Looking for autumn adventure? 6 tips to help you plan the ultimate fall road trip
Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean fun and adventure has to end with it. In fact, fall might just be the perfect season for a good old fashioned road trip. (Yes, even better than summer.) With less traffic en route and at your destination, plus breathtaking views of fall foliage along the way, autumn is the ideal time to hit the open road.
For those looking to get more out of fall this year, the Toyota RAV4 makes the perfect road trip companion, equal parts rugged and refined, with plenty of versatile seating and storage for everything you’ll need to get out and explore.
Together with Toyota, we’ve put together six essential tips to help make your next fall road trip unforgettable, no matter where you’re headed.
1. Embrace the spirit of adventure
Fall brings cooler temperatures, vibrant colours and a certain crispness in the air that makes every journey feel extra scenic. So don’t hesitate to consider routes that take full advantage of these gorgeous natural views. It’s also a good idea to keep some slack in your driving schedule for unexpected stops along the way. From hidden hiking trails to exploring a charming small town or roadside market, these unplanned stops can quickly become the highlights of your trip.
Fortunately, the Toyota RAV4 makes it easy to get off the beaten path. Its long wheelbase and wide track, along with its high ground clearance and short overhangs mean it’s ready to handle whatever the road – or lack of road – throws your way. Even better, the RAV4 comes in a wide range of trims for every type of adventurer, whether you prefer the light duty off-road capability of the RAV4 Trail or premium touches of the Limited trim.
2. Pack wisely
Packing for a fall road trip requires a bit more thought than a summer getaway. If you’re camping, for example, and planning to spend most of your time outdoors, layering is key to staying comfortable in fluctuating temperatures. A mix of clothing is always a good idea for fall, including warm layers and waterproof gear, and essentials like a thermos for hot drinks (and cooler for cold ones) can help make long drives a lot more comfortable.
With the Toyota RAV4’s 60/40 folding rear seats, you shouldn’t have an issue fitting pretty much anything you need for your trip. Gear for hiking, camping or fishing will fit with ease, with room to spare for extra blankets and clothes for those chilly mornings and evenings. Have more to haul? You can always upgrade to the RAV4 Trail equipped with a standard towing package, with a towing capacity of up to 1,590 kg (3,500 lbs).
3. Maximize fuel efficiency
One of the best ways to keep your road trip on track is by minimizing stops for gas. To do this, plan your route ahead of time and try to drive at a steady pace, avoiding heavy acceleration and braking. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated before you hit the road. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can be beneficial for off-road traction but reduces fuel economy on highway drives. So, check your tires before you head out and make sure they’re filled to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
If you want to take fuel efficiency one step further, consider the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Proudly built in Canada, you have your choice of five unique models, from the sporty XSE to the refined Limited, plus the off-road inspired hybrid Woodland Edition. Worried about losing power with a hybrid? Don’t be. The RAV4 Hybrid actually boasts more horsepower and faster acceleration than gas-powered models, giving you a perfect balance of energy efficiency and power output.
4. Focus on safety first
Safety is paramount when it comes to a good road trip—after all, you want your drive to be memorable for the right reasons, not the wrong ones. So, before you set off, make sure your vehicle is in top condition. Check your tire pressure, oil levels and brakes, and pack a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight and reflective triangles in case of emergency. Once on the open road, drive carefully, especially as the fall days get shorter and visibility decreases. And while fall can also mean epic foliage and Instagram-worthy vistas, save the leaf peeping for your passengers and stop to pull over if you want to really take in the view.
Safety is also a huge priority for Toyota. That’s why the RAV4 comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of advanced safety features that help drivers handle the unexpected. From pre-collision warnings to lane departure alerts with steering assist, as well as dynamic cruise control with vehicle-to-vehicle distance control, the RAV4 helps protect you and your passengers across every kilometre, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.
5. Stay connected and entertained
A road trip is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Whether you’re heading out on a solo adventure or riding with a crew, you can make your drive even more enjoyable by queuing up your favourite tunes, podcasts and audiobooks to help the time fly by, and pre-planning your route on your GPS so you don’t have to fiddle with directions after you set out.
None of this will be a problem with the RAV4’s advanced Next Gen Toyota Multimedia System, which gives you five times the processing power of the previous generation system and features wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Plus, it offers a suite of available Connected Services, like Drive Connect, that lets you stay in touch with your vehicle using touch or voice. Just say the “Hey Toyota” wake-up word and your RAV4 can help you find a top-rated local spot, check the weather forecast for your next destination, or dictate a text to keep family and friends apprised of your ETA. And that perfect road trip playlist you put together will sound even better on the available 11-speaker JBL audio system, which comes standard on all RAV4 Limited models, and is also available on the Hybrid XSE.
6. Choose the right road trip companion
And no, we’re not just talking about your passengers (although that’s important too). Fall is a season of change, making it the perfect time for a road trip that takes you out of your usual surroundings and into something new. With the right planning – and the right vehicle – you can truly make the most of this beautiful season. So, plan your route, pack your bags, and get out there and explore. And when you’re ready to hit the road, consider doing it in a Toyota RAV4, the ultimate road trip companion for all your autumn adventures.
