The RAV4 has been around for over two decades and has seen a consistent yearly surge in sales thanks to its proven quality and reliability.
In this article, we’ll assess the RAV4’s efficiency in snow and winter conditions, emphasizing its features.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Here is the short answer to whether the Toyota RAV4 is good for snow and winter driving:
The Toyota RAV4 performs rather splendidly in snow and winter thanks to its massive ground clearance and stack of safety features. These include an All-Wheel-Drive system and a list of other advanced features in the Star Safety System.
Is a Toyota RAV4 Good in the Snow?
The Toyota RAV4 is stacked with traction-controlling features, an All-Wheel-Drive option, and over 8 inches of ground clearance. These make it ideal for traveling in snow and winter.
The RAV4 also comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 203 horsepower and eight-speed transmission.
That’s enough power to plow through an incredible amount of snow.
What Features Will Improve Winter Driving?
The Toyota RAV4’s prowess in snow and winter driving is determined by several safety and comfort features.
These features do not only revolve around the RAV4’s serviceability in winter but also impact the driver’s and passengers’ comfort. They include:
All-Wheel-Drive
The RAV4 has an All-Wheel Drive option which makes winter driving a lot smoother.
It is no news that traction loss is very common with most roads during winter: they get all slippery, and tires have difficulty gripping the pavement.
The AWD on the Toyota RAV4 tackles this by supplying torque to all the wheels to boost traction.
Ordinarily, only the front wheels get torque, but in extreme situations, the AWD saves the day by sending torque to the rear wheels.
Vehicle Stability Control
The Vehicle Stability Control features on the RAV4 as part of Toyota’s Star Safety System. The VSC ensures that the RAV4 remains at an optimal level of stability.
It goes about this by tracking the vehicle’s wheels and steering angles.
If it notices any imbalance, like the vehicle veering off, VSC automatically applies the brake to get the vehicle back on track.
Traction Control
The Traction Control is another one of the safety packages in the Toyota Star Safety System.
The TC anticipates and prevents wheel spin, which is one effect of traction loss, by closely tracking the RAV4’s wheel rotation.
If it detects any of the wheels spinning faster than normal, Traction Control reduces the engine output and then brakes the wheels.
This will stop the wheelspin and help recover traction.
Anti-Lock Braking System
If you’ve never experienced a wheel lock situation, that’s probably because you have always had ABS-installed vehicles.
The Anti-Lock Braking system exists on the RAV4 to prevent wheel lockup.
A wheel lockup happens when you brake excessively on slick surfaces, and it could end badly for your vehicle.
The ABS makes sure this never happens by constantly monitoring wheel speed and regulating the RAV4’s braking pressure as required.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
The Electronic Brake Force Distribution has the same job description as the ABS. Both features are there on the RAV4 to prevent a wheel lockup, but the EBD uses an entirely different approach.
The Electronic Brake Force Distribution is an ingenious feature that shares brake pressure to the wheels in proportion to their individual load.
Doing this ensures none of the wheels receive extreme brake pressure that can trigger a wheel lockup.
Warm and Fascinating Interior
The RAV4 has an interior reeking of warmth, just what you need for the winter. It has heated and well-ventilated front seats and heated rear seats to keep you and your passengers warm and comfortable.
The RAV4 also dazzles with its dual-zone image control, allowing you to set your preferred temperature. This keeps everyone in the car away from the excruciating coldness pervading the outside world.
The RAV4 also features a solid entertainment system. You are guaranteed seamless smartphone connectivity with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
You can do tons of things with that, from making calls to streaming your preferred, mood-lifting music.
With the RAV4, every winter ride isn’t just safe; it’s also warm, comforting, and super-pleasant.
Please also read our article about how long the Toyota RAV4 lasts.
Does A Toyota RAV4 Have Snow Mode?
The snow mode is a smart feature on modern vehicles to help them attain optimal performance on snow-covered roads.
Besides its pile of safety features, the Toyota RAV4 has a snow mode as part of its multi-terrain select system.
Can You Install Additional Snow Gear on RAV4?
The RAV4 already performs excellently in snow, and installing snow gear would further improve its performance.
If you are looking to shop for snow gear for your RAV4, here are some you should consider:
- Snow chains
- Snow cocks
- Snow tires
- Tire studs
Before buying any of these, we advise getting acquainted with local laws regarding their use.
Some regions have strict regulations concerning the use of snow gear, and it’s just safer to make sure you aren’t in violation.
Another very vital thing to do before buying is getting correct measurements to get snow gear that fits well. Getting the correct gear really could make all the difference.
How Much Snow Can a RAV4 Handle?
