Ground clearance specs for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 start at 8.4 inches for the base LE and XLE trims, while XLE Premium and above have 8.6 inches of ground clearance. All hybrid RAV4s sit a bit lower, at 8.1 inches of clearance.
SUVs are beloved for their rugged looks and adventure-ready capabilities. When you’re picking the perfect Toyota
SUV for weekend outdoor excursions, you might be focused on AWD, engine performance, and tires—but don’t forget to check out ground clearance too! Want to know how far your RAV4 sits above the ground? We've got all the specs you need to know in the article below.
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2022 Toyota RAV4 ground clearance
The ground clearance of the trusty RAV4 varies based on trim level, so let’s break it down:
You’ll find the highest clearance in the RAV4’s higher trims, while the hybrid version of Toyota’s favorite SUV rides a bit lower than its all-gas siblings.
Toyota RAV4 ground clearance over the years
If you’re driving a RAV4 that didn’t roll off the assembly line in the past year, your SUV’s ground clearance might be a bit lower. Like other SUVs on the market, the RAV4 has inched higher and higher over the years—meaning that previous generations tend to have lower clearance specs.
Here’s how the RAV4’s ground clearance has changed over the generations:
1st generation (1995-2000): 7.3-7.5 inches
2nd generation (2001-2005): 7.3-7.5 inches
3rd generation (2006-2012): 6.3-6.7 inches
4th generation (2013-2018): 6.1-7.5 inches
Remember that the exact clearance numbers will change based on trim level and model year. For instance, the 2018 RAV4 gave just 6.1 inches of ground clearance to all trim levels except for the aptly named Adventure trim, which rose to 6.5 inches.
What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?
What exactly do all those measurements we just listed represent—and why should you care? Ground clearance is just a measurement of the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle’s chassis and the ground. In other words, ground clearance represents the space between your car and the ground, and it’s most important for drivers who want to take their RAV4 off road.
Higher ground clearance means the ability to drive over rough terrain without worrying about damage to your vehicle’s undercarriage. In most cases, experts recommend aiming for a minimum ground clearance of 8.5 inches for any off-roading adventures. So if you want to take your RAV4 off the beaten path, make sure you’re driving a fifth-generation XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, or TRD Off-Road—or proceed with extreme caution!
Is the Toyota RAV4 a good off-road vehicle?
If you’ve got one of the higher trims with ground clearance above 8.5 inches, the Toyota RAV4 is one of the best affordable off-road vehicles on the market!
It’s not just the distance between your ride and the road (or lack thereof) that matters. The RAV4’s equipped for off-road greatness with Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD) and 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and an impressive suite of driver assistance technology to keep you and your passengers safe even under extreme conditions. Multi-terrain Select allows RAV4 drivers with AWD to pick between four driving modes: Normal, Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow.
Best of all, the XLE Premium (the lowest trim with adequate ground clearance for off-roading) starts at just $32,100, making it an affordable alternative to off-roading greats like the Jeep Wrangler
or the Ford Bronco
. Guard against accidents with the best RAV4 insurance
If you’re looking into your RAV4’s ground clearance in advance of a next-level off-road adventure—or if you just want to know your vehicle inside and out—don’t forget to cover your ride with a great insurance policy. With help from Jerry
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