True or false? A RAV 4 with AWD is a more capable off road/all terrain vehicle than a 2WD Tacoma.

Heard something really interesting today, and I am looking forward to hearing your opinions. In your experience or opinion, which vehicle is more capable to drive in let's say 10 inches of snow, a AWD RAV 4 or a 2WD Tacoma?

 

My vote is RAV 4 if both were in stock form

 

The RAV

 

Probably but it’s all about the tires, I would think.

 

Yeah I could see a 4x4 RAV4 being better off road than a 2 wheel drive Tacoma. I’ve been able to get out of some pretty gnarly stuff just by using the 4 wheel drive on my truck. I think ground clearance would be the only advantage a 2 wheel drive taco would have.

like steve said though, tires would be a big factor.

 

RAV4 ftw. Traction system on awd have improved a lot lately.

 

I would still bet money that the Subaru AWD is still a little better. Maybe not a lot better but still a little better

 

Few years ago I was knocking around some trails above crested butte. The kind that were one lane wide but had two way traffic. Anyways, I see a string of oncoming traffic, and I find a section of wall that I can get two wheels on, thus allowing them to pass.

I thought I was pretty badass for a 2wd, until I see in that string of traffic a teenager in a RAV, fearlessly bopping down the trail.

So... Do they have more traction than I do? Yes. But I have the clearance and articulation that they don't. Therefore I have more options on picking my line.

It's all situational.

 

4x4 beats 2wd. However, 70% of importance is to tires.

 

I've taken a Rav in 10" of snow with good tires. It sucked, but it did everything I asked it to and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

My AWD sienna though....

 

The Rav4 offroad/limited has torque vectoring axles, so it can effectively lock each axle for short term use.

I'd never offroad a 2WD truck, gravel is the worst I'd do. But I've been offroading with rav4s and subarus, they do ok.

 

2wd pickups with traction control "LSD" are trash on slick surfaces.

 

RAV4.

Had a Subuaru. Loved that car. Routinely drove past 2WD trucks stuck in the snow. This was in about 8-10" of snow in an Impreza with the 2.5L head gasket eater.

 

Let’s see your Sienna. There is a silver Quest that drives by, too. I’m almost thinking of going “old man”. Try some big ole tires…

 

Depends on the driver.

 

Meant that the other way, "my sienna though... would bottom out in a heartbeat"

Been looking at getting it lifted for a few years now, but then got my taco

 

It’s all fine and dandy until your buddy high centers the Subaru in a small depression because he sucks AND it’s not just the pumpkin that is 8” off the ground—it’s the whole bottom deck. How embarrassing.

 

Had a crosstrek when I was stationed at Delaware. Worked pretty good but ended up not needing the awd system and ran out of room once we loaded the stroller and other baby stuff, changed to an Elantra(way more room) that drive to this day.

 

off-road? Tacoma
on road with snow? Rav4

OP failed

 

Depends what kind of off road. Rocks? Probably. Dirt? Tie. Sand? Tacoma all day