The off-road Toyota RAV4 we’ve been waiting for (but there’s a catch)

Are you craving a Toyota RAV4, but with a bit more attitude?

The Toyota RAV4 Adventure Off-Road Package II has just been launched in Japan, and loads up the popular SUV with some trail-bashing tweaks.

Based on what we know as the RAV4 Edge, buyers score Wildpeak All-Terrain tyres, a suspension lift that increases ground clearance by 10mm (to 210mm for petrol and 205mm for hybrid) and integrated high-mount roof rails (with optional cross bars).

There's also a two-tone paint package called 'Gori Gori' that covers the front fascia, mirror caps, and skid plates (front and rear) in a textured, matte black that looks like the material used for spray-in bedliners on utes.

There's a contrasting black roof and rear garnish between the tail-lights, as well as the choice of a metallic 'mint' green called Urban Khaki or an electric 'Grayish Blue'.

The result is a curiously tough-looking RAV4 with some pretty solid adventure credentials, but sadly the Adventure Off-Road Package II is exclusive to the Japanese market, and there are no plans to bring it here.

Drive spoke with a Toyota Australia spokesperson who noted, "While we are always looking at ways to expand our vehicle line-up, we currently have no plans to offer this variant in Australia".

It's not the only dirt-centric RAV4 available in other markets, with a TRD Off-Road specification (based on the Edge) offered in the USA (all-terrain tyres and TRD suspension enhancements), as well as a Woodland Edition Hybrid (based on the GXL/XLE) that features bronze alloy wheels and all-terrain rubber.

The Toyota RAV4 Adventure Off-Road Package II is priced from ¥3,884,000 ($AU40,700) for the 2.0-litre petrol and ¥4,503,000 ($AU47,200) for the 2.5-litre hybrid. For context, a local 2023 Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid is priced from $AU58,360.

If you like the idea of a rougher RAV, then some of the Japanese TRD (Toyota Racing Developments) Adventure accessories are available to order from online retailers. We're not sure how lower bash plates and red mudflaps help off-road, but the roof rack and light pod are quite cool.

Would you like to see an adventure-oriented RAV4 offered locally? Let us know in the comments below.