Cargazing
By Derek Price
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is a compelling blend of practicality and rugged appeal, catering to buyers who want the efficiency of a hybrid with a dash of outdoor capability.
After a week behind the wheel, it’s clear that this special edition RAV4 delivers on its promises, even if it doesn’t rewrite the compact SUV rulebook.
At the heart of the Woodland Edition is Toyota’s proven hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total system output of 219 horsepower.
This setup provides adequate, if not thrilling, acceleration while delivering impressive fuel economy figures of 38 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. For many buyers, this balance of performance and efficiency will be the RAV4 Hybrid’s strongest selling point.
On the road, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension tuning strikes a good balance between comfort and control, soaking up road imperfections without feeling overly soft.
Steering is light, making the RAV4 easy to maneuver in urban environments despite its SUV proportions. However, enthusiasts seeking engaging dynamics may find the overall driving experience somewhat bland.
Clad in eye-catching Army Green paint with black accents, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition’s rugged aesthetic hints at its enhanced off-road capabilities.
Where the Woodland Edition sets itself apart is in its off-road-oriented additions. The TRD-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and increased ground clearance give this RAV4 more capability when the pavement ends. While it’s not a hardcore trail machine, it’s more than capable of handling light off-road duties and unpaved roads with confidence.
Visually, the Woodland Edition makes a strong statement. My tester’s Army Green paint with a black roof looked particularly striking, complemented by bronze-colored TRD wheels. The rugged aesthetic is further enhanced by black exterior accents and badges. It’s a look that should appeal to outdoor enthusiasts without being overly aggressive.
Inside, the RAV4’s cabin remains a study in practicality. The layout is intuitive, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. Material quality is good, if not class-leading, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces in key areas.
The new-for-2024 Weather Package, which adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, is a welcome addition for colder climates.
Cargo space is generous, and the standard 1.25-inch rear activity mount adds versatility for those who frequently carry bikes or other outdoor gear. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats easily expand the cargo area when needed.
The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland’s cabin prioritizes functionality and comfort, with intuitive controls and ample cargo space for outdoor adventures.
Toyota’s latest infotainment system is a marked improvement over previous iterations, with responsive touch inputs and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The available 11-speaker JBL audio system delivers crisp, powerful sound that music enthusiasts will appreciate.
Safety remains a strong suit for the RAV4, with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 coming standard. This suite of driver aids includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, providing peace of mind for daily driving.
At $38,334 as tested, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition represents solid value in the compact SUV segment. While it’s pricier than base RAV4 models, the added features and capability justify the premium for the right buyer.
However, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland isn’t without its compromises. The hybrid powertrain, while efficient, doesn’t provide the instant torque some drivers might expect from an electrified vehicle. Road noise is also more pronounced than in some competitors, likely due in part to the all-terrain tires.
Ultimately, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition succeeds in its mission to offer a more adventurous take on the popular compact SUV without sacrificing the practicality and efficiency that have made the RAV4 a bestseller.
It’s a vehicle that makes a strong logical case for itself, even if it doesn’t stir the soul like some more performance-oriented rivals.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS TESTED?
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland ($34,945). Options: Woodland water package ($925), two-tone paint ($500), door sill protector ($199), faceless HomeLink mirror ($175), wheel locks ($65), fog light accent ($175). Price as tested (including $1,350 destination charge): $38,334
Wheelbase: 105.9 in.
Length: 180.9 in.
Width: 73 in.
Height: 67 in.
Power: 2.5-liter four cylinder plus electric motors (combined 219 horespower)
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel economy: 38 city, 35 highway
RATINGS
Style: 7
Performance: 6
Price: 8
Handling: 7
Ride: 5
Comfort: 6
Quality: 9
Overall: 7
WHY BUY IT?
The RAV4 offers an appealing mix of efficiency, practicality and light off-road capability, wrapped in distinctive styling that stands out from the compact SUV crowd.