Modified RAV4 Proves That Cute Utes Can Be Fun After All
Who says you can’t enjoy an afternoon of spirited driving in an entry level crossover like the RAV4?
Let’s face it – Toyota didn’t design the RAV4 to be a corner carver. It also isn’t the kind of vehicle you’d ever think about lining up at your local stop light drags either. Heck, the tiny Toyota just flat out wasn’t designed for fun at all. It was designed for other purposes, like providing things like “practicality” and “reasonable fuel economy.” Yawn.
But as automotive enthusiasts, we don’t have to accept that our cars have to be boring. Thanks to a burgeoning aftermarket, we can turn even the stodgiest of rides into spirited fun boxes. And that’s exactly what a man by the name of Blaze did with his RAV4. The result was so intriguing, in fact, that it drew the attention of Matt Farah at The Smoking Tire, who covers the ride in a new video.
Blaze’s V6 powered ride has been treated to bolt-ons like forged 18″ wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and a cold air intake. The RAV4 also has an aftermarket exhaust with high flow catalytic converters and an x-pipe. Blaze claims it’s good enough for a 13.5-second quarter mile. Which is a full second quicker than stock.
The result? A ride that Farah obviously enjoys. He notes that the modded ‘ute corners “quite flat” and is “pretty fast” after a differential lock launch. With a claimed 300 horsepower, we don’t doubt it. And if the little SUV can bring a smile to the face of a guy who drives cars for a living, surely it can bring a smile to yours, too.
