When it comes to compact sport utility vehicles, the Rav4 is definitely one of the standard bearers. But with so many Ravs out on the road, it might seem difficult to stand out from the crowd. Luckily, Toyota is offering a new specially upgraded Rav4 trim level called the Adventure. The Rav4 Adventure just debuted at the Chicago Auto Show alongside upgraded versions of the Sequoia full-size SUV and the Tundra full-size pickup truck, but unlike those other two models, the Rav4 Adventure doesn’t get speedy performance-themed bits and pieces from Toyota Racing Development. Rather, the Rav4 Adventure is focused on utility, practicality, good looks, and all-weather rugged capability. It’s aimed at “young families looking for fun in out-of-the-way places, ” which means biking, kayaking, snowshoeing – you know, all the usual active lifestyle stuff.

Visually speaking, the Toyota Rav4 Adventure is decked out with unique exterior styling enhancements. For example, the rear fenders are flared out, sitting high above unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke design and a black finish.

Wrapping the wheels are tires sized at 235/55R18, while along the outer edges of the vehicle, you’ll find lower body protection pieces. Up front are dark headlight bezels, plus dark surrounds for the fog lights. A long matte-black stripe is found on the hood, while roof racks are standard. There are also the requisite Adventure special edition badges, just in case there was any doubt as to what you were driving.

The body panels of the Rav4 Adventure can be had in one of five individual exterior colors, such as Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, and Super White. There’s also a new addition to the color lineup called Ruby Flare Pearl.

Inside, you’ll find more unique features added exclusively for the Adventure model. These include exclusive trim panels, a leather-clad shift knob, a 120-volt/100-watt power outlet located in the rear cargo area, Adventure-badged door sill kick plates, and sturdy all-weather mats for the foot well and cargo area, also completed with the same Adventure badging.

Look for the Rav4 Adventure trim level to arrive in dealerships this coming September.

Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Rav4 Adventure.

What Makes the Toyota Rav4 Adventure Special

Reading about the Rav4 Adventure, I can’t help but be reminded of the rally-spec Rav4 that Toyota is currently championing. As a competitor in the Rally America series, the Rav4 rally car is looking to compete in events across the U.S. for the 2017 season. In fact, the TRD Rav4 Rally Team has been going at it for about a year now, and has placed remarkably well in its class throughout 2016. How well? How about this – during its inaugural season, the team racked up five wins and three second-place finishes in just ten races.

Not bad. But rally finishes might not matter if you’re looking for a family car, right? Maybe, but maybe not. These days, Mom and Dad might be paying attention to that kinda stuff, and the Adventure package is a nice complement to a little sporting pedigree. And while it’s not necessarily the first choice for getting sideways in the forest, the Rav4 might be looking a little more appealing now for a family looking to trade in the Subaru WRX for a crossover.

Either way, the Rav4 Adventure can be had with either FWD, which includes an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential, or alternatively, an AWD drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control technology. Both the FWD and AWD version are available with the Tow Prep Package, which throws in an upgraded radiator, additional oil and transmission fluid coolers, and a higher ride height. There’s also standard Trailer Sway Control and Hill-Start Assist Control, plus the TSS-P (Toyota Safety Sense) safety technology suit, which adds stuff like automatic forward braking, pedestrian detection, brake assist, lane departure warning, steering assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

Further upgrades just added for the 2018 model year include optional heated and fabric-covered front row seating, a heated steering wheel, and a wiper de-icer feature, all of which are bundled with the new Cold Weather Package.

As a reminder, the Rav4 is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produces 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. Routing the power is a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence.

While the exterior styling additions are nice, I think it would have been even better if Toyota threw in more features to enhance the Rav4’s capability and practicality. I’m not talking about a 15-inch lift and giant mudder tires, although something besides all-season rubber couldn’t’ hurt. But, for example, how about some stain and dirt resistant upholstery? Or, if you wanna combine outward styling with usability, an exterior-mounted gas can, or a roof-mounted light bar?

And yeah, those things are probably more expensive than badging and a dark finish for the wheels, but I’m just saying – it would be nice if something called the Adventure actually managed to live up to its name.