The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets a number of updates for the new year but the big showstopper is the new TRD tweaked off-road Woodland Edition that amps up its style and capability for those who really want to get out and get dirty.
Bringing a serious off-roading edition to the fuel sipping RAV4 Hybrid for the first time, the Woodland Edition brings a healthy list of features that not only help it look and feel the part but most importantly give it real world improvements in traction and handling in the rough.
Getting rugged for the RAV4 wasn’t that big a stretch as its capable TNGA architecture is already pretty robust and capable. Building on it is a TRD-tuned suspension with off-road oriented springs and twin-tube shocks with internal rebound springs all around and revised rubber bump stops.
The resulting handling experience Toyota says is more forgiving ride over rough roads and ruts, rocks and the like. Better body control is also promised over dips and undulations. Add in the handsome TRD bronze alloy wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T tires and you have better traction for all seasons.
Exterior adds include LED projector beam headlamps and standard fog lights. There’s black mud guards, black badging and dual black chrome-tipped exhaust tips and up on top you will find a standard roof rack system with raised black cross bars that can accept any number of attachments and accessories.
The interior gets a few upgrades to protect and provide as well. The rear cargo area features a reversible cargo floor insert and netted side cubbies for storage. For charging small devices or even running a laptop or camping gear is a 120V inverter. The interior package is made complete with Woodland Edition all-weather floor and cargo mats.
The fact that we have $5.00 a gallon gas now makes it appealing that Toyota has offered the Woodland Edition specifically for the RAV4 Hybrid which comes standard with AWD. The system features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid transmission at the front axle. At the rear axle is an additional electric motor – no traditional driveshaft from the front to the back.
Torque can be distributed in just about any variation continuously depending on traction needs and can be tailored in behavior and feel by the driver adjustable modes.
In all the system provides 219 horsepower and up to 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined based on the standard RAV4 Hybrid specs. If there are reductions in efficiency due to the off-road tires, Toyota hasn’t yet said.
Beyond the Woodland Edition, all RAV4 models for 2023 get healthy updates with updated instrument clusters and multimedia systems that will offer a wider array of features, bigger screens and over the air updates. The big news for many will be the offering of standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is set to arrive this fall in three color choices of Midnight Black Metallic, Cavalry Blue and Ice Cap. For each one sold Toyota will donate $500 to the National Environmental Education Foundation to help improving accessibility to our protected lands.
