Flash Drive

2019 Toyota RAV4

July 23, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD SUV

The redesigned 2019 Toyota RAV4 has a more aggressive look and stance even though it’s a compact SUV.

Engine:2.5-liter I-4, 203-horsepower 184 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined

Base Price: $34,900

As Tested: $39,536

Performance:

Engine really picks up in Sport mode

Excellent fuel economy for non-hybrid

The 2019 RAV4 is available in several models including a hybrid. The power lift gate opens very high.

Our best economy was 38.2-mpg highway

Performance mode buttons: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Hill Descent

Comfortable highway ride

Great commuter/family activity vehicle

Comfort:

Stylish contemporary interior

Heated and cooled front seats (3 temps)

Driver power lumbar support

Manually adjustable passenger seat

Front seat room and comfort are excellent.

Stretch-out driver and passenger legroom

Panoramic sunroof really brightens interior

Nicely contoured, medium thickness leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls on steering wheel

Nicely padded center armrest

Tall, soft headrests

Roomy backseat, lots of knee and shoe room

Very low floor hump

Rear seat space and comfort are great all the way across. Even the middle position is softer and more tolerable than most middle spots.

Adult can fit in middle position

Middle of rear seat much softer than most

Soft, wide armrest in rear seat

Utility:

Good cargo capacity for a compact SUV

Sloped rear roof affects cargo size

Foot motion activated liftgate

Extra high opening liftgate

Flat cargo deck; slight slope to folded seats

Medium size, non-locking glovebox

The split folding rear seats add versatility to the cargo space.

Open storage shelf above glovebox

Medium to small front door bins

Medium size, but deep console bin

Single seatback storage pouch

WOW Factors:

New, more aggressive styling

High quality interior materials on Limited model

Bargain ($200) panoramic sunroof option

Impressive, comprehensive standard safety features

Strong Toyota predicted reliability

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has styling cues with strong family ties. The alloy wheels are quite handsome.

Whines:

Info screen difficult to navigate

Engine a little noisy

Bottom Line:

The very popular Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for 2019. The RAV4 is a strong contender in the competitive compact SUV market and driving the new 2019 iteration makes it easy to see why. The Toyota RAV4 is intelligently designed and carefully executed. Interior space/comfort are highlights as is fuel economy.