Toyota first introduced a Woodland Edition trim for the Sienna hybrid minivan. Now, the Japanese automaker is making the trim available for its popular compact hybrid SUV. Is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition a real off-road SUV?

Is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition a real off-road SUV?

What makes a true off-road SUV? Is it ground clearance? How about beefy all-terrain tires? A real off-road SUV is equipped to tackle obstacles off-road. The best off-road SUVs feature suspension upgrades designed for trails and obstacles. Enough ground clearance and the right tires are also extremely important to a good off-road SUV.

Toyota produced some of the most iconic off-road SUVs in the game, like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Sequoia. Does the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition have real off-roading chops, or is Toyota just capitalizing on the off-road vehicle trend?

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition comes standard with a TRD-tuned suspension. It also features Falken WILDPEAK all-terrain tires. The small hybrid SUV comes with mudguards, all-weather floor and cargo mats, and all-wheel drive as well.

Toyota’s new RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition will include Trail Mode. Based on the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition’s suspension, tires, and off-road driving mode, it’s a formidable off-road SUV. Should you be rock climbing in the small hybrid at questionable angles? Probably not. The new RAV4 hybrid off-road SUV will be capable enough to deal with moderate trails and minor off-road obstacles. Expect a trail-ready RAV4 hybrid that can handle most off-road challenges (within reason).

Why is Toyota offering an off-road hybrid SUV?

Toyota was one of the first automakers to introduce hybrid technology to its lineup with the Toyota Prius. Decades later, the Japanese automaker produces several popular hybrid vehicles.

Models like the Toyota Sienna have become standard hybrids. It’s clear that before Toyota has a fully-electric vehicle portfolio, it intends to crank out several successful hybrid nameplates. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is an attempt to entice off-road enthusiasts to go hybrid.

Toyota’s fully electric SUV, the Toyota bZ4X, hasn’t been a huge success from a sales perspective. That being said, the success of the brand’s hybrid models still aligns with its plan to reduce carbon emissions. So, getting consumers to consider a hybrid vehicle is the next best thing to gaining a Toyota EV buyer. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is a more fuel-efficient version of the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road.

Should you buy a 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition?

Toyota has yet to release a price for the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition. MotorTrend claims that the small hybrid off-road SUV will hit dealerships this fall, so expect more information soon.

Since there’s still so much to learn about the new hybrid SUV, it’s impossible to give an accurate recommendation, but based on its features, it should have decent off-roading prowess. So, if you’re in the market for a small hybrid SUV that can take the road less traveled the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition could be worth looking into this fall.

Read more about the first Woodland Edition model, the Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition, in the next article below.

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