It’s hard standing out in the auto world, and some automakers have gone to great lengths to set their cars apart. Like the time Chevy made the Citation with three wheels and shag carpet. Thankfully, that trend passed, but some automakers still make questionable design choices. Though the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition has already earned plenty of praise, some critics are bashing one “tacky” feature.

What we know so far about the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition

Details on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 are slim so far. But we know the Woodland Edition will come with features such as TRD-tuned suspension, bronze-colored wheels, all-terrain tires for off-roading, and a roof rack to load ample camping gear.

Other features will include custom all-weather floor and cargo mats, black badging, black mud guards, and dual black chrome-tipped exhaust.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition expected to come equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and two electric motors to produce 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque.

Toyota has announced the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition will hit dealership floors sometime this fall. Also, the automaker has yet to release an exact MSRP for this model, but because current RAV4 prices range from $26,975 to $43,625, the Woodland Edition will likely hover around $40,000. 

What’s the deal with the bronze wheels?

The folks at Car and Driver seem thrilled about the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, but some readers aren’t thrilled.

“Toyota is all about the bronze these days, eh? I know tastes vary, but I find bronze-anything on a car to be a bit tacky,” one Car and Driver reader wrote. “And that’s concerning because it’s starting to look like the bronze-wheels thing has legs. Black wheels are a little tired, but I’d take them over bronze any day.”

The comment received several likes from other readers.

Another commenter wrote, “Why only bronze, Toyota? Please provide same cars in gold, platinum, iron colors also.”

Considering it’s the ‘Woodland’ edition, camo might be a better choice than bronze. Of course, that may not be a good look, as camo may clash with the Calvary Blue and Ice Cap exterior paint job. Still, it would take all the notice off the bronze wheels.

Woodland Edition vs. TRD Off-Road

Considering there’s already an off-road version of the RAV4 Hybrid in the TRD trim, it’s only natural to compare it to the Woodland Edition. The most obvious differences between the two models are aesthetic. 

The Woodland Edition brings the much-talked-about bronze wheels, roof rack, and exterior badging, proclaiming to the world it’s the Woodland. On the other hand, the TRD Off-Road has adopted the two-tone roof that Toyota has begun offering on many models, along with black wheels and the TRD badge.

The next major difference is the price. The TRD Off-Road starts at $36,915, per Toyota. Observers expect the Woodland Edition will cost more.

The fuel mileage is doubtless what will attract more off-road lovers to the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition over the TRD Off-Road. The Woodland Edition is expected to get an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. By comparison, the TRD Off-Road gets only 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway. That’s a difference of 14 mpg in the city and 3 mpg on the highway. 

So, even though you’d pay more for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition upfront, the higher MSRP might be worth the expense because of outrageous gas prices. That is, if you can live with those bronze wheels.