With an 8.4-inch ground clearance, the RAV4 would run smoothly on up to 5 inches of snow.
You could even go 6 inches with the appropriate snow gear.
How Do RAV4s Handle Low-Winter Temperatures?
The RAV4 runs on a fuel-injected engine, which means you won’t have any issues starting it during intense temperatures.
The fuel injection system counteracts the effects of low winter temperatures, keeping the engine at an optimal level.
If you have any concerns regarding your RAV4’s performance during winter, it could result from other malfunctions.
It could be a dead battery or blocked filter; we advise having it examined by a mechanic to be sure.
Make sure to also read our article about 10 Toyota RAV4 statistics you should know.
Can a RAV4 Drive on Ice?
One of the trickiest winter conditions to drive on is ice; lots of people flat out avoid it because of previous experiences.
If you own a RAV4, you can drive on ice, but don’t let the driver assistance features on your car make you overconfident.
You’ll need to be extremely careful when navigating on ice. The RAV4’s ground clearance leaves it at risk of a rollover accident if not handled with great care and vigilance.
Does the RAV4 Have 4WD?
Here is a fun fact: The “4” in the Toyota RAV4 actually stands for four-wheel-drive.
However, the RAV4 has always sported a front-wheel-drive system with an All-Wheel Drive option since 1996. As of now, the RAV4 does not have 4WD.
What About Older RAV4 Models and Winter Driving?
Toyota has always intended that the RAV4 be suitable for off-road conditions, which is why the very first model featured AWD.
Pretty much, every RAV4 model since 1996 is suitable for winter driving.
However, we advise getting RAV4 models with the Star Safety system available on Toyota vehicles since 2011.
We also have an article about where Toyota RAV4s are made.
Do RAV4s Need Snow Tires?
Snow tires are arguably the most important snow gear for winter driving.
If you are going to be navigating snow frequently with your RAV4, snow tires would be a great addition.
They are specially designed to help maintain traction and guarantee safe braking on snow due to their flexibility.
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FAQs
What does snow mode do in a RAV4? ›
This drive mode provides extra stability by lowering the throttle input, reducing power, increasing traction control and offering more gentle braking power.
Is Toyota RAV4 good in snow? ›Toyota's new RAV4 Adventure hits all the marks for an adventure vehicle despite its smaller interior space compared with its peers. It was the most suited in the group to serve as a sand and snow vehicle because of its interior materials and off-roading capability.
How do you turn on traction control on a Toyota RAV4? ›Control if you find this video helpful please like comment. And. Subscribe you.
Is AWD always on RAV4? ›All-wheel drive is available on every Toyota RAV4 configuration, and is standard on the high-end Adventure model. However, the type of all-wheel-drive system can vary depending on which model you opt for. Find out more about your Toyota RAV4 AWD options with the experts at Earl Stewart Toyota below!
Can you put your car in snow mode while driving? ›Driver Mode Control/Traction Select System allows you to choose your desired mode in response to changing road conditions. You can change modes at any time — even when your vehicle is in motion.
What mode should I drive in snow? ›If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, the best option will be AWD or 4WD coupled with good winter tires. City/Suburban driving with moderate snow and ice – FWD or RWD with winter tires will suffice.
How does Toyota snow mode work? ›What does the Snow button do on a vehicle? - YouTube
Is RAV4 all time 4wd? ›The 2019 Toyota RAV4 offers all-wheel drive in each trim level, which comes standard on the high-end Adventure trim level. So, if you're wondering if all RAV4 models are AWD, the answer is that they can be.
Is Toyota RAV4 permanent 4 wheel drive? ›It's not fixed into full time 50:50 4wd like what you'd find on a Subaru, no. It is just capable of sending power to the rear wheels if the front slip or under heavy acceleration. The 4wd lock forces it into 4wd but it disables itself once you exceed 25mph.
Should you drive with your traction control on or off? ›When turned off, you may notice that your vehicle handles differently than you are used to when driving on slippery surfaces. This is why you should leave your traction control on at all times.
Should I put traction control on or off? ›
Traction control can be the difference between staying on the road and crashing your car due to skidding when the roads are wet or icy. So, it's best to leave your traction control on whenever you face hazardous road conditions.
What happens when you turn traction control on? ›Traction control is a safety feature. If traction control detects slippage of the tires on slippery surfaces, it automatically reduces engine power and applies brakes to restore vehicle stability.
How do I know if my AWD is working? ›Test Method Two: Lift Your Car
You don't need your vehicle very high, just enough to get your tires off the ground. Then hit the gas while someone outside the vehicle checks to see if all the tires move. If they are all moving, your four-wheel drive should be working great.
