Toyota has taken the wraps off the latest TRD Off-Road model at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.
It’s not a body-on-frame truck this time, however: It’s the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Toyota already has the RAV4 Adventure grade and the new RAV4 TRD Off-Road model builds on that trim, which means the crossover gets 8.6-inches of ground clearance. It also shares high-rise roof rails, large over-fenders, new bumpers, a fresh grille design and fog light surrounds with the Adventure model. But now lets talk about what sets it apart.
Inspired by Ryan Millen’s rally car, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road offers suspension enhancements for better body control over small bumps, helping to smooth out trails and rough roads. Red coil springs are specially tuned for this, while the RAV4’s twin-tube shocks are re-valved to help with rebound control. New bump stops in the shocks also improve wheel travel slightly.
Performance
Power for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road comes from the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the standard Rav, making 203 horsepower sent through and eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive comes with the RAV4 TRD Off-Road with the ability to send up to 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels.
Multi-terrain select will help to optimize the RAV4 for different off-road conditions, including mud & sand, rock & dirt and snow mode. Sport, Normal and Eco modes are also available for the engine and can be used in conjunction with the multi-terrain select.
Sitting underneath the RAV4 TRD Off-Road are a set of 18-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels wrapped in Falken Wildpeak AT Trail all-terrain tires.
Styling
For looks, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is available in an exclusive Magnetic Gray Metallic with dark gray front accents and an ice-edge roof. You can also get the model in Midnight Black, Lunar Rock, Ruby Flare Pearl and Super White.
Looking inside, red stitching and trim run thought the cabin. The seats are covered in SofTex, a durable material that should be easier to clean. TRD all-weather floor mats and TRD stitching in the headrests completes the look.
Toyota did not specifically mention an on sale date. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates as they’re available, and check back for more news from the 2019 Chicago Auto Show!
