2019 Toyota Rav4 NH
Marking its 5th generation, the all new 2019 Toyota RAV4 is giving critics and consumers alike a lot to talk about. Credited with creating the small SUV segment, the RAV4 is Toyota’s #1 selling vehicle, not to mention the best-selling non pickup truck in the United States.
Celebrated for its versatility, the RAV4 is ideal for city commutes or off-the-grid getaways, with the 2019 model reportedly better than ever -- on all counts. Guided by the design elements of “Adventure and Refined,” Toyota’s design team focused on the best that the RAV4 has always had to offer, but refined those attributes based on driver feedback and consumer requests. The goal? To empower drivers to embark on adventure, without requiring that they rough it to do so.
Anticipation is building as more details are shared ahead of the 2019 RAV4’s release. We still have a while to wait, as the 2019 RAV4 will not be available until 2018 comes to a close. In the meantime, here are some facts and features worthy of note.
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Interior and Exterior Changes
One look at the new interior of the 2019 RAV4 lineup and it’s clear that the “Refined” principle took center stage. Featuring a focus on ergonomics, a few key changes make the interior of the RAV4 more driver and passenger-friendly. Between a repositioned Electronic Parking Brake (standard) and extra volume in the console, drivers and passengers have plenty of spaces to store small items, thanks to an in-dash tray, open tray, complete with available Qi wireless charger, and side-by-side cup holders. The shifter and HVAC knobs have been redesigned for smoothness and tactility. Meanwhile, those riding in the back will reap the benefits of roomier seats and extra legroom.
Following an estimated four years of effort, Toyota’s team succeeding in refining the vehicle’s overall performance, comfort, and handling. Ultimately, they leveraged the design principles of “Adventure and Refined” to create a “Confident and Natural” adventure behind the wheel. A critical component of this endeavor required revising the powertrains for an near-seamless connection between the driver and the road.
The result is a choice of Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine, featuring VVT-iE paired with an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission. This powertrain equips all five 2019 RAV4 gasoline-powered options. Or, the greener alternative is provided by the Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II), matched with an Electronically-Controlled Continuously-Variable Transmission (ECVT), featured in all four hybrid RAV4 variants.
Granted, a few key exterior changes also reveal the 2019 RAV4 for the all-new model that it is.
Between its sporty capability and punchy performance, it’s easy to overlook the elegance and attention to detail that supports the Toyota’s team “Refined” design ambitions. Looking more aggressive than ever before, the RAV4 looks lean, muscular, and made to handle adventure with ease, especially on the available 19-inch wheels.
Although it sits lower and wider than its predecessors, the 2019 RAV4 benefits from an extended wheelbase, along with wider front and rear tracks, resulting in a more solid, secure platform. Those looking to take their adventures off-road will appreciate the shorter front and rear overhangs when trying to traverse challenging terrain. On the topic of off-road excursions, the RAV4 Adventure trim features an even more off-road ready aesthetic, owing in part to a more robust grille, unique wheel design, and fog light surrounds.
Whether on or off the road, the upcoming RAV4’s unibody chassis is 57% more rigid than early iterations. Some drivers might be surprised by the enhanced aerodynamics, despite the RAV4’s more than half inch in ground clearance.
Drivers should expect better visibility up front, thanks to the relocated side mirrors, along with enhanced side visibility, given the lowered beltline and larger rear-quarter glass, which improves rear-diagonal views.
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XSE Hybrid Model
Drivers looking for a little more get up and go from their driving experience won’t want to miss the XSE Hybrid - touted as the sportiest RAV4 yet. Brand new to the RAV4’s Hybrid heritage, the XSE is the perfect combination driver-centered dynamics and a pleasing passenger experience.
Equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II), the XSE features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine, designed to deliver maximum power and outstanding efficiency. Boasting enhanced acceleration, the XSE’s sport-tuned suspension, marked by tighter shock absorbers and springs, makes for the best-handling and zippiest RAV4 yet.
From the outside, the RAV4 XSE Hybrid can’t hide its sporty nature. Starting with its front piano-black accents, fender arches, mirror caps, and lower rocks, the XSE’s athleticism shines even brighter, thanks to its exclusive projector-beam LED headlamps, angling out from both sides of the grille.
While official efficiency ratings have yet to be established, Toyota suggests that RAV4 XSE drivers can anticipate numbers that lead the class, along with enhanced horsepower and acceleration over the current RAV4 Hybrid models.
Of course, a sporty driving experience should match an exterior athletic aesthetic and the 2019 RAV4 XSE Hybrid strikes the right stance. Every RAV4 XSE Hybrid comes with a black roof, with drivers able to choose from the following palette pairings: Blizzard Pearl, Silver Sky Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, or the brand-new Blueprint. No matter which shade is chosen, the RAV4 XSE Hybrid models all boast black Softex materials, with pops of blue accents across the interior.
View Toyota Rav4 InventoryGet to Know the New Limited Trim
While there is no shortage of compelling choices within the upcoming 2019 Toyota RAV4 lineup, it’s hard not to find a favorite in the RAV4 Limited. Although the only real exterior giveaways between the Limited and the rest of the 2019 RAV4 trims are the chrome accents and 19-inch alloy wheels, the interior is another story.
What can drivers expect when they test drive the top dog of the 2019 RAV4 lineup? In short, standard features that redefine what most drivers and passengers consider standard. For starters, drivers can find the exact right driving position thanks to an 8-way power-adjustable seat with memory and 2-way lumbar support. Both driver and front-seat passenger will appreciate the moonroof, especially on weekend road trips.
Standard technical support is found in the brand new 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID), along with a Digital Display Rearview Mirror -- the first of its kind in a North American Toyota vehicle. How, exactly, does this type of mirror benefit drivers? Simply by increasing what they can see in the rearview mirror, courtesy of a high-mounted, wide-angled, adjustable high-definition camera that is mounted to the back of the RAV4. This wider view allows drivers to better see anything behind the vehicle, just by the flip of a switch.
Additional bells and whistles exist in the form of heated back seats, panoramic moonroof that passengers can appreciate no matter where they are seated, along with ventilated seats up front. For those weekend warriors and road trip renegades, the hands-free power liftgate is a game-changer. Just slide your foot below the back bumper and access your cargo space, hands-free when your hands are full.
Whether you tend to stick to well-worn roads, or prefer to forge your own path, the 2019 RAV4 models are competitive options, leaders of the pack, at prices that are expected to remain close to the current starting MSRP of $25,505.
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