The standard ground clearance for the RAV4 is around 8 inches. However, some models, such as the RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD Off-Road, higher by around 8.4 inches. This added height can improve the vehicle’s ability to navigate rough terrain or clear obstacles. Want to know more about the ground clearance of your beloved RAV4? Way.com has more details.
SUVs are loved for how rugged they look and how ready they are for an adventure. When looking for the best SUV for weekend outdoor trips, you might be focused on AWD, engine performance, and tires, but remember to check the ground clearance.
Ground clearance refers to the distance between the lowest point on a vehicle, typically the underside of the chassis or drivetrain, and the ground. For the Toyota RAV4, the ground clearance varies depending on the specific model and trim level.
What is the Ground Clearance of RAV4?
The standard ground clearance for the RAV4 is around 8 inches. However, some models, such as the RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD Off-Road, is higher by around 8.4 inches. This added clearance can improve the vehicle’s ability to navigate rough terrain or clear obstacles.
It’s important to note that modifying this aspect of your RAV4 can affect the vehicle’s handling and stability. It’s always best to consult with a professional before making any changes.
Ground Clearance of Toyota RAV4 per Trim Levels
The base LE and XLE trims of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 have 8.4 inches of ground clearance, while the XLE Premium and higher trims have 8.6 inches. All hybrid RAV4s sit 8.1 inches lower than regular RAV4s.
The RAV4’s higher trims have the most ground clearance, and the hybrid version of Toyota’s most popular SUV rides a bit lower than its all-gas siblings.
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RAV4 Ground Clearance by Generations
If you drive a RAV4 that came off the assembly line more than a year ago, your SUV may need more ground clearance. Like other SUVs, the RAV4’s height has increased, so older models tend to have lower ground clearance.
1st Generation: 1994-2000
- Front-Wheel-Drive: 7.3 inches
- All-Wheel-Drive: 7.5 inches
2nd Generation: 2001-2005
- Front-Wheel-Drive: 6.3 inches
- All-Wheel-Drive: 6.7 inches
3rd Generation: 2006-2012
- All Models: 6.3 inches
4th Generation: 2013-2018
- All Models: 6.3 inches
5th Generation: 2019+
- LE/XLE: 8.4 inches
Remember that the exact numbers will change depending on the trim level and model year.
Why Should You Care?
What do those numbers and measurements mean, and why should you care? Ground clearance is a way to measure how far away from the ground a vehicle’s chassis is at its lowest point. In other words, ground clearance is the distance between your car and the ground. It is essential for drivers who want to take their RAV4 off-road.
If your car has higher ground clearance, you can drive over rough terrain without worrying about damaging the undercarriage.
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Why Does it Matter?
For most off-roading adventures, experts say that your vehicle should be at least 8.5 inches higher. So, if you want to take your RAV4 off the beaten path, ensure you’re driving a fifth-generation XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, or TRD Off-Road—or be very careful!
If you get one of the higher trims with more than 8.5 inches of ground clearance, the Toyota RAV4 is one of the best affordable off-road vehicles you can buy.
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Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD) and a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine make the RAV4 great off-road, and an impressive suite of driver assistance technologies will keep you and your passengers safe even in the worst conditions. With Multi-terrain Select, RAV4 drivers with AWD can choose between Normal, Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow driving modes.
How to maintain your RAV4’s Ground Clearance?
To maintain the ground clearance of your RAV4, it’s essential to keep the suspension components in good condition by having them inspected and serviced regularly. This includes checking and replacing worn-out bushings, shocks, and struts and ensuring that the tires are properly inflated and aligned.
It’s essential to consult with a professional before making any changes to the ground clearance and maintain the suspension components regularly.
