2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition - Review by Bruce Hotchkiss +Video

The "Let's Go Camping RAV4"

Bruce Hotchkiss

By Bruce Hotchkiss
Special Correspondent, West Coast Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

My, my, how the little RAV4 has grown up. When it was first launched there was a 2-door model that was just 147 inches long! It was relatively tiny. The 2024 Woodland Edition I just tested is 180.9 inches, almost three feet longer. But not to worry, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is still small compared to the behemoths that roam our streets.

I like the current RAV4; I like the looks although I find the nose a bit busy. When it was first delivered (yes the press cars are delivered) I wasn't sure about the color - Army Green - but it grew on me. It was offset nicely by the bronze wheels and the black roof.

I doubt that a significant number of owners will ever go off-road in the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland but if one or two of you want to you'll be happy there is 8.1" of ground clearance. And if you drive in snow country you'll appreciate the 225/60R19 Falcon Wildpeak Trail A/T tires. They gave a fairly comfortable ride, weren't noisy on the highway, and are rated good or better in rain or snow.

The brakes are more than up to the job - 12" rotors up front, and 11.1" in the rears. It's good to know that Toyota doesn't scrimp on brakes.

The material on the seats felt like they would clean up easily, and the Woodland floormats had little fir trees embossed on them.

The gauges are easy to read. I could do without the gauge on the left to tell me whether I was being economical or not. I've learned to just drive a hybrid or EV. You will note that there is a gearshift lever. I and millions thank you for that. Maybe one day, once all us old dogs have gone, a lever will seem like an anachronism but not yet.

I appreciate the knobs, especially the volume knob. It seems that some auto makers realize that not everybody wants or can operate a touch screen, especially when driving.

Toyota says the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is a five person vehicle. Maybe but it depends on the size of the five and whether you like the person you stick in the middle of the back seat.

The driver's seat has 8-way power adjustments, the front passenger makes do with four-way adjustments.

The rear seats are not as luxurious but they're okay. And there is ample knee room for an adult back there.

There is plenty of storage in the back - 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat to be exact, and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. You can see the fir trees on the cargo mat; the mat is easily removed and can be hosed off.

For extra cargo capacity you can add on baskets and stuff (even a tent) for the roof racks.

Toyota has hesitated to join the EV rush, and maybe smartly so given that EV sales are cooling a bit right now. They do not shy away from hybrids though. In my opinion at the present time, for a majority of buyers hybrids make more sense. With a hybrid you never have to worry about range, just keep an eye on the gas gauge.

The RAV4 Hybrid has a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that makes 175 h.p. and 163 ft-lbs of torque. Add in an electric motor and there is a combined 219 h.p. The power goes through a Continuously Variable Transmission to all four wheels.

The biggest plus with a hybrid, at least for me, is the around-town fuel economy. EPA rates the Woodland Edition at 38 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and a combined figure of 37 mpg. When you're driving around town, if you have a light foot, the mileage is very good because you use the electric motor most of the time.

The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland can tow a trailer up to 1,750 lbs.

I'd say the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is geared for those who like to enjoy the great outdoors. It is equipped so when you get it dirty it's easy to clean out. There are plenty of useful options for camping, going to the beach, or other outdoor activities.

The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition starts at $34,695, the test car added $500 for the two-tone paint, and $1,350 for delivery. You could easily push that over $40,000 with add-ons but it still isn't outrageous (I can't believe I wrote that).

You can get a base FWD RAV4 for $28,475. All prices are from the Toyota media site. As they say, prices may vary.

Toyota is know for reliability and value. If you are in the market for a SUV in this size range you should have a RAV4 on your list.