The Perfect Used Rugged Crossover

The most successful automaker in the world and America has a key model within its arsenal. In fact, the Toyota RAV4 not only stands as the OG of the compact SUV segment, but also as one of the most sought-after models to be found on American roads. With a pedigree spanning almost three decades, the RAV4 offers an affordable, practical, and versatile package. As part of its multitude of trim levels on offer, the RAV4 also saw an Adventure model join the stable in 2013. Sadly, this trim level was discontinued in 2024.

Offering all-wheel drive and heightened ground clearance, the Adventure model seems to it should be a key model in the RAV4 range, and even more so in the fifth-generation model line-up. We look back at possibly the best rugged crossover, in its Adventure guise, and how it compares to other rivals within the used market.

Toyota RAV4 Adventure Exterior Features

Dressed For Success

Along with several other trim-level offerings, the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models are designed to easily connect the polar opposites of urban living with rural adventure-seeking.

Offered in an array of striking colors such as Ice Cap, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, and the striking Army Green (with or without an Ice Edge roof), the Adventure model presents an intimidating image. Especially in its latter color scheme, the RAV4 looks more imposing in the city, while managing to camouflage itself on the trail.

For the fifth-generation RAV4 Adventure trim, Toyota also tweaked the standard RAV4 bodywork to make it more aggressive-looking. This includes an adventure-specific grille and bumper styling package, whilst a higher ground clearance makes the Adventure trim look more eager to tackle the outdoors.

Whilst the TRD and Woodland trims are designed for rougher terrain, Toyota specified the Adventure model for light trails. It therefore proves to be the perfect balance of off-road capabilities, without compromising its on-road performance within the city.

Riding on similarly sized 19-inch alloy wheels to the TRD model, the Adventure model does not make use of the former’s TRD Red springs, or Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires. Instead, the RAV4 Adventure model makes use of all-season tires, which prove to be more economical and comfortable on all terrains.

RAV4 Adventure Exterior Key Details

• 19-inch alloy wheels with unique Adventure styling
• All-season tires
• Roof rails
• Optional two-tone paint: Army Green with Ice Edge roof
• LED projector-beam headlights with integrated LED fog lights
• Power-adjustable, heated side mirrors
• Front and rear mudguards
• Higher ground clearance

Toyota RAV4 Adventure Interior Features

Comfort Is Still A Priority

Its “Jack-of-all-traits” philosophy is further taken into the interior, where one can find Toyota’s SofTex highly durable synthetic leather seats, finished in either Mocha or Black color schemes as well as orange stitching. Toyota also adapted a similar interior to that of the TRD model, keeping the interior practical, with a combination of rugged plastics, rubberized knobs, and rubber mats, making it easy to clean pet hair, dust, and mud.

The infotainment is not too excessive, but it covers the bases for a family out on the move, with an eight-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker sound system. Of course, practicality is still front and center, as with any crossover, and the trunk can hold an impressive 37.6 cu-ft worth of luggage, camping supplies, and even a few small pets with the right accessories ticked.

Adventure Interior Key Details

• SofTex leather seats with orange stitching
• Rubber mats
• Heated front seats
• Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system

The RAV4 Adventure: Powertrain and Performance

Capable Of Getting You There

Similar to the other model trims in the RAV4 stable, the Adventure also makes use of a 2.5L, 4-cylinder gas engine, combined with an eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. It therefore delivers similar power figures of 203 hp, as opposed to the 219 hp in the hybrid units. Yet, the Adventure model is the best-positioned in the range to make use of all-wheel drive as standard. Another benefit is that it is also the same Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD as found in the TRD Off-Road model, which ultimately improves traction in mud, snow, and around corners.

Similar to other AWD models, a Multi-Terrain Select feature also helps to switch between modes such as Mud & Sand, Rock and Dirt, Snow and Normal, whilst three driving models (Sport, Eco, and Normal) assist between the drivers’ preference for economy or comfort. Another great feature of the Adventure model is that it also reigns supreme when it comes to towing capacity. Along with the TRD model, the Toyota RAV4 Adventure also has the highest towing capacity in the range of 3,500 pounds.

RAV4 Adventure Powertrain Key Details

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
• Multi-Terrain Select drive mode

Comparing the different trim levels

The Adventure trim therefore offers more than the LE, XLE, and XLE Premium packages in that it is the first model in the lineup to offer Dynamic Torque Vectoring with standard AWD, whilst also being able to tow the most. This means the Adventure is geared for outdoor gear such as boats or trailers, whilst also proving to be even more off-road capable than the more expensive hybrids.

Compared to the rest, the RAV4 Adventure also offers the same 8.6-inch ground clearance as the TRD Off-Road, in comparison to the 8.4-inch of the LE and XLE specifications. Compared to other RAV4 trim levels, the RAV4 Adventure can therefore fit a larger tire size of 235/55R19.

RAV4 Adventure Pricing: New Vs. Used

Is It A Bargain Or Should You Wait?

New in 2024, the Adventure AWD model sold for $34,670, offering a great compromise between the FWD models (ranging between $28,475 – $36,780), the TRD Off-Road AWD ($38,095), and the hybrid offerings ($31,475 – $39,780).

With a stellar reputation and being synonymous with reliability, Toyota products hold onto their values very well. Due to its popularity and the fact that the Adventure model has been discontinued, a 2024 model could cost even more now compared to its release year.

Current Used Market Prices

Pricing currently shows very low depreciation rates, as depicted in the following table. This is largely due to the demand after the model has been discontinued. The Toyota RAV4 Adventure prices for 2020–2024 are, therefore, as follows:

Why The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Is The Best Model Year To Buy

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the sweet spot

Toyota RAV4 Adventure Rivals

What Are The Other Options?

Similar brands also offer compact SUVs with an off-road appeal. Each of these competitors are equally priced.

While being slightly underpowered, the RAV4 Adventure certainly wins the battle when it comes to towing capacity. It also sits firmly in the center when it comes to ground clearance, and its interior design and technology seem on par with the competitors.

What Makes the RAV4 Adventure Stand Out:

The Adventure trim might not be as off-road focused as the TRD Off-Road model, yet it seems to be the perfect model between the entry-level front-wheel drive offerings, as well as the hybrid models:

• All-terrain tires
• AWD torque vectoring
• Unique Adventure styling
• A leading towing capacity
• More ground clearance

Why The RAV4 Adventure Is The Perfect Used Leisure Vehicle

The RAV4 Adventure model is the perfect compromise when it comes to off-road capability and on-road practicality. Whilst it does not feature the similar rugged suspension and overall adaptations of the TRD Off-Road specification, the Adventure is the perfect and seemingly the least expensive permanent AWD RAV4 in the line-up.

Compared to its other rivals, the RAV4 Adventure might have its drawbacks, yet it seems to win overall where it counts.

The RAV4 Adventure is the ideal adventure-ready SUV in the segment and certainly the class leader when it comes to reliability. With the Adventure model now discontinued, demand for these models is proving to be high. Should you find a reasonably well-priced Adventure model in good condition, it might just be the best option in the long run.

Sources: Toyota, Subaru, Stellantis, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia