The AWD system is ALWAYS on. If you select the 50/50 split(splitting power 50/50 between front and rear wheels) with the 4WD lock button, *that* will shut off at 25 mph, but the awd system will remain on 100% of the time and send power accordingly to all 4 wheels.
Which small SUV is best in snow?
Accordingly to Consumer Reports, RAV4 isn't.
https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/small-suv-fares-best-snow-100000090.html
https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/small-suv-fares-best-snow-100000090.html
Ouch.We found that not all all-wheel-drive systems are created equal. ... our drivers’ assessments were surprisingly uniform. All of them agreed that the Subaru did markedly better than the Honda and Toyota at accelerating and hill climbing. ... It started, stopped, and cornered the way people expect an AWD car to drive. ... When it came to traction on unplowed roads, the Toyota AWD system often didn’t respond to steering, braking, and throttle inputs, plowing straight through curves.
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Turns off at 25 mph--no way around it. After that the computer decides when you need AWD--all automated. For manual 4WD get a Jeep.
It is smart when your 8/32 tires have one needing replacement and the new tire is 10/32 and the 1/8" difference will harm your drive line.That sounds real smart - buy a new tire and have half the tread ground off! :doh:
Indeed.It is smart when your 8/32 tires have one needing replacement and the new tire is 10/32.
Or you could also buy 4 new tires and have them all shaved down to 8/32.:shrug:
I have not read thru all. But this the best answer. Get good snow tire don't drive like u stole it and u should be alright. I don't have awd and believe I don't need it. I like in snow county and ski too. I have driven in very bad conditions and only got patial stuck only cause going too fast.Answer is the one with the best tires. And that's an area most manufacturers tend to go cheap on.
This will be my first winter with the new RAV. I’m looking forward to seeing how it handles the snow.
Slightly off topic, but I think that Toyota should have included a SNOW button in addition to or instead of the SPORT button. The SNOW mode could send some power to the rear wheels just like SPORT mode but it would decrease throttle response like ECO mode thus avoiding loss of traction. Also, the system would be aware, without having to sense for itself, that you’re operating in a low traction situation. Perhaps this would allow it to react quicker and perform slightly better.
IMO, the SPORT button is gimmicky. If I wanted a sports car, I would have bought one.
Slightly off topic, but I think that Toyota should have included a SNOW button in addition to or instead of the SPORT button. The SNOW mode could send some power to the rear wheels just like SPORT mode but it would decrease throttle response like ECO mode thus avoiding loss of traction. Also, the system would be aware, without having to sense for itself, that you’re operating in a low traction situation. Perhaps this would allow it to react quicker and perform slightly better.
IMO, the SPORT button is gimmicky. If I wanted a sports car, I would have bought one.
Ironically their FR-S sports car does include a Snow button. 
Yeah, but being rear wheel drive, it really NEEDS one!Ironically their FR-S sports car does include a Snow button.
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