Is the 2005 RAV4 AWD or 4WD?

The 2005 Toyota RAV4 is AWD (all-wheel drive), not a traditional 4WD with a low-range transfer case. In U.S. markets, this model year offered AWD as the primary on-demand drivetrain option, rather than a part-time 4WD system.

To understand what that means, it helps to examine how AWD differs from 4WD, how the RAV4’s system operates, and how to confirm the exact setup on a specific vehicle. The rest of this article walks through those distinctions and practical checks you can use when evaluating a used 2005 RAV4.

What makes AWD different from 4WD?

Before diving into specifics about the 2005 RAV4, here are the core distinctions between the two drivetrains and how they typically apply to this model year.

• AWD systems continuously or automatically distribute power to all four wheels as needed, often via a center differential or coupling, and require no driver engagement for daily driving.


• 4WD systems (especially part-time 4WD) use a transfer case with high/low-range gearing and usually require the driver to engage 4WD; they are designed for off-road or low-traction conditions and can be less suitable for dry pavement.


• The 2005 RAV4’s drivetrain is marketed as AWD (full-time or on-demand, depending on trim) and does not rely on a low-range transfer case or a manual 4WD lever for everyday use.

Bottom line: For the 2005 RAV4 sold in the U.S., the common configuration is AWD rather than a traditional 4WD system with a low-range gear. Some listings may use the term 4WD loosely, but the official specification for this model year aligns with AWD.

How to identify your drivetrain on a 2005 RAV4

To verify your vehicle’s drivetrain, use these practical checks. They help if you’re shopping for a used RAV4 or reviewing your own vehicle’s paperwork.

• Check the window sticker or owner's manual for the drivetrain designation: AWD or FWD (two-wheel drive). If you see “4WD” on some markets, that may reflect different labeling, but U.S.-spec 2005 RAV4s are typically AWD when equipped with an AWD option.


• Look for a floor-mounted transfer-case lever or a low-range gear dial: absence generally indicates AWD or FWD; presence suggests a traditional 4WD system (not common for the 2005 U.S. RAV4).


• Consult the VIN: a dealer can decode the VIN to confirm whether the vehicle is AWD or FWD.


• Inspect badging and documentation: many AWD-equipped RAV4s display an AWD badge on the rear, though some trims may omit it depending on market or model year.

Understanding the drivetrain you have matters for maintenance, fuel efficiency, and how the vehicle will handle winter or off-road conditions. For the 2005 RAV4, AWD is the typical configuration rather than a traditional 4WD with a low-range transfer case.

Summary

In brief, the 2005 Toyota RAV4 is best characterized as AWD rather than a conventional 4WD. The system provides automatic or on-demand traction to all wheels without a low-range transfer case or manual 4WD engagement. When evaluating a specific vehicle, confirm AWD via the window sticker, owner's manual, VIN, or dealer confirmation to avoid confusion from badge terminology or used-car listings.

Which RAV4 models have AWD?

Most current and recent RAV4 models come with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard or are available with it. For gasoline-powered models, many trims offer a basic AWD system, while higher trims like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road include the more advanced Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system. All RAV4 hybrid models come standard with their own Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.
 
Gas models

• LE, XLE, XLE Premium: Equipped with a standard AWD system for improved handling. 
• Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited: Come standard with the more capable Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive system, which can send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels and includes a rear driveline disconnect. 
• Woodland Edition: Includes AWD and is designed for off-road use. 

Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models 

• RAV4 Hybrid: All models come with standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, which uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. 
• RAV4 Prime (Plug-in Hybrid): Comes with standard All-Wheel Drive. 

How to tell if your RAV4 is AWD

• Check the badging: The vehicle may have an "AWD" or "FWD" badge on the body.
• Inspect the drive axles: Look at the rear wheels to see if there is a drive axle going to them (this applies to gas models).
• Check the dash settings: Some models have a display in the instrument cluster that shows power distribution to the wheels.
• Review the window sticker: The original window sticker will list the drivetrain configuration.
• For hybrids: All RAV4 hybrids are equipped with an electronic on-demand AWD system (eAWD), so there will be no traditional rear drive axles. 

Is the 2006 RAV4 AWD or 4WD?

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door SUV, all-wheel drive. Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 269 horsepower at 6,200, 246 pound-feet torque at 4,700 rpm.

Is my RAV4 AWD or 4WD?

Most RAV4s come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). The exceptions are the hybrid and plug-in (Prime) configurations, as well as the TRD Off-Road and Adventure trims, which all come standard with AWD. The hybrid comes in three trims (LE, XSE, and XLE Premium), while the plug-in Prime comes in two trims (SE and XSE).

Is 2005 a good year for RAV4?

Among the 448 owners who provided feedback on the 2005 Toyota RAV4 for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 93% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and quality to be its strongest features and performance to be its weakest.