2020 Toyota RAV4 — Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, offering a blend of daily driving comfort, available off-road capability, and impressive fuel efficiency. Whether you are driving the standard gasoline model, the rugged TRD Off-Road, or the ultra-efficient Hybrid, understanding your powertrain's gearing can help you maximize performance, efficiency, and longevity.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the transmission and axle gear ratios for the 2020 Toyota RAV4.

Transmission gear ratios

For the 2020 model year, the gasoline-powered Toyota RAV4 features the Direct Shift 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (UB80E for FWD, UB80F for AWD). The RAV4 Hybrid utilizes an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with sequential shift mode, which uses planetary gearsets and electric motors rather than fixed forward gears.

Direct Shift 8-Speed Automatic (UB80E / UB80F)

This transmission is standard on all non-hybrid 2.5L 4-cylinder RAV4 models (LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited). It utilizes a very low first gear for off-the-line acceleration and two overdrive gears for highway fuel economy.

Note: The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid uses a planetary eCVT (P710 transaxle) which provides infinite ratios between its highest and lowest mechanical limits, meaning there are no fixed 1st-8th gears.

Available axle ratios

The final drive (axle ratio) determines how the engine's power is multiplied before it reaches the wheels. Because the RAV4 is a transverse-engine crossover, the "axle ratio" is actually the front transaxle final drive ratio, paired with a rear differential of the same ratio on AWD models.

Note: The TRD Off-Road and Adventure trims use a Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD (TV-AWD) system with Rear Driveline Disconnect, which utilizes the same 3.177 final drive ratio as the standard gas models but features a significantly different rear carrier assembly to distribute torque laterally between the rear wheels.

How to identify your axle ratio

Unlike heavy-duty trucks that offer half a dozen different axle ratios, the 2020 RAV4 keeps things relatively uniform based on the engine choice. However, if you are replacing a transaxle or rear differential, you must verify your drivetrain configuration.

• Door-Jamb Sticker: Open the driver’s side door and locate the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label. Look at the bottom of the sticker for a code starting with A/TM (Axle/Transmission). This code will help a Toyota parts department identify your exact factory transaxle and final drive.
• Differential Tag / Stamping: If you are sourcing a used rear differential, especially the complex Dynamic Torque Vectoring unit on the TRD/Adventure, look for the part number stamped or stickered directly on the differential housing.
• VIN Decoder: The most foolproof method for modern crossovers is to run your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through a Toyota dealership parts system or a reliable online VIN decoder. This will instantly confirm if you have FWD, standard AWD, TV-AWD, or the Hybrid e-AWD setup.

Towing vs MPG impact

Gear ratios represent a mechanical compromise between rotational speed and physical torque.

• Numerically lower ratios (e.g., 3.177): These are considered "taller" gears. They allow the engine to run at a lower RPM at highway speeds, which drastically improves fuel economy and reduces cabin noise. The trade-off is less mechanical torque multiplication off the line.
• Numerically higher ratios: Often called "shorter" gears, these provide better mechanical advantage for moving heavy loads or accelerating quickly. While the RAV4 doesn't offer optional "towing" axle ratios like a pickup truck, the extremely low 5.250 first gear in the 8-speed automatic makes up for the tall 3.177 final drive, allowing the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models to tow up to 3,500 lbs without needing a dedicated towing axle ratio.

Common issues

While the 2020 RAV4 is highly reliable, the drivetrain is not completely immune to issues as the miles rack up:

• Torque Vectoring AWD Disconnect Whine: On Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, the Rear Driveline Disconnect system can sometimes develop a whine or grinding noise when engaging or disengaging. This is often linked to the electromagnetic clutch packs or carrier bearings in the transfer case assembly.
• Transmission Hesitation (UB80E/UB80F): Some owners have reported low-speed hesitation or jerky shifting in the 8-speed automatic, particularly between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. This is usually resolved with a software update (TSB) rather than internal gear repairs.
• Carrier Bearing Wear: As with most AWD vehicles, the carrier bearings holding the propeller shaft can wear out over time, leading to a vibrating or humming sensation at highway speeds.
• Hybrid Cable Corrosion (Cablegate): While not an internal gear issue, RAV4 Hybrids driven in snowy climates with heavy road salt have experienced corrosion on the high-voltage cable connector leading to the rear electric drive motor (the rear axle).

If you are experiencing a whining rear differential, rough shifting, or an illuminated AWD malfunction light on your dashboard, it is best to have the vehicle inspected by a driveline professional.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.