Transmission Cooler For A 2021 Toyota RAV4 With 2.5L Inline 4 Cylinder Engine

Updated 12/01/2025 | Published 10/31/2025

Question:

Considering the purchase of a Derale transmission oil cooler for my 2021 Toyota RAV4 with a 2.5L 4 cylinder. Not sure of mounting without taking the front end off of the car. Do you have photos or advice on mounting options? I dont want to use the zip tie method thru the coil. Looking for better cooling in conjunction with the factory Hockey puck cooler.

asked by: James H

Expert Reply:

Hi James!

The Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient # D13502 will definitely help keep your transmission cooler, but we have not installed one on a RAV4 yet. This means we do not have any pictures or videos, unfortunately. Hopefully we get one in our shop soon so we can get that out there. Speaking of which, where are you located? We can do the install if you are local to Wentzville Missouri!

As to not having to remove the front of the vehicle, it looks like you technically can get away with that. It is significantly easier when that is removed, but is still possible.

I was also not able to find any other way to mount the cooler without using the zip-tie method. I would think some kind of bracket could be made to get away from that, but it would take some custom work to do so. Definitely possible though.

Sorry for not being a whole lot of help with this one, but let me know if there is anything else you need!

expert reply by: Lazer S

Lazer S.

12/1/2025

Hey James, what ended up working for mounting the Derale transmission cooler on your RAV4? Your setup could really help others looking to avoid the zip-tie method. Sharing what you found might guide the next person tackling the same project.