Car and Driver notes that 4WD is not meant to be used all the time. It's only for certain road types, including rugged terrain and off-roading, as well as slippery conditions, like snow or mud. Otherwise, 4WD vehicles should be driven in two-wheel drive, according to Car and Driver.
Can RAV4 AWD be turned off? ›Registered. For the gas only RAV4, the AWD is always off by default unless slippery roads are detected. Only when a slippery road is detected is the AWD turned on. Thus, there is no need to turn it off.
Is it better to drive fast or slow in snow? ›Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it's better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out. Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice. Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
How do you drive in 4 wheel drive in snow? ›Most automakers suggest keeping the speed at 55 MPH or less. With 4H, you gain more traction on icy, snowy, muddy, and rocky roads. For instance, you might want to shift into 4H if you're driving on a snow-covered road that leads to a ski resort. Typically, you'll switch to 4H mode more often than 4L mode.
How fast can you drive in snow mode? ›To answer your question, No, there is no speed limit in Snow mode. You can drive as fast as you like. Snow mode will start you in 2nd gear from a stop, to minimize slipping to the wheels, as well as balance the power output between the 4 wheels better.
Should I drive in 4 high or low in snow? ›Use “4-High” when… you are needing slightly more traction than normal, but can still drive at a reasonably high speed. If you're going oer 15 mph, then this is the setting you'll use. In snowy conditions or slippery conditions, rocky roads, or when you're going oer some rough pasture, this is the setting you'll want.
What gear should you set off in snow? ›When pulling away in snow, drivers should try to use second gear rather than first, says the RAC. "In these conditions, it's all about keeping the revs down. Pull away in second gear rather than first, and do everything gently. "First gear gives you the highest amount of wheel spin."
When driving in the snow do you use 4 high or low? ›
For snowy roads, as well muddy terrain and other light off road trails - even sand - it is normally best to engage your 4 high setting when needed as it provides power to all four wheels, helping increase your traction while reducing the risk of slipping and spinning wheels.
Does snow mode make a difference? ›Put your vehicle in 'snow mode'
Putting your vehicle into 'Snow' mode will change the dynamics of the car (torque distribution, power, and transmission settings). This will increase the chances of the vehicle being able to get traction.
Driving a stick shift can be easier in the snow because you are controlling the gears yourself. With a manual, the car is in more control so ease up on the gas if you are slipping on ice so your wheels can gain traction.
Should I use eco mode in snow? ›If your vehicle does not have a “Snow” button but does have an “ECO” mode, use that. Eco modes simply reduces the throttle, and that can help in snow. Last, if you see that little button with the car skidding and an “Off” button on it, take note.
What is the difference between RAV4 AWD and 4WD? ›“Four-wheel drive” vehicles, or 4WD, is a typical 4×4 drivetrain. The biggest difference between AWD and 4WD models is that not only are 4WD systems capable of sending power to the front and rear axles – they're also capable of directing a precise amount of power between the right and left wheels.
Which is better RAV4 AWD or FWD? ›As a rule of thumb… AWD makes you feel more planted on the road, especially when driving through turns/bends at higher speeds. FWD tends to have more slippage.
What is the difference between AWD and 4WD? ›All-wheel drive, or AWD, refers to a system where all four wheels can gain traction independently of each other. The difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD is typically always on while you can toggle between having 4WD on and off.
How does all-wheel drive work on RAV4? ›In addition to the familiar Toyota Hybrid engine and motor powering the front wheels, models with E-Four all-wheel drive employ a second, rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels. This allows torque to be distributed between all four wheels, improving grip and stability.
How long do RAV fours last? ›Experts tend to agree that you can put upwards of 200,000 to 250,000 miles on a Toyota RAV4 if it has been properly cared for.
What year RAV4 has 4WD? ›A RAV4 Hybrid with standard all-wheel drive was added for the 2016 model year, and for 2017 Toyota's Safety Sense P active safety suite became standard.
Does turning off traction control help in snow? ›
Yes, it is better to turn off traction control in snow. This system prevents wheelspin, which will give you better control over the car in winter. Turning off the traction control is useful when the car is stuck in snow, as it will just dig the tires into the snowbank even more and will cause more trouble.
Why do people turn off traction control? ›Turning off traction control can help when your car is stuck
While traction control can help to keep your car moving in a straight line in rainy or snowy conditions, it can also prevent your car from moving forward if it gets stuck in the snow or sand.
Why would you turn off traction control? When traveling up a steep icy hill, or when trying to get unstuck from snow/mud. When attempting to travel through deep snow or mud, reduced power may end up in the vehicle getting stuck.
