Toyota is giving the Woodland Edition treatment to the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid that gains marginally tougher looks and increased off-road capabilities. In particular, the special edition has been upgraded with a TRD-tuned suspension with new twin-tube shocks that feature internal rebound springs for better roll control and unique valving to help body control over large bumps and dips, while riding on standard Falken WILDPEAK All-Terrain tires wrapped around (purportedly stronger) bronze-colored alloy wheels. Oddly, Toyota makes no mention of a taller ride height over the standard RAV4 Hybrid, but it does have additional suspension travel.

Available in Midnight Black Metallic, Cavalry Blue and Ice Cap exterior colors, the Woodlands RAV4 bundles a number of different accessories like the raised black roof rack cross bars, custom all-weather floor and cargo mats, black mud guards, black badging, a 120V inverter to power up items during a camping trip, and dual black-chrome exhaust tips. And that about sums up all the differences.

 

The Woodlands Edition is built around the RAV4 Hybrid that pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine to a CVT and Electronic All-Wheel Drive system (AWD) that uses two independent electric motors at the rear wheels, rather than a torque-distribution system in the transmission, producing a combined 219 hp. Toyota has not yet released pricing details on the Woodland Edition, but in the case of the Sienna, it came with a US$ 3,500 premium over the regular XLE. We expect it go on sale in the States this summer.

Along with the new Woodlands Edition and following last year’s revisions, Toyota also communicated some minor updates across all RAV4 trims for the 2023MY. These are highlighted by the brand’s new multimedia system that can be updated over the air and is offered as standard on all models. It allows for dual bluetooth phone connectivity and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the LE/Hybrid LE, XLE/Hybrid XLE, XLE Premium/Hybrid XLE Premium, Adventure and Hybrid SE featuring an 8-inch display, and the TRD Off-Road, Hybrid XSE, Limited/Hybrid Limited, and Prime XSE a larger 10.5 inch display.

Elsewhere, Toyota has introduced a new 12.3 inch Multi-Informatiositn Display on the Limited/Hybrid Limited and Prime XSE, with an optional 12.3-inch display on XLE Premium/Hybrid XLE Premium, TRD Off-Road and Hybrid XSE. The LE/Hybrid LE, XLE/Hybrid XLE and Hybrid SE grades get a standard 7-inch screen.