--- title: "Toyota RAV4 Gets Brawny Makeover In Rugged Tokyo Auto Salon Build" description: "If you've ever thought the [Toyota RAV4]() didn't look badass enough, Kuhl Racing's build for the Tokyo Auto Salon fixes that rather nicely." date: "2023-01-18" modified: "2023-01-18" authors: - name: "Lewin Day" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/lewin-day" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/toyota-rav4-gets-brawny-makeover-in-rugged-tokyo-auto-salon-build" categories: - "Builds" - "Culture" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Toyota News" tags: - "RAV4" - "suv/crossover" - "Toyota" --- # Toyota RAV4 Gets Brawny Makeover In Rugged Tokyo Auto Salon Build ![]() If you've ever thought the [Toyota RAV4]() didn't look badass enough, Kuhl Racing's build for the Tokyo Auto Salon fixes that rather nicely. The VRARVA Mars, as it is known, is a complete cosmetic reworking of [Toyota's]() popular mid-sized SUV. Inspired by military hardware, the angular and aggressive design is reminiscent of vehicles like the [Rezvani Tank](). ![]() The body kit completely reworks the front end, featuring a new black lower bumper, and a redesigned grille. It also includes new front fenders to match with bulky rectangular pumped guards, and a replacement hood. Other touches include overpanels mounted on the doors to provide a mild widebody look, and a black wrap climbing up the sills to the lower doors. The rear hasn't been spared from the futuristic beefcake treatment, either. The new rear bumper looks suitably modern, and there's a huge set of fender flares with a vent at the back, presumably solely for the visual flair. The bodywork looks particularly sharp paired with the black 17-inch Vrarva DW wheels, wearing brawny Dunlop Grantrek AT5 off-road tires. A set of BLITZ coilovers add a two-inch lift for a better stance. Inside, a set of new floormats and seat covers help complete the theme. ![]() ![]() The build was well received at Tokyo Auto Salon, netting Kuhl Racing the Grand Prize for the International Custom Car Contest. If you desire a VRARVA Mars of your very own, Kuhl Racing will sell you a complete build based on a new front-wheel-drive RAV 4 for 4,290,000 yen, or roughly $33,400 USD. The company will also gladly build the car based on higher-end AWD models if so desired. Alternatively, the body kit can be purchased for approximately $16,700 USD, including painting and installation. Expect to pay a different price if you want the parts delivered outside of Japan. ![]() ![]() ![]() The VRARVA Mars looks like a hardcore off-roader, even if the RAV4 really isn't. Of course, there's nothing stopping you from buying the bodykit and then building a more capable RAV4 with further modifications. Given the aggressive aesthetic, you'd be sure to draw more than a few eyes out on the trail behind the wheel of such a machine. *Got a tip? Let the author know: lewin@thedrive.com* ## Author Lewin Day is a contributing writer tackling everything from breaking news after the offices empty out to sharing feature articles on wrenching, robotics, and the trials and tribulations of being a down-to-earth car enthusiast. He lives in Adelaide, Australia. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Twitter]()