2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Makes its Debut in the Windy City

Toyota has a history of producing some very capable vehicles, with the Land Cruiser, 4Runner, discontinued FJ Cruiser, and hardcore Toyota Racing Development (TRD) off-road models being just a few examples. These days about half of all Tundras get sold with a TRD package. Obviously Toyota is eager to extend that sales magic to its line of car-based utilities, but without watering down the value of the TRD brand. A nearly stock RAV4 rally racer piloted by Ryan Millen and Christina Fate won NASA Rally Sport’s 2WD Class National Championship last year, and the 2018 RAV4 Adventure model debuting in Chicago looks to capitalize on this racing success. It may not be quite as capable as the TRD Pros —hence the new name—but it is the most rugged variant of the RAV4 to date.

The small crossover will be available in front-wheel drive with an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential, or with the automaker’s Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive system. The capability continues outside with a raised suspension, large overfender flares, lower body guards, 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55R18 tires, and roof rails. Black headlight bezels, black foglamp surrounds, and Adventure badging complement the rugged styling.

The RAV4 Adventure’s interior sets itself apart with unique interior trim panels, a 120V/100W power outlet in the cargo area, Adventure door sill protectors, and all-whether floor mats and cargo mats branded with the Adventure logo.

Your towing needs will be covered with the standard Tow Prep Package that includes an upgraded radiator and transmission fluid coolers. Also standard is Trailer Sway Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, and the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite of convenience and safety features. Drivers in colder climates need not worry, as a Cold Weather Package is available and includes powered and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a de-icer for the wipers.

Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Black are the available exterior colors for the RAV4 Adventure.

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure debuts alongside the refreshed 2018 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, shown in Chicago in the new TRD Sport trim. The RAV4 Adventure goes on sale in September. Pricing has yet to be announced, but Toyota veep Bill Fay suggests the package will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,000. He also hinted that the Adventure package might eventually extend to other models like the forthcoming C-HR, and that if it’s successful, more extreme models worthy of TRD nomenclature could follow.

Frank Markus contributed to this post.

Source: Toyota

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