One of Toyota鈥檚 most popular models has been given a completely new look and attitude. In fact, any resemblance between it and the previous generation RAV4 is nonexistent.
The original RAV4 鈥� one of the first compact utility vehicles on the market 鈥� was more cute than rugged. But over two decades and four successive generations, it has grown in size and strength to become a capable all-weather hauler alongside players such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue.
For the 2019 model year, the RAV4 takes on a brawnier persona, with a front end influenced by the tough-nut 4Runner, but more pleasing to the eye. The rest of the bodywork veers away from the previous slab-sided appearance for more creases and angles along the fenders, door panels and the rear roof pillar. The result is a design that shifts from introverted to appealing.
The RAV4 now appears larger, and its measurements somewhat back that up. A 3.5-centimetre gain in distance between the front and rear wheels 鈥� which enhances rear-seat legroom 鈥� is the key difference. The redesign results in wider rear-door openings for easier entry/exit plus a cargo floor that has increased by more than six centimetres.
The passenger compartment now has a richer look, especially the dashboard and control panel that carries over the exterior鈥檚 angular theme. The pop-out touchscreen might seem out of place, but these days almost every automaker has succumbed to this trend. At least there are knobs for adjusting the audio and ventilation controls.
The RAV4 is constructed on a new platform that, according to Toyota, is lighter and 57 per cent more rigid. Along with corresponding suspension changes plus added insulation, the aim was to improve overall ride and steering agility and to reduce cabin noise. As well, the drivetrain is positioned lower in the RAV4, thus lowering the centre of gravity.
The new RAV4 arrives with an equally new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers significantly more punch. It鈥檚 rated at 203聽horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That鈥檚 a gain of 27聽horsepower and 12 pound-feet.
An equally new eight-speed automatic transmission directs power to the front or, optionally, all four wheels.
Available also is a new RAV4 hybrid companion that uses a modified version of the gasoline engine plus two electric motors for a combined output of 219 horsepower (a gain of 25). As before, it鈥檚 linked to a continuously variable transmission.
The hybrid鈥檚 fuel economy is estimated at 6.0 l/100 km 鈥� combined city/highway 鈥� compared with 7.8 for the non-hybrid RAV4.
Front-wheel-drive is standard for the base RAV4 LE ($29,800, including destination charges) and XLE trims, while all-wheel drive is optional. The system has a lock mode that applies half the powertrain鈥檚 torque equally to both the front and rear wheels as long as you鈥檙e below 40 km/h.
For the Trail AWD and Limited AWD trims, a different system sends half the engine power to the rear wheels and can direct all of it to either outside wheel when the RAV4 is turning 鈥� called torque-vectoring 鈥� for claimed increases in stability. The system also uncouples the rear wheels under normal driving situations to help save fuel.
The Trail is new to the RAV4 lineup and has special high-rise cargo rails mounted to an Ice Edge (silver) roof. There鈥檚 added side cladding, a slightly higher ride height, unique grille and blacked-out wheels. Inside, the Trail鈥檚 bright orange trim is a bit over the top.
The three hybrid trims 鈥� LE, XLE and Limited 鈥� use a two-motor electric all-wheel-drive system. The XLE with the optional XSE package is positioned as the sportiest RAV4.Toyota firmed up the suspension, installed hybrid-specific wheels and trim and painted the roof black.
All RAV4s get a full suite of active-safety technologies, except for a digital rear-view mirror (projecting a camera image) that鈥檚 installed in premium models and provides a wider, unobstructed field of vision.
With much edgier styling, greater functionality and increased levels of technology, the 2019 RAV4 will continue as a star performer in a versatile utility-vehicle lineup. Certainly helping the cause is a more aggressive image. Cute, no more.
