2019 Toyota RAV4 Review

The all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 is the kind of car that appeals to small families and buyers of the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Nissan X-Trail. An interesting fact is that while the ‘R.A.V.’ part of its name stood for ‘Recreational Activity Vehicle’ for the past 25 years, Toyota thought it was time for a change, and so, it is now an acronym for ‘Robust Accurate Vehicle’…whatever that means.

Exterior

The all-new RAV4 is a big improvement over the older model and the car pictured above (the Adventure trim), which is the full-option model in the UAE, gets a few interesting upgrades:

• Unique black grille as opposed to a chrome grille on the standard car.
• Chunkier bumper guards on the front and rear bumpers.
• 19-inch alloy wheels, the largest available in the RAV4 line-up.
• Prominent fender flares for an adventurous look.

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Interior

The RAV4 Adventure features a vibrant interior with two-tone leather on the seats and dashboard, along with funky orange trim that adds a youthful feel. The design is simple and uncluttered, with large rubberized rotary controls and buttons placed conveniently.

However, while the color scheme and design are appealing, the materials could be improved. Toyota has attempted to use rubber and leather in some areas, but there remains a significant amount of exposed hard plastic. The door panels feel hollow, and the sun visors create an unpleasant plastic sound when folded away.

The lowered hip point in the new model makes it easier to enter and exit the backseats, providing more headroom and comparable legroom to class leaders. To enhance passenger comfort, there are rear A/C vents, cupholders, and USB charging ports.

As a family SUV, boot space is crucial. The RAV4 offers 580 liters behind the second row, surpassing the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Nissan X-Trail. Unique features include underfloor storage, a 12V outlet for auxiliary coolers, and a reversible floor with carpet on one side and easy-to-clean plastic on the other.

Features

The Adventure model, being the full-option variant in the UAE, includes a comprehensive list of comfort and entertainment features, such as:

• Power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• Push-button start.
• Dual-zone air-conditioning system.
• Wireless charging.
• Panoramic roof.

Additionally, it features automatic windows all around and sensors in the front and back, which are not present in all rivals. The rear camera is notably clearer than that of the Land Cruiser, and the Bluetooth connectivity is user-friendly, allowing pairing in under 20 seconds.

However, the 7-inch infotainment screen is relatively small and slow to respond compared to current standards. Notably absent are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although it does support Miracast.

Miracast enables you to cast any screen from your phone onto the infotainment screen, but it only functions when the car is stationary, which can be inconvenient for navigation.

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Drive

The RAV4 is equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, generating 203 horsepower, which is more than its competitors, along with 242 Nm of torque.

The Adventure trim features an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4-wheel drive, similar to the Prado and Land Cruiser. With 3 drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and 2 Multi-Terrain Modes, it adapts to various driving conditions.

The lack of locking differentials is compensated by sensors that work with the transmission and engine to limit wheel spin and distribute power to the wheels with the most traction. Whether driving in Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt mode, the car intelligently manages power distribution.

On-road, the RAV4 excels, averaging 10.5 liters per 100km with its 55-liter fuel tank, making it very fuel-efficient—arguably its best feature.

Verdict

The Toyota RAV4 has evolved significantly over the past 25 years and remains a key player in its segment. This all-new model is priced starting at 99,000 Dirhams, with the fully equipped Adventure variant priced at 129,900 Dirhams in the UAE.