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Next-Gen Toyota RAV4 Gets Tougher
Toyota Motor Corp.’s redesigned RAV4 compact crossover vehicle features bolder styling and improved off-road capabilities.
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Toyota Motor Corp.’s redesigned RAV4 compact crossover vehicle features bolder styling and improved off-road capabilities.
Riding on Toyota’s New Global Architecture, which also carries several high-volume cars, the new RAV4 is slightly wider but about the same height and length as its predecessor. The platform also allows the 2019-model crossover to sit closer to the ground, which Toyota notes lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity and enables more styling flexibility.
The bolder styling is emphasized by squared-off wheel arches, 19-inch wheels and shorter front and rear overhangs, which also enhance off-road performance. Toyota says the new model’s construction is 57% stiffer than its predecessor.
The base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. A hybrid option with a 2.5-liter engine and continuously variable transmission will be added next year.
In addition to a standard all-wheel-drive option, buyers can opt for an upgraded system with torque vectoring. A separate awd system is available for the hybrid powertrain that transfers more power to the rear during normal driving situations. Other performance features include a sport-tuned suspension.
Inside, the new RAV4 features a nearly symmetrical dash with a high-mounted 7.0-inch infotainment unit or an optional 8.0-inch screen. Smartphone integration covers Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto.
Among the new available safety features is “lane tracing assist” that helps center the vehicle during semi-autonomous operation. A road sign recognition system can identify street signs such as "stop," "yield" and "do not enter" and display an alert when appropriate. An optional backup camera display integrated into the rearview mirror is available on top-end models.