Does AWD Make the 2025 Toyota RAV4 a Smart Winter SUV for Westminster, MD?

Jones Toyota - Does AWD Make the 2025 Toyota RAV4 a Smart Winter SUV for Westminster, MD?

All-wheel drive confidence matters when winter weather arrives, and many shoppers want to know how the RAV4’s systems handle cold-season challenges in and around Westminster, MD. Toyota makes capability approachable with available AWD and, on select grades, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD), plus helpful drive modes through Multi-Terrain Select. Together, these systems aim to provide predictable traction and balanced control when the road gets slick.

Start with the fundamentals. The RAV4’s Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform delivers a stable, planted feel, while a Multi-Link Rear Suspension helps keep the ride smooth when pavement turns patchy. With up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, you have additional assurance over rutted, slushy streets. Hybrid grades add the benefit of standard AWD, so capability comes built in no matter which hybrid trim you select. Add in the 203-horsepower 2.5L 4-Cylinder on gas models, and you have a powertrain lineup that responds confidently to rolling hills and merging maneuvers when conditions are less than ideal.

• Traction tools you can use: Multi-Terrain Select offers SNOW, MUD & SAND, ROCK & DIRT, and NORMAL modes to tailor throttle and traction response to conditions.
• Enhanced control when it counts: On select grades, TV-AWD can actively manage torque side-to-side to help the vehicle track cleanly on slick surfaces.
• Everyday visibility support: Available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) adds awareness during lane changes and backing out of snow-banked spaces.
• Calm, connected cabin: Available Toyota Audio Multimedia with a 10.5-in. display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and available JBL® audio keep focus on the road.

To get the most from these systems, learn the controls before the first snow. Select SNOW in Multi-Terrain Select when temperatures drop and surfaces glaze over; the system softens throttle inputs to reduce wheelspin. If your RAV4 has TV-AWD, its torque management works in the background, helping the SUV hold its line when one side of the road is icier than the other. The chassis itself contributes, too—the long, wide stance of TNGA creates a stable baseline that makes the steering feel reassuring when the weather turns.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is AWD standard on every 2025 RAV4?

AWD is available on gas models and standard on hybrid grades. If you want maximum traction support with a gas powertrain, look for grades offering TV-AWD for enhanced control.

Which drive mode should I use in freezing rain?

Use SNOW on Multi-Terrain Select to help smooth throttle response, reduce off-the-line wheelspin, and support more predictable starts and stops in low-grip conditions.

How does the RAV4 help with winter visibility?

Available BSM with RCTA supports awareness in busy traffic and parking lots, while available camera views and clear, bright displays help you see and react confidently.

What else should I consider for winter readiness?

Check tire condition and consider all-weather or winter-rated options, review your wiper blades and washer fluid, and confirm you know how to engage and adjust your drive modes before the forecast worsens.

If you would like personalized guidance on which configuration best aligns with your routes and winter expectations, our product specialists can help you compare AWD systems, grade features, and interior options. Jones Toyota provides a hands-on experience that focuses on real-world driving, and we are proud to be serving Timonium, Westminster, and Glen Burnie with thoughtful advice and test drives tailored to your needs.

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