Introduction
The Toyota RAV4 was previously recognized as one of the best SUVs in the world during its fourth generation and has ranked as the fourth best-selling car globally. Now, after 25 years since the RAV4's launch, Toyota has introduced the fifth generation with a fresh design. Let’s dive into the 2019 RAV4 and see if it remains competitive in a market filled with options, especially against direct rivals like the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5.
Exterior Design
The new RAV4 features a design that brings it closer to larger SUVs, characterized by straighter lines, fewer curves, and a more polygonal aesthetic with a taller roof. This results in a more attractive exterior for this year, while also enhancing passenger space inside.
The 2019 RAV4 comes standard with LED headlights that automatically activate during the day along with automatic leveling adjustments. It is also equipped with fog lights and side mirrors that fold electrically. The "Adventure" version we have today features a unique front grille design and different front and rear bumpers, along with 19-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear, the vehicle showcases a small roof spoiler, dual exhaust tips with chrome detailing, and a power liftgate that can be operated via the key fob, providing excellent storage space behind the second-row seats, which is larger compared to its competitors.
Storage Capacity
The Mazda CX-5 offers a storage capacity of 506 liters, while the Honda CR-V has 561 liters, and the Nissan X-Trail comes with 565 liters. In comparison, the RAV4 is currently the largest among them, boasting a capacity of 580 liters, which is an increase of 79 liters from the previous generation, and expands to 1065 liters when the second-row seats are folded down.
To enhance practicality, the RAV4's trunk features a lower floor option, and the fabric cover can be flipped to provide a more durable plastic surface that withstands dirt better.
Interior Design
Although this type of vehicle targets a younger audience, the interior design does not fully meet expectations. I wished for a more refined look with less visible lightweight plastic, which is quite prevalent and gives a sense of lower manufacturing quality.
However, there are positives with the new RAV4. To appeal to younger buyers, the interior features vibrant color accents. The version we are reviewing today has a black and white dashboard with orange rubber inserts and stitching on the dashboard and seats.
Soft materials are used on the dashboard, and synthetic leather is featured on the door armrests. The seats are also made from synthetic leather and offer electric adjustments for the driver's seat only. They are very comfortable, well-padded, and have a sporty design that provides adequate support.
Technological Specifications
Priced at AED 129,900 for the Adventure version, the RAV4 comes equipped with keyless entry and start, a 7-inch touchscreen entertainment system, and buttons on the sides for quick access to various menus while controlling the audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.
While there is no built-in navigation system or support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it does support Miracast, enabling you to display Google Maps from your phone onto the screen. However, it does not function while driving for safety reasons, but the feature is available nonetheless.
The climate control system is a dual-zone setup that offers strong cooling, and it can be managed through knobs and buttons located in the center of the dashboard.
At the front of the center console, there are audio and USB ports, as well as a dedicated mobile phone area with wireless charging. The instrument cluster for the Adventure version includes a 7-inch information display that can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.
The 2019 RAV4 also comes standard with an electronic parking brake with auto hold feature.
To assist with parking, the vehicle is equipped with a rear parking camera and sensors at the front and rear. It also includes standard airbags for the front and side for both the driver and passenger, as well as curtain airbags along the entire side of the vehicle.
Additionally, there is a dedicated airbag for the driver's legs, enhancing safety levels.
In the rear, there is ample headroom due to the vehicle's upright roof design, providing enough space for three adults. Rear passengers benefit from air conditioning vents, phone charging ports, cup holders with an armrest, and power windows.
Driving Experience
Let’s start the driving test of the 2019 RAV4 with a quick comparison of power figures against its competitors. Both the Nissan X-Trail and Mazda CX-5 come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the Honda CR-V features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Power Figures
- Nissan X-Trail: 169 horsepower and 233 Nm of torque
- Mazda CX-5: 188 horsepower and 251 Nm of torque
- Honda CR-V: 184 horsepower and 244 Nm of torque
The RAV4, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 203 horsepower and 243 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The new RAV4 offers good acceleration for a vehicle in this category, providing enough power for city driving and highway cruising. It also features three different driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
The only noticeable change in these modes is how the transmission shifts; switching from Normal to Sport keeps the gears longer for increased power, while the Eco mode lightens the shifting to enhance fuel efficiency.
The RAV4 is equipped with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that automatically distributes power to all four wheels. Drivers can select driving modes for mud and sand, rocks and gravel, or snowy roads.
As for fuel consumption, the RAV4 is rated at 6.7 liters per 100 km, according to Toyota. However, during my test, I recorded a consumption rate of 10.5 liters per 100 km. For those seeking better fuel efficiency, the RAV4 is also available in a hybrid version.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the RAV4 remains one of the top choices in its category, especially with the strong reputation that Toyota has built over the years. This new generation brings many improvements to one of the world’s best-selling cars.
2019 RAV4 Prices in the UAE
The price of the vehicle starts from AED 99,000, reaching AED 129,900 for the Adventure version we tested, while the most expensive RAV4 is the hybrid model priced at AED 139,900.
