TRD’s attention now turns to Toyota’s RAV4 crossover.
Toyota is slowly releasing performance versions for almost every car they make, as they have promised in a tweet earlier in the year. TRD first showed us their interpretation of the high-performance Prius. It is a super-aerodynamic hypermiler. The RAV4 is next, with four models that are focused on street styling or soft-roading.
The TRD variants are also known as the Street Monster or Field Monster. They offer visual enhancements that allow owners to customize crossovers that otherwise would blend in with the urban environment. The main focus of the Street Monster is the bodywork. It gives the RAV4 a luxurious look that looks a lot like a small Lexus crossover.
The Field Monster gives our RAV4 an aggressive, offroad-ready look we wouldn’t mind having in our driveway. The RAV4’s once mild-mannered appearance is now almost identical to the TRD Pro 4Runner’s miniature body panels. It’s not perfect, but it looks pretty cool.
We also noticed that both models have special TRD mufflers. While they won’t have a significant impact on performance, it will affect the sound. This covers one model; what about the second?
Toyota Modellista is another division that focuses on body enhancements and not overall performance. They also offer a pair RAV4s. The on-road body kit is a little more subtle than the TRD and even more Lexus-like. Their off-road kit, dubbed JAOS is more extreme than the TRD version.
The front end protector is our favorite part of the JAOS. It sits on the top edge the front bumper. This protector combines the functions and style of leather nose masks with brush guards, which were very popular car accessories in the 1990s. The front protector protects the paint and also has three integrated LED fog lights. Clever.
It is highly unlikely that the TRD or Modellista RAV4s make it to the US. There is a remote possibility that parts can be ordered separately by your local dealer’s parts counter.