Rav4 FWD vs AWD drivability
Asked by GuruHBBZG Jul 15, 2019 at 03:18 PM about the 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD
Question type: General
I recently test drove a 2019 Rav4 FWD and was not impressed. I then rented
a 2019 Rav4 AWD non-hybrid and felt a world of difference in the way the
car drove, I was impressed. It was so much improved that I now would buy
the AWD version even though I don't live in snow country. This is not what I
expected though, So, I am now trying to figure out if it was my imagination or
is there really a difference in the way a RAV4 behaves between the FWD
and AWD non-hybrid versions?
7 Answers
The RAV4 normally runs in FWD. The AWD only kicks in when the car senses tire slip.
Yes, there would be a slight difference in handling been the FWD and AWD vehicles. The AWD would be heavier in the rear due to the drive train. Additionally, power would distributed between front and rear vs all power in the front. The main thing to consider long term is that your fuel economy will be lower and maintenance will be higher in the AWD versions.
from F_O_R: "The RAV4 normally runs in FWD. The AWD only kicks in when the car senses tire slip." that is what I thought too, But, I was on dry pavement, when I accelerated the "4 wheel tire" graphic showed power going to the back wheels. In fact I was surprised at how much the the back wheels seemed to be used to help. The acceleration, engine noise, were all much better in the AWD versoin. Over 450 miles of city, mostly mountain highway driving (Sacramento CA to Sparks NV and back the computer showed and average of 30.4 miles to the gallon.
You were experiencing what Toyota calls Dynamic Torque Vectoring. Apparently they have updated their AWD system. Sounds like you found a winner.
I own a 2017 RAV4 FWD, and it was a big mistake. We get a lot of snow in our area, and with new winter tires I get stuck much more than I have had in my Camry, Accord or Sienna. I was told this is because the weight distribution is designed for an AWD, so the front is lighter. So I tried my friend's 2019 RAV4 AWD, and the difference is huge. The confidence level is much higher. I will never buy a FWD SUV anymore, lesson learned.
if I want to buy 2016 FWD or AWD, and the price is 1K difference would you recommend buying AWD? im in northern VA
If it snows you should buy the AWD. This is a cheap upgrade.
