Toyota

What we thought after one week

Full disclosure: In our weeklong test drive of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, we never tested its off-road limits. We were more interested in how it would function as an everyday commuter car and family hauler. To sum it up as succinctly as possible: It was … fine.

We liked that the second row gave our two young kids (ages 8 and 5) plenty of legroom and space between each other. The no-frills, no-fuss interior was very family friendly in the sense that it held up well to dirty, dust-covered shoes, smashed granola bars and the occasional drippy ice cream cone. (Thank you, all-weather floor mats and faux-leather seats!)

We’re also big fans of Toyota’s straightforward infotainment system, which includes a few physical knobs for climate controls and other functions. And we have nothing but great things to say about the RAV4’s cargo area, with its 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear row. For a young family of four, that was more than enough to meet our needs.

But if we’re getting straight down to business about how it feels to drive the RAV4 TRD Off-Road, we were less impressed. It seemed particularly pokey off the line, and the transmission reluctantly shifted gears, almost as if we were annoying it every time we stepped on the gas. 

Other midsize crossover SUVs we’ve driven have been a little more compliant on the streets — but maybe this one just prefers to be on the gravel? That’s our fault for not finding out.

See Toyota RAV4 listings on KSL Cars

Photo courtesy of Toyota

Final impression: Weigh your options carefully 

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is a standout in the RAV4 lineup, offering a blend of rugged style and capability that will appeal to many buyers. It’s a great choice if you need a vehicle that can handle occasional off-road adventures and navigate muddy or rocky trails to your family cabin, all while looking sharp.

However, if you're a serious off-roader with ambitions to push your vehicle to the extreme, the TRD Off-Road might not be the best fit. You might find better off-road performance in the Toyota 4Runner, which starts at about $1,000 less.

Shop Toyota RAV listings on KSL Cars

Photo courtesy of Toyota

FAQs 

What is the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road’s fuel economy like? 

Overall, the RAV4 gets pretty good fuel economy estimates for a compact SUV. The TRD Off-Road trim is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. 

How much horsepower does the RAV4 TRD Off-Road have?

Toyota says that the TRD Off-Road’s 4-cylinder engine has 203 net combined horsepower, which is the same for all gas-powered RAV4s. Opting for the hybrid trims will give you a slight increase in horsepower (219). 

Which is the best Toyota RAV4 trim to buy?

Unless you’re on a very tight budget, it’s best to skip the base LE trim. For a modest price increase (moving from $28,675 to $30,185), the XLE trim gives you a lot more bang for your buck by including all-wheel drive, blind spot monitoring and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, among other things. If a more luxurious interior is a priority, the XLE Premium adds synthetic leather upholstery and a power liftgate for a starting price of $33,075. 

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.