Just over 10 years, SIX SPEED BLOG was born, and my very first media vehicle loan was with the 2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited. Despite the archival of my 2013 reviews during a website overhaul, I haven’t forgotten my roots. Marking a decade and 500 reviews, I pay homage to this milestone with the Woodlands Edition, newly introduced to the Toyota RAV4 in 2023.  

Keeping the Wildness PG 

Recognizing that the non-hybrid RAV4 models, such as the Adventure and the TRD Off-Road, were cornering the RAV4 market on excitement, Toyota felt that the Hybrid was missing all the excitement to get more at one with the earth. The new Woodland Edition, however, adds a little wilderness capability for those that still want to maximize the most fuel efficiency out of their adventures.  

Before you set off following those Jeeps disappearing onto the horizon, it is crucial to understand that the Woodlands Edition is not built for hardcore off-roading. While it does feature the same TRD off-road suspension and robust all-terrain tires, the Woodlands Edition retains the hybrid system used across all RAV4 Hybrids. This setup includes a 54-horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels, with no mechanical linkage to the front gasoline engine. Additionally, it lacks a locking differential, a low-range gearbox, and the increased ground clearance that the TRD Off-Road model boasts. 

LIKED: Looks good in Army Green with Bronze Wheels, rides smooth, still decently fuel efficient in high density traffic 

As with anything off-road, the Woodlands Edition does experience a slight drop in fuel efficiency due to its high-resistance roof rack and all-terrain tires. However, the impact is not as server as one might expect.  In 2019, when we tested the RAV4 Hybrid XSE, it pulled out an astonishing 46-miles to the gallon combined, but compared to the Woodlands Edition, we averaged 5-mpg less at 41-miles to the gallon for the week. However, EPA rated the Woodlands at 37-mpg combined and when we look at the TRD Off-Road we tested in 2020, it averaged a depressing 26-mpg combined. So, either way we look at this, the Woodlands Edition, it is still in the green.  

Still a Go-Getter 

Regardless of its off-road prowls, the RAV4 Hybrid is still hot on toes from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three-electric motors. Using a combined total of 219-horsepower, it manages to scoot to 60-mph in just over 7.0-seconds, giving its occupants ample confidence to make hasty acceleration decisions without worry. 

Thanks to the TRD off-road kit, the Woodlands Edition is one smooth ride soaking any rough stuff that may come your way. And despite having the chunkier tires, the cabin space remained quiet and isolating from any unwarranted road noise. Unfortunately, because the hybrid powertrain is the same as a standard hybrid, the towing capacity is short of exciting allowing for 1750 pounds, which is barely the weight of the trailer in most cases. The TRD Off-Road, however, with its non-hybrid system, is closer to 4,000 pounds.  

Cheap is Getting Expensive 

Once upon a time, the entry-level RAV4 Hybrid LE was priced under $30,000. That modest sum got you basic cloth seats, a simple 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and automatic climate control. However, times have changed. The starting price for an LE Hybrid now stands at $31,725, with the Woodlands Edition demanding an additional premium of $3,220. Consequently, our test model tipped the scales at a surprising $36,545— a hefty sum for some rugged tires and an upgraded suspension. 

Unfortunately, it gets worse. Our model lacked a crucial feature: the $925 Woodland Grade Weather Package, which adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. Interestingly, the more affordably priced XLE Hybrid can be equipped with the same package and offers the option of adding a power lift tailgate and a sunroof, all for approximately the same price as our Woodlands Edition. 

On a brighter note, the infotainment system has seen significant improvements. The updated Entune software is much more user-friendly and now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, the Woodlands Edition still uses the smaller 8-inch touchscreen; opting for the larger 10.5-inch display necessitates upgrading to a higher trim level. 

DISLIKED: Heavily priced, basic bare bones interior, not very tow friendly 

A lot has changed since we first tested the RAV4 Limited over a decade ago. Even after all these years, I still appreciate the RAV4’s offerings and remain impressed by its fuel efficiency. However, with the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Woodlands Edition, one must ponder whether the fuel savings justify the compromises in equipment.