Does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have a CVT transmission
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2019 Toyota RAV4 Review: A Compact Crossover with Advanced Features
When it made its debut back in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was credited for being the first compact crossover SUV in the world - an honor that it holds to this day. In markets such as the UAE, the RAV4 is the only compact crossover offering from the world-renowned Japanese auto giant, which is a precarious perch in a region that’s dominated by vehicles from this segment. However, over the years since its first introduction, Toyota has been able to craft the RAV4 to a state of near perfection. Now in its brand-new fifth-generation avatar, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 boasts a different and more aggressive design, overhauled and upmarket interior, and revised mechanicals to further its appeal. However, despite its newness, the 2019 RAV4 won’t have it easy, especially with the segment being rife with strong competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, and Kia Sportage.
Performance and Specifications
One of the most significant updates over the previous-gen RAV4 is that the new model now rides on the new TNGA-K (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which it shares with the new Camry. The new architecture is not only stronger and offers more structural rigidity over the older one, but it also provides for better driving characteristics in general.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the regular petrol-powered variants of the new RAV4 come with the tried & tested A25A-FKS 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill, now mated to an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission (replacing the old 6-speed unit). Moreover, Toyota engineers have been able to extract more power from this engine, now pushing out 203hp at 6,600 rpm and a maximum of 242Nm of torque between 4,000-5,500 rpm.
Acceleration and Fuel Economy
The higher output from the petrol-only powerplant results from a new logic for the variable valve timing, revised cylinder and piston design, and modifications to the intake & exhaust valves. These improvements, along with the relatively quick-shifting automatic gearbox, mean that the 2019 RAV4 can hit 100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds, with a top speed just north of 200 km/h.
- Front-wheel-drive (FWD) in the entry-level GX trim (AED 99,000)
- Permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) in the mid-spec GXR (AED 119,900)
- Top-spec Adventure (AED 129,900) trim options
In terms of fuel economy, the FWD RAV4 can attain a maximum of 6.4 L/100 km, while the AWD versions can only do about 6.7 L/100 km.
Hybrid Variant
Toyota also offers the 2019 RAV4 in a hybrid form, available only in the highest-spec VXR trim, priced at AED 139,900 in the UAE. Unlike its fossil fuel-only counterparts that feature a standard torque-converter automatic gearbox, the RAV4 Hybrid is only available with Toyota’s Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT). The hybrid variant is powered by a reworked 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, now backed up by an electric motor and a nickel-hydride battery pack. This combination results in the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid packing 219hp and 279Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed just under 200 km/h. Additionally, the hybrid powertrain and CVT combo allow the RAV4 to achieve a respectable fuel economy of 4.5 L/100 km.
Exterior Design
As for its new exterior styling, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 features a more sculpted front fascia, with a larger and more aggressive-looking grille, sleeker all-LED headlamps, a rugged-looking front bumper with an integrated skid plate, and a smoother hood to reduce drag. The side profile showcases ridges and contours along the bodywork, squared wheel arches, flared fenders, and abundant black protective trim. The design also features a fake ‘floating roof’, which may not look entirely convincing. Finally, the sporty rear end includes 3D-design LED tail lamps, a prominent roof spoiler, a revised tailgate, and a stubby bumper with dual exhaust pipes.
