issue for real four wheeling though. Lack of articulation is a huge one, as shown by the shot of the left rear Rav-4 tire in the air. That's where things get dicey, especially since you don't have a low range transfer case to handle that wheel-spin necessary to activate ATRAC to push you over an off-camber obstacle.

Reserving certain gears as "low gears" is a good truck for a FWD crossover to do some mild off roading, but the crawl ratio again is too high to control momentum for technical work, plus the heat in these kind of situations isn't good for the transmission.

But you won't be in too many technical situations, as the front bumper and approach angle will prevent you from getting into them, and the breakover angle is most likely going to keep you from going any further if decide to ignore the scraping on your bumper.

The rear departure is pretty good and would be nice for your buddy in the 4Runner to snatch you back out.

Then you go to drive components: From tie-rod ends are a biggie. Only a few crossovers are designed to take abuse, I'd have to look at the RAV4. I'd trust a Cherokee Trailhawk or a Disco Sport though. Ball joints won't be big enough to take the constant drops of the suspension arms, things like that.

Can it be a fun off-road Forest Service road car like a Subaru? Yes. Will some bolt skids to it and do Hells Revenge and tell the world how great the Rav-4 is at rock crawling? Sure thing.

Will this thing be doing annual poundings on 3 rated trails or higher with taking damage and/or requiring significant modifications or at the very least be very uncomfortable to drive (increased driver fatigue)? YES.

I actually love the look and think it's be a fun commuter....but if you plan on really exploring the back-roads, get a 4Runner.