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It's hard to believe that the Toyota RAV4 has been around for more than two decades. Since its launch in 1997, the small crossover has shifted from curiosity to the default choice of many buyers. Toyota claims that last year, the RAV4 was the best-selling model in the US for pick-up trucks, despite competition in a segment full of alternatives such as the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue, the Mazda CX-5, the Subaru Forester, and many more.
This evolution continues with the 2019 Toyota RAV4. It is not available in two-door semi-convertibles like the original RAV4, but according to Toyota, the new fifth-generation model combines the best qualities of crossovers and traditional SUVs. .
To see if this is true, Digital Trends has traveled to Carmel, California, where Toyota has developed various RAV4 models. The 2019 RAV4 is available with gasoline (front wheel drive or all-wheel drive) and hybrid (all-wheel drive only) drivetrains in the LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited versions. XSE and Adventure trim levels are exclusive to the hybrid and gasoline powertrain, respectively. The price starts at $ 25,500 for a basic front-wheel-drive petrol engine and rises to $ 35,700 for a full-load hybrid limited-wheel drive vehicle. Gasoline models arrived in American showrooms in December, and hybrids in March 2019.
A cosplay crossover
The exterior styling clearly announces that the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a complete overhaul. Not only is the model completely different from its predecessor, but the designers have taken it in a totally different direction.
The RAV4 is a crossover based on a car, which the previous generation had emphasized with many curves and softened outlines. The 2019 RAV4 is still a crossover based on the same version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform used by the Camry and Avalon sedans, but you would not know when you look at it. With its scalloped grille, wheel arches and high roof, the 2019 RAV4 has more in common visually with the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and the 4Runner SUV than with any other sedan.
This design choice is likely to appeal to customers, as the popularity of crossovers is largely based on the perception that truck-type vehicles are cool and sedans and sedans are boring. But Toyota also dresses the RAV4 as if it were not the case.
The interior has an attractive design, but is dropped by cheap materials.
The interior has an attractive design, but is dropped by cheap materials. From angular vents to door handles, the look is distinctive and clean. The strategic use of textured rubber on areas such as climate control knobs was a nice and functional touch that suited perfectly with the rugged ambiance of the exterior. However, even on the limited high-end limit level, the materials used are only passable. On the other trim levels, the interior feels downright cheap.
The driving position resembles that of an SUV, without the driver having the impression of being perched on top of the car rather than in it. Toyota said improving outside visibility was a priority, and we believe engineers are succeeding on this front (an optional 360-degree camera system is also available). But things are less comfortable in the back.
The RAV4 has a lower overall passenger volume than most of its competitors, and it seems that Toyota has pinched most of this traffic from the back. The legroom of the rear seats is near the bottom of the segment, and the seats themselves were hard and did not support. At 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up (Toyota has not provided a figure with the rear seats folded), the cargo volume is above the segment average. However, the Honda CR-V (39.2 cubic feet) and the Nissan Rogue (39.3 cubic feet) both offer more. Despite the addition of a battery, the RAV4 hybrid models offer the same passenger and cargo space as their gasoline counterparts.
A car that reads the signs
The 2019 RAV4 is equipped with the Toyota Entune 3.0 infotainment system. Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay compatibility (without Android Auto), Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as a built-in Wi-Fi access point. Options include an 8.0-inch touch screen, a 7.0-inch display, an 800-watt JBL audio system, Qi wireless phone charging, and a mirror similar to those already available on select Nissan and General models. Engine models. Toyota offers up to five USB ports, but only one is standard.
We believe that the information on the optional display of the 7.0-inch instrument cluster could have been better organized because it is difficult to read at a glance.
The touch screen is keyed on the dashboard, but at least it is placed within easy reach of the driver. The physical buttons on the menu pages make navigation easier, and Toyota wisely includes physical buttons for important functions like temperature and audio volume. The touch screen is responsive and the menus are easy to navigate, but this system also does not have a wide range of features.
We believe that the information on the optional display of the 7.0-inch instrument cluster could have been better organized because it is difficult to read at a glance. The JBL 11-speaker audio system offers sound quality worthy of its additional optional status.
The RAV4 is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver aids. This includes stand-alone emergency braking, queue keeping assistance, automatic high beam and track tracking (the automatic centering of the car in its lane on highways). It also features road signs, which uses a camera to read stop signs, give way, do not enter and speed limit, and alert the driver when he thinks the signs are ignored. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking in reverse are optional options.
We did not have the opportunity (nor, thankfully, the need) to test most of these features, but we found that Road Sign Assist was responding quickly to changes in speed limits.
Hybrid powertrain to the rescue
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is available in two versions: gasoline and hybrid. The gasoline models use a 2.5-liter, 203-horsepower, 184-pound, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hybrid models are equipped with the same engine as the familiar Toyota hybrid system, for a total power of 219 hp (Toyota does not quote torque). The petrol versions are equipped with front wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. hybrid models are all-wheel drive only.
If the basic powertrain was a disappointment, steering and suspension were a pleasant surprise.
Toyota calls the Dynamic Force 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but its performance is anything but clear. The power and torque values are respectable for a basic engine of this segment (some competitors offer more powerful engines optional), but you would not know driving. The acceleration is just adequate and it is always accompanied by an unpleasant drone. The hybrid is much better: not only does it have more power, but electric motors also generate a very large couple of low-end couples.
