2019 Toyota RAV4

2019 Toyota RAV4

I am a fan of Toyota. I have driven several of their cars over the years and I've always enjoyed the experience. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is no exception. Redesigned for 2019, this new Toyota has a lot to offer, including great gas mileage, a comfortable ride, plenty of storage, and tech galore.

There are nine trims of the RAV4 (if you include hybrid as separate), which gives customers the ability to find the perfect RAV4 for their needs and budget.

The line-up starts with the base model LE, and from there we step up to the XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, and Limited. Additionally, for those in the market for a hybrid, the RAV4 is offered in the LE, XLE, and XSE trims. Non-hybrid versions come with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the hybrid models come with electronic all-wheel drive.

Engine and Handling

Engines are offered in two flavors, regular and hybrid. The first option is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid models add a multi-electric motor assist to the base engine.. That electric motor helps the hybrids achieve a combined system net horsepower of 219. While the engine in the RAV4 will never be mistaken for a performance system, it is more than up to the chore of day to day driving.

The Toyota RAV4's suspension sits firmly in the middle of sport and comfort. Body roll, bounce, and float are minimal, and the suspension does a nice job of absorbing the the impacts of minor road imperfections.

Interior

Inside the SUV, Toyota RAV4 owners get to take advantage of two comfortable rows of seating. Heated front seats are available on mid-level models and standard on the higher trims. In terms of surfaces, the base model starts out with cloth seats and manually adjustable front seats. Things go up from there, ending with SofTex-trimmed seats.

The driver's seat is roomy and comfortable, and visibility is excellent. Controls are laid out intuitively, and are well marked.

In the premium models, the front seats are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable, giving people various ways to control their comfort. In the second row, the bench has a 60/40 split that allows for one or both sides to be lowered, creating more cargo space. Some models also include the Smart Key System, which adds a power liftgate and push button start. The lower trims have remote keyless entry for convenience.

The base models have a seven-inch touchscreen for users to control music playback, make phone calls, and adjust other settings. On the mid-level trims, there is the opportunity to upgrade the touchscreen to one that measures eight inches. At the top of the spectrum, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen that has built-in navigation and is hooked up to a premium audio system.

Exterior

On the exterior, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has sharp lines combined with a few softer curves. Exterior color choices include Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blizzard Pearl. A two-tone roof is an option for anyone who wants a bit more style. Some trims include LED projector-beam headlights, automatic high beams to boost visibility, and 18″ wheels.

Safety

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is found on all models. This includes alert systems that will warn drivers if they veer out of their lanes and pedestrian detection. In some cases, such as when a driver is slowly drifting to the right or left on the highway, the vehicle can take gentle corrective action. An additional feature is adaptive cruise control. This system allows the 2019 Toyota RAV4 to maintain a preset distance to the car in front of it, even in changing traffic conditions. All of these safety features and more are a part of Toyota's Safety Sense, a bundle of active safety features that is now standard on many Toyota vehicles.

The RAV4 also earned an overall safety rating of 5 stars from the NHTSA, and is a 2019 Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Bottom line, if safety is one of your must have priorities in a vehicle, the Toyota RAV4 has you covered.

Thanks to A Girl's Guide To Cars and Toyota for sponsoring the 2019 A Girl's Guide to Cars Fall Drive & Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This 2019 Toyota RAV4 post is sponsored. All opinions are my own.