Overview
After generations of hybridized success in the form of the Prius, Toyota continues its expansion into the hybrid compact SUV market with a second generation of its electrified RAV4. The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid aims to compete with the Honda CR-V, the Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Ford Escape. And it should compete well, with a tidy, ergonomic interior and somewhat blocky, rugged exterior. While it may not be the most dynamically pleasing vehicle to pilot, Toyota’s compact offering has certainly improved upon the ride-handling balance of the prior generation. The battery-boosted RAV4 is a bit quicker than the gas-only model too, and holds the edge in fuel economy by a large margin. Of course, the prospect of Toyota reliability cannot be overlooked, either.
What’s New for 2019?
Toyota rolls out a Hybrid model as part of the all-new 2019 RAV4 lineup.. The latest RAV4 Hybrid gets a slight bump in power and a significant increase in fuel economy over the prior generation, while maintaining the same compact size that buyers have come to expect.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The best-value award in the hybrid lineup goes to the XLE trim. It offers much more standard equipment compared to the base LE trim at only a slightly higher purchase price. XLE buyers get features such as heated side mirrors with blind spot indicators, fog lights, LED automatic headlights, passive keyless entry, a power tilt/slide sunroof, and push button start.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The RAV4 Hybrid can only be had with one powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, accompanied by two electric motors–one motor working with the gas engine on the front axle, another solely powering the rear providing all-wheel drive. Total system output comes to 219 horsepower. The Hybrid powertrain incorpirates a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), rather than the 8-speed automatic of nonhybrid models. All of this results in a reasonably peppy 7.4-second jump to 60-mph, which is quicker than the 8.0-second time for a non-hybrid RAV. That extra pizzazz is most noticeable at lower, around-town speeds, where the added electric torque shines. The RAV4 Hybrid is a competent road companion with a smooth ride, but it’s far better suited for city streets and highways than it is twisty two-lanes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With EPA ratings of 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined, the RAV4 Hybrid is significantly more efficient than any non-hybrid RAV4. Compared to the stingiest gas-only RAV—the base front-driver— the hybrid is up by 15 mpg/city, 3 mpg/highway, and 10 mpg/combined, respectively. In our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, the RAV4 Hybrid mostly backed up this claim, returning a 37 mpg result, just one shy of its EPA rating. For more information about the RAV4 Hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The RAV4 Hybrid’s cabin is neatly packaged and well put together, though it’s clear that aesthetics weren’t the focus. Physical buttons and knobs control most functions, and storage bins are abundant, allowing for plentiful places to tuck away smaller items. Toyota offers numerous features starting at the base trim level, including a tilt-telescope steering column and 12V power outlets in both first and second rows. Additionally, a height-adjustable false floor in the cargo area is standard on all models, helping the RAV4 hold 10 carry-ons in the rear cargo area alone, and 12 more with the rear seats folded. These numbers are identical to those of the non-hybrid RAV4, as the cargo volume remains the same between the two models. Ticking more boxes on the build sheet can provide such features as heated seats front and rear, dual-zone automatic climate control, a faux-leather SofTex upholstery, and a power liftgate, providing a more luxurious feel.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All RAV4s come with a tablet style infotainment display protruding from its dash. LE and XLE trims house a smaller 7.0-inch display, while XSE and Limited models provide a snazzier 8.0-inch screen. The larger display can also be had on the XLE if you choose the Audio Plus package. Notable standard features include Apple CarPlay, both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa capabilities, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Lesser equipped RAV4 models come with a standard six-speaker sound system, though audiophiles shopping the segment will want to look at the eleven-speaker JBL system, which like navigation, is available on the XSE and standard on the Limited.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have given the RAV4 good marks for crashworthiness. The IIHS even named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019. Toyota has been an aggressive adopter of driver-assistance features and offers many of them standard across the RAV4 lineup. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
All RAV4s come with a comprehensive warranty that matches those provided by rivals Honda and Nissan, but electrified models come with a lengthy protection plan for their hybrid components. Far from the norm, Toyota’s complimentary scheduled maintenance policy stretches for two years or 25,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
