If you’re looking for an impressive all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle that gives you the confidence and safety you need on the road, consider the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Although it doesn’t come standard on all trims, all-wheel drive is available on every RAV4. Use this guide to learn more about the benefits of the AWD system and how you can maximize its use when you’re driving your RAV4.
Do All Toyota RAV4 Models Have AWD?
Image via Flickr by JesusAbizanda
As one of the bestselling passenger vehicles on the market, the Toyota RAV4 is a crossover SUV that gives you a premium driving experience. Most RAV4s come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). The exceptions are the hybrid and plug-in (Prime) configurations, as well as the TRD Off-Road and Adventure trims, which all come standard with AWD. The hybrid comes in three trims (LE, XSE, and XLE Premium), while the plug-in Prime comes in two trims (SE and XSE).
When you stop into Panama City Toyota, you can select AWD on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 on any of its six trim levels:
- LE
- XLE
- XLE Premium
- Adventure
- TRD Off-Road
- Limited
Even if you opt for an earlier RAV4 model, both the 2020 and 2019 editions come with optional AWD.
What Does All-Wheel Drive Do?
In vehicles with AWD, the drivetrain sends power to all four wheels equally and constantly. Front-wheel and rear-wheel-drive models do the opposite, sending power only to the front or rear wheels, respectively. All-wheel drive can keep your vehicle moving forward better, especially when you’re traveling across rain-slicked or snow-covered roadways. This feature is engineered to let each tire rotate at its own speed.
The RAV4 has several AWD systems available. The system you receive depends on the crossover’s trim and configuration:
- LE, XLE, Premium, Limited, and Plug-In AWD: You can choose to add Toyota’s basic AWD configuration to any of these trims for better handling and performance. The system will give you the confidence needed to travel in various road and weather conditions.
- Adventure and TRD Off-Road AWD: The Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system comes standard with these two trims. This system can direct 50% of the power to the rear wheels when necessary. These trims also include a Rear Driveline Disconnect that stops sending power to the rear when it’s not needed.
- Hybrid AWD: The hybrid comes with its own AWD system called Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. It uses the built-in electric motor to improve handling and deliver more power to the rear wheels when you need additional traction.
AWD Performance Features
When you select a RAV4 with all-wheel drive, you’ll be able to not only travel around Panama City easier but also tackle any type of difficult terrain in the area. To enhance your vehicle’s performance and capabilities, you can activate the following AWD features:
- Multi-Terrain Select: On gas-powered RAV4s with AWD, you can choose from four terrain modes (Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, Snow, and Normal). When activated, these features give you additional traction. They can sense slippage and adjust the engine throttle and brakes to maximize your driving experience on different surfaces.
- Drive Modes: With the simple touch of a button, you can change the vehicle’s driving modes. Select Normal to blend fuel economy with performance, Sport for sharper acceleration, and Eco to maximize fuel economy. Hybrid models have an EV mode that gives you pure electric power.
- Multi-Link Rear Suspension: This performance feature enhances the SUV’s handling and control by working with the vehicle’s body rigidity to keep the traction steady.
- Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA): This new platform gives you a more refined driving experience. With a longer and wider stance, the SUV has better handling than before, and its strong core provides a smoother ride. It also gives you a naturally spacious interior along with a better view of the road.
- Engine and Transmission: All gas-powered RAV4s have the same powertrain. The 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine produces 203 horsepower and comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the hybrid, you have the same gas-powered engine, plus two electric motors to generate 219 horsepower. It comes paired with a Direct Shift eight-speed electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The plug-in engine gets 302 horsepower and comes standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Advantages Of Driving A RAV4 With AWD
When you’re behind the wheel of a Toyota RAV4 and use its all-wheel-drive system, you can drive in confidence knowing you have access to several beneficial features. Some of these advantages include:
- Increased safety while driving in inclement weather.
- A better response time when driving in normal conditions.
- Stellar capabilities when traversing difficult terrain.
Gas Mileage With AWD
When it comes to fuel economy, the RAV4 attains some of the best numbers in the compact SUV class. With all-wheel drive and the base trim, expect to get an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Other trims with AWD should get between 25 to 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. With the TRD Off-Road trim, you get about 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
The RAV4 Hybrid piggybacks on the success of the gas-powered version for fuel economy. The hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The RAV4 Prime can travel up to 42 miles solely on electric power, and it can get an EPA-estimated 94 mpg equivalent when combining city and highway driving. This MPGe is comparable to that of other plug-in vehicles.
Sometimes the best way to get a feel for certain vehicles is to get behind the wheel of one yourself. If you’re interested in taking the Toyota RAV4 for a test drive and seeing what the AWD system is all about, contact us at Panama City Toyota. Our employees can answer any questions you might have and help you drive off the lot in one of these fun and versatile vehicles today.
