I know there are RAV4 forums, and I am a member of one. However, I wanted to ask here... Have you driven a RAV4 on snow or dirt roads, and what were your impressions?

Most of my driving is on solid pavement and I have no needs for towing at this point. I don't need a lot of storage space. The reason I want a 4x4 is to get up into the mountains on rough, dirt roads, and to get through snow for skiing.

With the center diff locked (I understand this can be done on the RAV4?), would the RAV4 be a solid choice for me, for mild snow conditions and rough dirt roads? Thoughts?

I'm curious on some of the replies this thread might generate.

Been thinking about swapping the wife's Honda Accord coupe for a Rav4

As I live about a mile off the main road, there have been a few days where the Honda just could not make it out due to snow etc.

Now she does not go into the woods like me in the winter but, curious about impressions on the whole Rav4 car in general.

I had one a 2001. And I influenced my mom to buy her 2010. Solid cars. Should suit you well. Just watch out with the pre-2010 4cyls some had a tendency to blow oil past the rings. The V6 however doesn't have that issue and only gets 1mpg less. The V6 is very fast as well 276hp. Either way you really can't go wrong with either motor. My moms 4cyl is peppy.

This past summer we visited my family is in Washington and Oregon. We borrowed my cousins RAV4 and we quite impressed with it. It did just fine in the snow we ran into in central Oregon near Sisters. It's also the vehicle they use for ski trips to Mt Hood and to get to some of the back country skiing access points. It had a smooth ride, decent ground clearance, and good gas mileage.

As for snow, we had 8" here a few weeks back, didn't stop the RAV4 from getting around. The center diff lock button works until 35mph, if the vehicle feels slip however it automatically kicks it in AWD. That's on the 06-present models.

Thanks all. Due to the very high prices of 4Runners around here, I am going to shift my new-car search to a RAV4. I really want the off-road capability of the 4Runner, but the truth is that I won't use its abilities that much. I still love the T4R though!!

I think the ground clearance is considerably less with the Rav4 but for most folks, this is a non-issue.

Me on the other hand, I want the clearance that a Runner provides.

If you don't need the ground clearance, then the Rav4 will suit you. For me, I would rather have a 4Runner anyday. But for snow conditions, AWD will suit you best over RWD.

No arguments from me on those points. I would love a 4Runner. I'm just thinking about getting rid of my high mpg vehicle for one new vehicle, AND the outrageous asking prices of 4Runners in my area. If I get a RAV4 with a locking center diff, I don't think I can complain too much.

I've been looking at a 3rd (2006-2012) Gen RAV4, and have spend too much time researching it.

The RAV4 3rd gen AWD system uses an electromagnetic clutch-pack that is part of the rear diff assembly. When you press the "LOCK" button, you're telling the diff solenoid to max out and give the most traction possible*. The diff. isn't physically locked, as in 4th Gen 4Runners and Limited Edition 5th Gens (not sure what 3rd Gen 4Runner has). In the RAV4, you can exceed the torque the diff can deliver and get slippage through the diff. Ex: you're going uphill with both front wheels in slippery mud, but your rear axle has traction. You don't have to worry about that in the 4Runners with physically locking center diffs.

*Lock only works until 25mph. After that, the diff reverts back to sensing slippage and giving the minimum servo actuation to eliminate it.

Here's some Toyota reading material about the RAV4 3rd Gen AWD System
4WD System
Rear Differential

I traded my 4Runner for a Rav yesterday. Great little trucklet. I will miss my 5th gen, though.

I wish they kept the 2GR in the 4th Gen RAV4. Blows away the competition. Would have been nice to add the 6GR-FSE* (as I'm calling it) when it comes online.

Sucks to see your tech heavy presence leave, although the RAVWorld forums can certainly use it!

*Saw somewhere you guessed the new engine at the AL plant would be direct injection. Would probably be different than the current 2GR-FSE, so I call it 6GR-FSE.

I've settled this one, for now at least. I picked up a cheap 1997 4Runner. Cheap even for this area. $2300 for a 1997 SR5 5-speed with rear diff lock and basically loaded options. The problem is 262,000 miles and it has some rust on it and a little body damage. It needs some maintenance too. I will get by with it for a while and see if I want to move into a nicer one in the future.

Haha, thanks. I'm Rav World is a little slow moving. Figuring out what hitch to put on it for my bikes at the moment.

Had an earlier RAV4 in 2 WD. Was a great car but kinda small for 2 adults, 2 dogs, fly-fishing gear and camping gear. Handled dirt roads and light to moderate snow OK (with snow tires here in Central WA). Decided we needed 4WD and sold it. Replaced it with a Jeep (REAL POS=Worst car we ever bought!)

Recently, we sold our Nissans (Frontier Crew Cab and Xterra) and replaced them with a 2019 4Runner 4WD and a 2018 RAV4 AWD. So far, the RAV is OUTSTANDING (My wife's opinion as it is her car). I'd have no reservations using it on USFS roads here in the Cascades. I drive the 4Runner. Haven't gone through a winter yet (and last year we hardly got any snow!). However, we do have a shovel, tow rope, tire inflator, and a few other items in the back of the RAV.

All in all, they are definitely apples and oranges! In my opinion, the RAV is vastly underrated but does not compare with the 4Runner! It is what it is=a practical, all-around vehicle for almost all circumstances!