Just as we all know, the RAV4 is expected to get a mild update with the 2017 model which should include a new powertrain as well as slight changes to its suspension system. This model should be the transition car between it and the upcoming RAV4 which will use an entirely new platform. Until then though, the car will likely hit the market with an all new trim level, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 TRD.
That’s right, TRD as in Toyota Racing Development. However, unlike what most people are rumoring about the car, it is highly unlikely that it will use an off-road setup.
What’s new for 2017 model?
Instead, we expect a more road-oriented car with an improved suspension system that will handle the open road better as well as a new engine. These and slight changes inside and out should make for a really interesting crossover, especially in a market where most cars look cool but don’t drive all that great.
Features and Design details
Some inside rumors suggest that the car will get a 10 to 20mm lower suspension system with stiffer shocks and new springs. Also, the car should get thicker anti-roll bars, new bushings as well as chassis reinforcements. All of these should make for a much tighter chassis that should allow the new RAV4 to hit corners at much higher speeds than before. In order to complete the package, it will likely get new 18 inch rims wrapped in high performance tires as well as slightly bigger brakes.
Design wise, the RAV4 TRD will likely get a new rear bumper with outlets for twin-exhausts pipes, a new front bumper with a small splitter as well as a TRD front-grille and Xenon headlamps as standard. The color scheme could change over the base model and Toyota might also offer a set of optional LED headlights but none of these have been confirmed so far.
Inside the cabin, the TRD version of the car will very likely get more supportive seats as well as a sportier steering wheel.
The Engine range & Performance
Under the hood, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 TRD will likely ditch the 2.5 liter engine found in the base model in the favor of a new 2 liter turbocharged inline 4 mill which Toyota co-developed with BMW. It still is unclear how much power the engine will make but considering that the TRD version wants to be the fastest crossover in its class, it is safe to assume that it will make closer to 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque which together with a 6 speed automatic and a four wheel drive system should allow the car to hit 60 MPH in around 6 seconds and get to a limited top speed of around 130 MPH, more than enough to make it a really interesting choice in its class.
Also, this engine coupled with all the chassis and suspension upgrades the car will receive will allow the RAV4 TRD to become a really confidence-inspiring model which will allow people to enjoy driving one car that carries up to five people without having to spend money on two separate cars, one for carrying the family and one for fun.
2017 Toyota RAV4 TRD Price & Release date
The new TRD RAV4 should be out by the start of 2017 and it should hit the market one or two months after the official release. At this point it still is unclear if it will be a limited production car but it is unlikely considering Toyota will brand it as a TRD model.
We do know though that it will be the top end model which will cost more than the current $29,000 SE. Also, with the new engine and suspension modifications, expect the 2017 Toyota RAV4 TRD to cost more than $35,000, price at which it will have to be really good in order to be successful.
