Flash Drive Second Look

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

December 2, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid is an excellent family trip vehicle with its roomy interior and thrifty fuel economy.

Engine:2.5-liter I-4 + electric, 219 combined horsepower

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 41-mpg city, 38-mpg highway, 40-mpg combined

Base Price: $33,700

As Tested: $37,899

Performance:

Very good power and acceleration

Excellent fuel economy—our best was 39.3-mpg highway

The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid has crisp, angular lines and handsome alloy wheels.

Console dial for Normal, Eco, and Sport

Buttons for EV and Trail

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Two temperatures heated front seats

Heated, slightly contoured leather steering wheel

Lots of excellent auxiliary controls

Nicely textured control dials for HVAC system

Eco choice for heat/cool HVAC

Front seat room is as good or better than many full-size SUVs.

Panoramic sunroof greatly brightens interior

Good quality interior materials

Subtle blue stitching

Very good sound system with ample presets

Great rear seat leg, knee and shoe room

Small, but wide floor hump

Adults can fit in middle position; cushion not too firm

Soft, wide rear armrest with cupholders

Utility:

Rear seat room is very generous and even the middle position is fine for adults.

Power liftgate

Very high opening liftgate

Flat cargo deck, no lift over

Lots of cargo space behind rear seats

Split folding seats have noticeable slope

Medium glovebox, but no lock

Medium front door bins

Small rear door bins

WOW Factors:

Super stretch-out front legroom

Excellent rear seat room

The RAV4 cargo area is big with a flat floor and a very high opening lift gate.

Quality build and materials

Bargain ($200) panoramic sunroof

Whines:

Mixed feelings about angular styling

Small door bins

Bottom Line:

This is the second time we’ve tested a 2019 Toyota RAV4 although this one was the hybrid and the previous RAV4 was a standard model (the Limited AWD). The difference between the two was minimal under similar driving

The ample info screen can provide detailed information about the hybrid functions.

conditions. Our best fuel economy in the hybrid was 39.3-mpg and 38.2-mpg in the non-hybrid. Better economy could be obtained in city-only hybrid driving. Spacious, high quality interiors were big pluses for both models as was the ability to handle varied road and weather conditions.