The Toyota RAV4 appeared in 1994 for the first time, and it is one of the most recognizable Japanese models in the crossover segment. In the recent years, the demand for crossovers has increased and the sales of the Toyota RAV4, consequently. Last time the RAV4 was redesigned was in 2013 and in order to keep it fresh, Toyota introduced the new fifth-generation at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. What the new car is all about, you can read below.
Toyota RAV4 Exterior
According to the company, the philosophy Toyota followed for the exterior design was “Adventure and Refined.” In other words, the RAV4 look more like an SUV, and it features more upscale details such as the chrome trim. At the front, the nose is more defined and more angular with a bunch of tiny details that make it look nice. Meanwhile, the headlights are narrow and aimed towards the front fenders.
The sides of the car are more aggressive than before with the extra black cladding that runs along the low edges of the vehicle. The side mirrors have been repositioned so that the driver has a better view of what is going around the back of the crossover.
Trims
Toyota is offered in different trim levels, and each of these has something authentic, especially when it comes to the design. The best RAV4 is the XSE Hybrid, and some of the features it offers are lower rocker panels, a two-tone paint scheme. The roof is black, but the lower body panels can be painted in the Blizzard Pearl, Silver Sky Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Blueprint, which is a new color in the palette.
The models at the hybrid SLE grade and above come with the projector-type LED headlights. Toyota also offers the Adventure model which can be differentiated from the others thanks to the taller roof rails and bigger fender flares. Generally speaking, this model has a rugged feel to it.
Cabin
Toyota has changed plenty of things inside the cabin of the RAV4, no matter which trims you select. The interior looks elegant with the central tunnel that is now simplified because Toyota moved the electronic parking brake. Moreover, the driver will be able to access it easily since the bulky hand lever is no longer there. The console has increased in size whereas two cup holders are located just ahead of the armrest.
At the back, the passengers will have more headroom and more legroom as well. They have never felt cramped inside the RAV4, but additional comfort is always welcomed. Some of the optional equipment includes heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and a panoramic moonroof.
We also have to mention the new RAV4 comes with a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen located at the top of the center stack, but the RAV4 Limited model features the new 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display, and it also gets a Digital Display Rearview Mirror. Toyota explains: “By default, the display is a conventional rearview mirror, but with the flip of a switch, drivers have an increased field of vision coming through the rearview mirror display what is behind the vehicle thanks to a high-mounted, adjustable wide-angle, high-definition camera affixed on the rear of the vehicle.”
Engine
First of all, we have to mention that the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is based on the modified TNGA platform, which results in altered exterior dimensions. “Engineers worked for about four years to fine-tune every aspect of RAV4’s performance, handling stability and ride comfort. The end goal was simple: engineer a driving experience that is Confident and Natural,” says Toyota.
As for the engines, there are two options. The first one is a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter I4 that is connected to an eight-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission. The second one is a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter I4 that is mated with the latest Toyota Hybrid System II, an efficiency booster and an electronically controlled CVT.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Prices
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 will hit the dealerships by the end of 2018, whereas the hybrid will follow in early 2019. Pricing is unknown at the moment, but the current RAV4 starts at $24,510, whereas the hybrid costs $27,235. Expect the prices in this range.
