Talking Cars 529: Driving the Toyota RAV4 Woodland

Main theme: This week, we share our impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland. Similar to the Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid, Kia Sportage X-Pro, and Subaru Forester Wilderness, the Woodland is the RAV4’s off-road-oriented trim. It benefits from all-terrain tires, an elevated ride height, unique front-end styling, a tow-hitch receiver, Rigid Industries fog lights, and some Woodland-specific interior changes. 

Most of the vehicle, though, is identical to the regular RAV4, which is a good thing. This means it has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT), and all-wheel drive. 

Our panelists assess how the Woodland’s changes affect the RAV4’s performance in mild off-road conditions, and critique their impact on its daily on-road use in terms of ride, handling, and noise. The meaty tires and a large roof rack certainly affect efficiency, lowering the EPA-rated fuel economy from the regular all-wheel-drive model’s 41 mpg combined to 38 mpg. 

We close out the segment by discussing whether the Woodland is a smart upgrade for RAV4 buyers who regularly drive on rough dirt roads or have to navigate city potholes—or is it mostly a styling package?

Audience question: Which dealership add-ons—like upholstery protection packages, service contracts, and extended warranties—are worth considering, and which ones should I definitely skip?