Toyota’s Best-Selling SUV Doubles Down on Adventure with a Rugged Off-Road Redesign

While there’s no denying that Toyota’s most recent RAV4 redesign has made for an impactful visual update to one of the world’s best-selling SUVs, it’s still something that I find a little lacking in its ruggedness or adventurous spirit (at least visually).

For me, anyway, those are qualities that are best embodied by the first-generation. The vehicle’s timeless simplicity (and rear-mounted spare, of course) means that it cuts quite the compact rig, even today.

JAOS

Now, however, a company by the name of JAOS has shown what’s possible with Toyota’s sixth-generation RAV4. Between extra protection, added lights and overhauled suspension, I’ll admit that it makes for a pretty effective transformation.

Equipped for adventure

If you’re not already familiar with JAOS, the Japanese outfit is a regular in the 4WD and SUV scene, and it supplies a number of Toyotas with aftermarket parts support.

JAOS

In any case, the RAV4 you see before you is based on the ‘Adventure’ trim, or the Woodland as it’s sold in the United States. Moreover, while this particular show vehicle is to be displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon, all of the equipment will be available for purchase at Toyota customization dealerships in Japan.

Around the front, for instance, you’ll find a fresh bumper with relocated fog lamps and a beefier design, as well as a nose protector that includes some amber-colored LED markers. Though it’s mostly visual in effect, it does make for quite the off-road facelift. 

JAOS

To that end, along with functional upgrades like side sill protectors, pillar protectors, some mud flaps and a tailgate guard, JAOS has also included aesthetic options like faux bolt-on fenders and resin door handle and gas cap covers to cultivate a rugged look.

Riding on some 17-inch Adamas wheels wrapped in Toyo pen Country All-Terrain rubber with a Battlez lift kit, dampers and springs, the result is a RAV4 Adventure with a look that actually befits its name.

JAOS

Auto Salon onslaught

Even though JAOS has announced that availability will initially be limited to Japan, that’s not to say that these parts are destined to be forbidden fruit forever. 

For one, the company does have a stateside distributor, so it already has an American presence to facilitate the move overseas. 

JAOS

Moreover, as welcome as some added power would be, the fact that these upgrades avoid any complications under the hood means that they’re not subject to differences in emissions regulations.  

Ultimately, this particular RAV4 is just one among many vehicles that will be displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in the coming days. Other aftermarket suppliers like Kuhl have already made a splash with exciting concepts such as the GR86 Safari, so there’s plenty of potential for more rugged RAV4 upgrades. 

JAOS

And that’s not even including Toyota’s in-house efforts. From showing off the GR GT and a new GR Yaris Morizo to launching fresh GR merchandise and adding to its heritage parts efforts, the automaker has a lot planned for its Auto Salon exhibits in the coming days.

If you’d like to learn more about the JAOS RAV4 parts, you can head to the company’s website. Prices run from roughly $31 to $1,268 at current exchange rates.

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