"Woodland" Toyota RAV4 is a capable green machine

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I've driven plenty of Toyota RAV4s.  In fact, I've had one parked in my driveway for the past dozen years.

But the tested 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is a different creature from the other compact crossover sport-utility vehicles wearing RAV4 badging.  "Woodland Edition" is the key here, and I was surprised by how much attention this ride drew from neighbors, family and friends.

The paint job prompted comments like bees to honey.  I called it Park Ranger Green when I first saw it.  Others said it looked like a U.S. Army vehicle, and behold, the official color was "Army Green."  I might have gone with a more outdoorsy name, but what do I know?

Some people liked the color.  Others not.  I was fine with it. Sticking with the ranger theme, I felt like I was exploring the region's country roads in search of wildlife.  I guess a Woodland Edition vehicle can make you fantasize in such ways.

Other "woodland" touches on the outdoor-themed sport-ute included a mounted cargo/bike carrier, high-profile roof fails and standard cross bars. You also get a 120-volt inverter to power up various items common to the camping experience.

Does it all work?  Yeah, I think so.  I can understand a buyer aiming for just such a vehicle, a buyer who would rather take on a grizzly bear than spend a night in a motel.

Happily, the tester had other charms, including a hybrid powertrain anchored by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.  The combined combustion/hybrid system generates a healthy 219 combined net horsepower.  And yes, that will get you over more than a few log-littered trails and through multiple off-road creeks.

Fuel mileage is excellent at 38 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Best part: You can take it anywhere.  It's an agile daily commuter when it wants to be. And with all-weather floor and cargo mats in place, this RAV4 is right at home on the forest floor.