by "helloautomate" (helloautomate)
Published 02/09/2017 at 14:00
by "helloautomate" (helloautomate)
Published 02/09/2017 at 14:00
Tags: softroader
; RAV4
; Minivan
; crossover
; oppositelock
STARS: 0
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 with the Adventure trim has a raised ride height! How RUGGED! Any guesses on what the height will be? My guess is going to be 6.66 inches of suburban parking lot jumping median power! Since Toyota is not commenting on the specifications as of yet I am imagining the Adventure trim is gaining ride height with the support of a taller tire profile and the new 18" wheels. Soon to be Grandparents everywhere will rejoice! Finally, a car that makes them seem active (otherwise known as - why act our age, we’re not old, haha (cough)?!?!).
Just for some background the 2017 Toyota RAV4 LE, XLE and SE are noted by Toyota as having 6.1 inches of ground clearance. The RAV4 Hybrid is listed at 7.0 inches of clearance. So if you want low clearance and want to chance getting stuck in your snow covered unplowed neighborhood street go with the non-Aventure trim or non-Hybrid RAV4. If you want ground clearance go with the 4WD-i system in the RAV4 Hybrid even though it has been noted as very disappointing in most foul weather competency. While it might not have the drive power to back you out of a snowbank or mud with its electric motor activated rear wheel drive, you’ll be happy to know the AWD system is sure tucked up into that unibody for some added crawling clearance over extra tall suburban parking lot medians. It sounds as if the 2018 Toyota RAV4 with the Adventure trim might be that trail ready option slotted between a regular RAV4 and the eco-friendly everything to everyone RAV4 Hybrid.
Fun fact, the 2017 AWD Sienna has 6.7 inches of ground clearance. Is the Sienna AWD the quietly aging doughty off the pavement soft-roader in the lineup? I think so!
(...The Minivan revolution has been slowly brewing, gaining strength and soon it is coming for us all... Wait for it. Mitsubishi Delica van fans rejoice!)
Updated: The wheel and tire combo are listed as 18-inch five-spoke black alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires. BEEFY! This will get me to Pottery Barn and back. Phew...
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
02/09/2017 at 15:18, STARS: 0
Ground clearance is probably #7 or 8 in the list of things that have an impact on actual off-road performance.
"helloautomate" (helloautomate)
02/09/2017 at 15:41, STARS: 0
True, but if you high center you’re not going anywhere. Also, who are we kidding this isn’t being built for actual off-road performance. Just marketed for the off-road aesthetic.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
02/09/2017 at 15:45, STARS: 0
Yeah, I got that bit, but manufacturers put so much effort into marketing the “GROUND CLEARANCE” when in reality, yes, it does matter, but no, not that much.
"Probenja" (probenja)
02/09/2017 at 16:01, STARS: 0
Both the Rogue and RAV4 still have a lockable center differential so I guess that’s something. They are only behind the Forester in off road performance.
"helloautomate" (helloautomate)
02/09/2017 at 16:07, STARS: 0
True! It can have 10 inches of ground clearance, but without the ability to flex, some wheel articulation or a decent breakover angle they might as well not add any skid plates nor the off-road aesthetic package because the softroader is going to probably not come back from the ORV park the way it drove in.
"helloautomate" (helloautomate)
02/09/2017 at 16:18, STARS: 0
I agree! Giving people the option of locking the center differential is helpful! Especially when stuck. Toyota’s locking option (only on FWD based SUV’s not the Sienna) is canceled with the vehicle speed exceeds 25 MPH or if the brakes are applied (which is to ensure the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively). The Nissan’s system reacts the same with speed, unsure if their lock feature kicks out if the brakes are used. Either way, if you’re trying to get through some slow speed terrain or burrow through an unplowed street with a foot of snow at least you have the lockable center differential working in your favor. As for the Forester and Subaru’s symmetrical AWD, it definitely seems to be an ideal system to give a softroader real off-road skill set.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
02/09/2017 at 16:58, STARS: 0
How does that “SUV” have 2" less ground clearance than my station wagon?