- The Toyota RAV-X concept is inspired by Dakar Rally racers with hardcore off-road mods.
- A long-travel suspension is combined with a rugged bodykit and new wheels.
- The SEMA build explores the potential of a new halo model in the future RAV4 lineup.
Toyota has rolled out yet another concept for the 2024 SEMA Show, this time giving the RAV4 a rugged makeover. Named the RAV-X, it’s an off-road-ready take on the popular compact crossover, drawing inspiration from rally cars with beefed-up suspension, aggressive tires, and a reimagined body kit. More importantly, the concept explores the possibility of a rugged model that could crown the next-gen RAV4 lineup.
This plug-in hybrid concept, which looks like it could be shipped straight to the Dakar Rally, was developed by Toyota’s Service Parts and Accessories Development (SPAD) team. Based in the US, SPAD focuses on enhancing Toyota’s lineup with accessories and performance tweaks.
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With their RAV4 study, the team wanted to create a vehicle that combines “agile off-road capability and high-speed performance”. The resulting build envisions a “halo vehicle concept for the RAV4 lineup” designed for off-road enthusiasts. This description sounds fitting for a GR-branded version of the RAV4 with Dakar references, although Toyota has yet to confirm that this will actually happen.
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Division Marketing said: “This Toyota RAV-X is more than just a concept; it’s a bold statement of what’s possible when innovation meets performance. RAV4 is one of our most popular and versatile vehicles; with RAV-X we’re showing an entirely new possibility of just how cool and adventurous a small crossover like this can be.”
The RAV-X is based on the RAV4 PHEV, enhancing the stock plug-in hybrid powertrain with the addition of a ram-air intake. Predictably, mechanical upgrades were focused on the chassis setup, bringing the off-road credentials on par with the wild looks.
Toyota equipped the RAV-X with long-travel suspension featuring fully adjustable 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, complete with front-mounted external reservoirs and rear piggyback reservoirs. The suspension upgrades include forged aluminum lower control arms in the front and upper supports in the rear, built to withstand rough landings in unforgiving terrain. The modifications add a 2-inch lift and expand the track width by 6.3 inches (160 mm), giving the RAV-X a notably wider stance.
The study rolls on a new set of forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in 265/65R17 tires. Beyond the functional upgrades, it sports a rally-inspired livery, red mud flaps, and exterior modifications like reinforced off-road bumpers with skid plates to improve approach and departure angles. Other details include additional LED lights, enlarged cooling intakes, a vented hood, and widened fender flares. The look is finished off with a sizeable rear spoiler and high-clearance dual exhaust pipes.
The RAV-X is just one of several studies Toyota brought to the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, sharing the spotlight with the Land Cruiser Rox pickup—a concept that also hints at potential production plans. Toyota will likely be gauging audience reaction closely to determine if any of these prototypes have real market potential.