If the basic powertrain is a disappointment, steering and suspension have been a pleasant surprise. The RAV4 will never be confused with a sports car, but the steering is remarkably precise and communicative. Modern power-assisted systems can seem vague and look like video games, even in authentic performance cars. It is therefore very appreciated to really feel what the front wheels were doing in this RAV4. The suspension also encourages lively driving, although it seems more suited to road handling than to comfort. We noticed unpleasant chills on uneven pavement.
The all-wheel drive system of the RAV4 is like an over-performing one that runs out of steam trying to do it all. In both gasoline and hybrid models, front-wheel drive is used by default to save fuel, but it can also use torque vectorization to channel power to specific wheels. This helps improve cornering on the road and allows light off-road driving, according to Toyota. The RAV4 also offers specific driving modes for the off-road.
Although fuel economy is important, we want the default system to be all-wheel drive.
Although fuel economy is important, we want the default system to be all-wheel drive. At high speeds, it is easy to submerge the front wheels before the system begins to transfer power back, and the effect of the torque vector becomes apparent only in very aggressive turns.
The RAV4 is well behaved on a short off-road course set up by Toyota, crossing obstacles that would prevent most of its competitors. Most customers will never end up on rough terrain with a wheel, but it's good to know that the RAV4 can do it. But do not confuse the RAV4 with real off-road vehicles, such as the Toyota 4Runner or Land Cruiser: it lacks tires and other equipment necessary for serious action in mud and mud. If you have to borrow a compact crossover, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is a much better bet.
Official figures are not yet available, but Toyota expects the hybrid RAV4 2019 to reach a total of 39 mpg on the EPA side (41 mpg city, 37 mi / highway). That beats the combined 33 mpg (31 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) version of the all-wheel drive hybrid Nissan Rogue – the only direct competitor of the RAV4.
The fuel economy ratings for the RAV4 gasoline vary according to the level of finish. With front-wheel drive, the RAV4 is expected to reach 29 mpg (26 mpg in the city, 34 mpg in the highway) in the LE and Limited versions, but the XLE and XLE Premium models are expected to reach 27 mpg in the city. Estimates for the LE, XLE and XLE Premium AWD models are 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway), but the Adventure and Limited models are expected to be 27 mpg combined (city of 24 mpg, highway 32 mpg).
rivals
The Toyota RAV4 has a long list of rivals. We have reduced the number to a few key competitors.
Honda CR-V (base price: $ 24,350): Probably the main rival of the RAV4. With the Toyota, the CR-V is one of the original crossovers and remains one of the most comprehensive vehicles in the segment. The Honda Sensing standard driver assistance range is comparable to the RAV4 Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. The Honda also offers a little more interior space.
Mazda CX-5 (base price: $ 24,350): The CX-5 performs better than any other compact crossover. It also has one of the most beautiful exterior models of any utility vehicle. The interior and technology are less impressive, but this Mazda will still make you smile.
Nissan Rogue (base price: $ 24,800): Nissan sells a lot, but we do not understand why. The Rogue is not a bad vehicle, but it offers nothing original. The RAV4 hybrid is expected to generate better fuel economy than the Nissan, and the Toyota has more personality in every respect. We are not used to having the Toyota the most exciting option, but we are here.
Subaru Forester (base price: $ 24,295): In trying to give the impression that the RAV4 looks more like a traditional SUV and putting more emphasis on the AWD system, Toyota is actually trying to make his crossover closer to the Forester. The Subaru has always had an honesty that we appreciate and the engines of its boxer have always been good. A redesigned Forester could overtake the RAV4 with technical features such as facial recognition to detect driver fatigue.
Peace of mind
Toyota offers a three-year warranty, 36,000 miles, new car and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2019 RAV4 is a redesigned vehicle, making it difficult to predict reliability. However, Toyota has a good reputation for reliability and the previous generation RAV4 has generally achieved high reliability ratings.
In addition to the aforementioned Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver assistance range, the RAV4 is equipped with the manufacturer's standard Star Safety system, which includes standard features such as stability, traction control and anti-lock brakes. Crash test evaluations are not yet available because the 2019 RAV4 is a completely redesigned car.
How DT would configure this car
We avoid lower trim levels and go straight up limited. With a $ 34,900 four-wheel-drive ($ 35,700 for a hybrid), the Limited is not overly expensive, and it's the only RAV4 trim level we've sampled with decent interior materials.
We would combine this level of finish with the hybrid powertrain, which offers more power and better driving habits than the basic gasoline powertrain, as well as better gas mileage. The hybrid powertrain adds $ 800 compared to a comparable all-wheel drive gasoline model, but considering these benefits, we think it would be money well spent. The only drawback is that the new RAV4 hybrid will not be available in the US until March 2019.
Conclusion
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. State-of-the-art technology, a better passenger compartment and improved driving dynamics make the RAV4 a competitor too. Although the 2019 RAV4 is a solid multi-purpose vehicle, it does not dominate its segment. It should definitely be on your shopping list, but competitors like the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester should be synonymous.
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