Sunday Drive: 2025 Toyota RAV4 Woodland ready for any city, off-road adventure
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- The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland.
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- The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland.
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- Inside the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland.
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- The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland.
When Driveshop dropped off the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition at our home in Springville, we knew we had a busy week ahead — and this adventurous hybrid SUV turned out to be the perfect companion for it all.
Finished in a beautiful white with bold, black accents and bronze TRD wheels, the RAV4 Woodland gave off an instant trail-ready vibe. But we didn’t let the off-road bravado fool us — as it proved just as capable hauling sound equipment to the city park as it was cruising over backwoods terrain. That versatility was exactly what we experienced while using it as our daily driver and weekend helper during a jam-packed Art City Days celebration.
Daily driver duties
We kicked off our week with the RAV4 by commuting through the typical Springville-to-Provo work week. Craig used it for his daily drive into the office, while Deanne ran errands, grabbed groceries and even made a few garden store stops to finish up some flower plantings she had started.
Throughout all the in-town driving, the RAV4 Hybrid impressed us with a well-balanced mix of efficiency and smoothness. Thanks to its hybrid drivetrain, we averaged 43.8 miles per gallon for the week — an incredible figure for a vehicle that felt very substantial.
The electronic AWD gave us added confidence and was something we would have loved to have during a Utah winter, while the TRD-tuned suspension handled potholes and construction zones with grace. Toyota’s special tuning really pays off: Small bumps are absorbed with ease and the ride remains composed, even over Springville’s less-than-perfect side streets.
Ready for Art City Days
Our week took an interesting turn starting Thursday, when Craig used the RAV4 to transport a portable speaker system and event supplies to the Spring Acres Arts Park for Springville’s Art City Days Fun-A-Rama. The RAV4’s wide-opening rear hatch and flat-folding rear seats made loading and unloading a breeze. With the cargo area’s durable all-weather liner in place, we didn’t worry about grass, cords or even a few muddy footprints from the early morning setup.
We were particularly grateful for the rear inverter outlet in the cargo area. It delivered enough power to keep an auxiliary mic system charged during the event, which was a huge plus. Toyota’s inclusion of the 120-volt inverter in the Woodland Edition isn’t just for camping — it made a real difference for our day in the park.
Friday brought another big event: the Children’s Art Festival. Once again, we loaded the RAV4 with music equipment, folding chairs and a couple of tables. Everything fit easily — no need for a trailer or second trip. The high-profile black roof rails and cross bars gave us the option to add even more gear, though we didn’t end up needing it. This SUV proved to be the ultimate event utility vehicle.
Style that stands out
Toyota has leaned into the outdoorsy aesthetic with this trim. The dual chrome-tipped exhaust added a touch of sport, and details like the black-painted mirrors, door handles and rear garnish tied the rugged look together.
Mudguards were standard — and needed after a quick detour through the grassy edges of a park. And we appreciated the exclusive Woodland badging and all-weather floor mats, which helped keep things clean even with all the in-and-out action during the week.
Comfort where it counts
Inside, the RAV4 Woodland delivered both function and a touch of luxury. We had the Weather Package on our tester, which included heated front seats and a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel — both of which would come in handy during the Utah winter. The climate control worked quickly, and the cabin remained pleasantly quiet, even at highway speeds.
We also liked the privacy glass in the rear — helpful for shielding event gear or groceries from prying eyes. And when it came time for evening errands, the LED projector headlights and integrated fog lights lit up the road beautifully.
Craig noted that even after spending hours setting up equipment and then driving to get last-minute supplies, the RAV4 never felt tiring. Its seating position is high and comfortable, visibility is excellent, and Toyota’s infotainment system was responsive and easy to navigate.
Built to get dirty — but plays nice in town
Even though our week mostly kept us on paved roads and grassy parks, it’s clear that the Woodland Edition was built with real adventure in mind. With Trail Mode engaged, Craig did test the SUV’s traction control over a gravel road west of town — just to see how it handled. The system sent power to the wheels that needed it most, and the Falken WildPeak all-terrain tires didn’t flinch. This RAV4 could absolutely take you off the beaten path for a weekend camping trip or trailhead rendezvous.
Underneath, the TRD-tuned suspension features coil springs optimized for off-road use, plus twin-tube shocks with rebound springs that help manage body movement over dips and bumps. Even with all this off-road readiness, we never found the ride to be harsh. In fact, it might be one of the most balanced small SUVs we’ve driven all year — easily as comfortable on Center Street as it would be in the Uinta Mountains.
At the end of the week
By the time we handed the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland back to the driver the following Wednesday, we had logged nearly 400 miles in and around Utah County, packed it to the roof with event equipment twice and fielded a dozen compliments from curious neighbors. It had done everything we asked of it, all while sipping fuel and looking sharp.
If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that’s as ready for an afternoon on the trail as it is for a weekend of community events, the Woodland Edition RAV4 Hybrid deserves a long look. It’s the kind of vehicle that shows up for your weekday routine but is always game for a little adventure.
Base price: $35,120
Destination charge: $1,395
Price as driven: $39,064