Should I turn on traction control on ice? ›Traction Control Explained - Safe Winter Driving | with Rick & Scout
What are three things that can reduce your traction? ›What three things can reduce traction? This is just a list of things that can reduce traction: bald tires, worn shock absorbers, low tire pressure, or a change in roadway conditions such as snow, ice or rain.
Can you lose control with traction control on? ›It is only safe to drive with the TCS light on if it appears when you are losing traction: it means the system is engaging. Driving without traction control can make your vehicle susceptible to spinning out and sliding around on the road.
What does Toyota snow mode do? ›These modes are designed to bolster traction in the respective off-road conditions. The snow mode, particularly, aids other safety features in preventing wheel slippage and undue wheel spin for optimum snow driving performance.
Does snow mode make a difference? ›Put your vehicle in 'snow mode'
Putting your vehicle into 'Snow' mode will change the dynamics of the car (torque distribution, power, and transmission settings). This will increase the chances of the vehicle being able to get traction.
Snow. Many buy a vehicle with four-wheel drive purely because they want to have better handling in the snow. With snow mode, you get the ultimate in traction on the slipperiest of surfaces with equal torque distribution to all four wheels.
What does snow mode do? ›Snow Mode: When in Snow Mode, the VW Tiguan engine can upshift earlier. This helps keep it in a lower rpm range and prevent too much power from going to the wheels too quickly.
Can you drive fast in snow mode? ›
No, there is no speed limit in Snow mode. You can drive as fast as you like. Snow mode will start you in 2nd gear from a stop, to minimize slipping to the wheels, as well as balance the power output between the 4 wheels better.
Is it better to drive stick or automatic in snow? ›Driving a stick shift can be easier in the snow because you are controlling the gears yourself. With a manual, the car is in more control so ease up on the gas if you are slipping on ice so your wheels can gain traction.
Should I use Eco mode in the snow? ›If your vehicle does not have a “Snow” button but does have an “ECO” mode, use that. Eco modes simply reduces the throttle, and that can help in snow. Last, if you see that little button with the car skidding and an “Off” button on it, take note.
Do I turn off traction control in snow? ›It's important to keep traction control on 99% of the time when you're driving. However, there are some cases where the safety feature could do more harm than good. For example, it's better to keep it off if you get stuck in the mud, sand, or even snow.
How do you drive in 4 wheel drive in snow? ›Most automakers suggest keeping the speed at 55 MPH or less. With 4H, you gain more traction on icy, snowy, muddy, and rocky roads. For instance, you might want to shift into 4H if you're driving on a snow-covered road that leads to a ski resort. Typically, you'll switch to 4H mode more often than 4L mode.
Is heavy or light better in snow? ›And while some people believe a heavy vehicle is better for snowy or slippery roads, Cox says they're wrong. Lighter definitely is better. "If you have more weight, you have a better contact patch to get moving, but then you have that much more weight to stop," he explains.
Should I drive in 4 high or low in snow? ›Use “4-High” when… you are needing slightly more traction than normal, but can still drive at a reasonably high speed. If you're going oer 15 mph, then this is the setting you'll use. In snowy conditions or slippery conditions, rocky roads, or when you're going oer some rough pasture, this is the setting you'll want.
Should I drive in 4H or 4L in snow? ›Use 4L when driving in deep mud or snow, soft sand, up steep inclines, and on extremely rocky surfaces. Stick to low speeds in this setting, around 10 MPH. 4H is your go-to setting for driving at normal speeds (30 to 50 MPH), but with additional traction.
When should I switch to 4WD in snow? ›The best time to use 4 high is when additional traction is needed on terrain that is not very steep. 4 high is good to use on snow, ice, and muddy roads. Or even when your not operating on paved roads, such as rocky; gravel roads. As well as when your possibly stuck in sand, or on snowy and slippery icy conditions.
What is the difference between snow mode and AWD? ›Some vehicles come with Snow or Ice mode, designed to optimize traction on snowy or icy roads. Full-time all-wheel drive utilizes both the front and rear axles at all times. Full-time all-wheel drive can improve handling on dry pavement, according to Forbes, and can also help a vehicle use its full power.
Do you turn lights on in snow? ›
It is currently the law in every state that headlights be turned on when visibility is low, such as when it's raining. Some states also require headlights to be turned on when wipers are in use. Before heading out in snowy weather, drivers should make sure that headlights, taillights, and windows are clear of snow.
Can you use snow mode on ice? ›What does the Snow button do on a vehicle? - YouTube