Almost two decades ago, the first RAV4 was released by Toyota and it went on to become the bestselling non-pickup-truck vehicle in the US. Today, the car industry is abuzz once again with the latest addition to its lineup: the Toyota 2019 RAV4.
Before its release in winter 2018, let’s look at how this fifth-generation model can change your driving experience:
The Design
A lot of car enthusiasts say that the 2019 RAV4 is easily the best looking model of its kind yet. Adding a little SUV feel to its compact crossover build, the RAV4 was designed with Toyota’s Tacoma pickup in mind. It has larger tires, an Adventure trim, and grille design reminiscent of the pickup.
The new RAV4 measures 180.9 inches from bumper to bumper, 0.2 inches shorter from the last RAV4, but it is 0.4 inches wider at 73 inches. Its wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer from the last model providing more room for rear seating. The RAV4’s chiseled side profile adds a hint of sophistication and its roof pillars make it look like it’s split. Toyota is yet to release interior measurements, so we’ll have to wait and see if it is spacious enough.
The company has revealed, however, that the new RAV4 will have a nearly symmetrical dash featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch infotainment screen. It also features climate and comfort controls including a control knob for different drive modes. The car has cooled front seats, heated front and rear seats, a liftgate, and a moonroof.
The Make
The 2019 RAV4 will feature the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which focuses on comfort, driving quality, styling, security and user-friendliness. Under its hood, the new RAV4 has a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline-four engine, which is present in the Camry. It also comes in a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Although Toyota hasn’t released information on the RAV4’s torque, fuel economy and horsepower yet, but it says that buyers can expect 15% more power from the last RAV4, which is more than 200 horsepower. The automaker is also saying that it will be the most powerful compact crossover yet from its lineup.
The new RAV4 also comes with two all-wheel-drive systems and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select feature, which enables the driver to adjust traction control and engine settings for mud, sand, rocks, and snow.
The Tech
The 2019 RAV4 is a huge tech upgrade from its predecessors. It comes with Toyota’s standard 3.0 infotainment system, a Wi-Fi hotspot powered by Verizon, the Amazon Alexa voice assistant and finally, the Apple CarPlay. You also have the option to upgrade to a Qi charging pad, up to five USB ports and a JBL audio system.
Toyota may still be mum about some of the features of the new RAV4, but car enthusiasts can definitely expect a good compact crossover out in the market soon.
The 2019 RAV4 comes in three variants: Limited, Adventure and XSE HV. Buying it comes with two years or 25,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
