Don’t let the rugged styling of the all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 fool you: underneath that off-road-inspired design is a compact SUV that still provides a spacious interior, easy-to-use comfort, a slew of standard sophisticated safety characteristics, good fuel economy, and a tradition of great resale value and reliability.
For 2019, Toyota improves on what RAV4 buyers already like, while improving handling and adding ground clearance and comfort characteristics.
The all-new RAV4 Hybrid has the distinction of providing both the sportiest version of the tiny Toyota SUV and the most fuel-efficient version.
This combination of on-road agility, off-road capacity, and general value keep the RAV4 at the forefront of hard rivals like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape.
Driving The New 2019 Toyota RAV4
The non-hybrid Toyota RAV4 2.5-liter engine utilizes an8-speed automatic transmission, which we used in the XLE model. Most compact SUV buyers will be pleased with the power of the engine, and the transmission will do a good job. The 8-speed is keen to move up, optimizing the fuel economy. While there were some noise and vibration on the highway, the wind was exceptionally small.
The suspension provided a pleasant equilibrium of comfort and handling, and the seats were comfortable, even on prolonged rides.
The Adventure model, with the highest position and the biggest wheel and tire package, has been fitted with a torque vector, which can send up to 50% of the torque to the back wheels and regulate the distribution of the torque to the left and right rear tires. This is helpful off-road, gives more trust in bad weather, and improves handling and cornering.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 XSE HV, the sportiest model in the range, is a hybrid — offering the most accessible energy in the RAV4 lineup (219 hp versus 203), plus a sporty suspension that is exclusive to the XSE. The sporty suspension has firmer damping, a more aggressive spring rate, and retuned shocks.
The hybrid has great off-line power and very nice mid-range power, a great advantage when driving at freeway speeds.
The Best Features
RAV4 XSE HV MODEL
It’s simple to like a trim level that takes advantage of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s superior strength, great off-line acceleration, and sporty suspension while offering a terrific fuel economy. Better yet, you don’t have to pay top-of-the-line, for this hybrid output that begins at around $35,000.
JBL PREMIUM AUDIO
This 11-speaker, 800-watt audio system comes as part of a $1,620 option package, but supplied clear, wealthy sound with stunning separation.
If this scheme keeps the RAV4 within your price range, test it at your local retailer. It’s the finest audio system in the band.
