2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Toyota RAV4

Toyota chose the 2018 New York Auto Show to unveil the next generation of RAV4 medium SUV. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is all-new, from the platform, the available drivetrains, the interior and even to the styling – it’s radically different to RAV4s that have come before it.

Now sitting on Toyota’s TNGA platform which is shared with the Prius, Camry, C-HR and new Corolla, the new generation of RAV4 will offer a range of 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol powertrains in front- or all-wheel drive. Toyota Australia has also confirmed that the fifth-generation RAV4 will be the first to offer hybrid power in Australia.

Toyota Australia’s vice-president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said RAV4 would be the first hybrid SUV in the company’s local model line-up.

“The combination of Toyota’s latest hybrid system and an advanced new petrol engine will deliver impressive power output and exceptional energy efficiency,” Mr Hanley said.

“Toyota’s hybrid technology will perfectly complement the work of engineers who have dialled-up the fun-to-drive factor by advancing every aspect of RAV4’s performance, handling and ride comfort.

“Together with the robust exterior styling and sophisticated interior, the new RAV4 will offer even greater appeal to people with active lifestyles who want to explore the city, make a weekend trip to the country or head off the beaten track.”

For most people, the most obvious change with the 2019 Toyota RV4 is the car’s styling – this is unlike any RAV model before it and following very closely to the FT-AC concept from 2017. A subtle evolution of the previous model’s styling was expected, and what was delivered is refreshingly different. Appearing much more off-road focused than before, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 inherits styling elements such as the front-end mouth from the US-market 4Runner, whilst the side features elements of the Lexus UX and NX SUVs. The headlights and tailights are LED, as per the previous model, and in some markets, a contrasting roof will be available – like the smaller C-HR.

The interior has also undergone a massive change for the better, with the blocky interior of the previous model shafted for a sleeker and more premium-looking layout featuring a tablet-like touchscreen with new technology such as Apple CarPlay – though Toyota Australia is yet to confirm if we’ll receive the same touchscreen as the North American models. Available technology has improved significantly, with features such as wireless charging, heated and ventilated electric front seats, and even a digital portion of the driver information display.

Toyota Australia have confirmed a variety of drivetrains for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 – though, this time, diesel will not be available. Instead, the new RAV4 will receive the new Camry’s hybrid system, which combines lithium ion batteries with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a new stepped CVT automatic gearbox. Also available will be Toyota’s new Dynamic Force 2.5-litre petrol engine and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, whilst a new Dynamic Force 2.0-litre engine from the new Corolla will also be available with Toyota’s new CVT gearbox or a six-speed manual. We expect the hybrid and larger engine to be all-wheel drive only, whilst the smaller 2.0-litre engine will be made front-wheel drive.

Dimensionally, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has not changed much. Its overall length of 4,600mm is 5mm shorter than the previous model, whilst its 1,855mm width is 10mm wider, its 1,700mm height is 10mm lower and its 2,690mm wheelbase is 30mm shorter than before. Like the previous generation of RAV4, the standard active safety package is long, with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, autonomous emergency braking, all-speed radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beam on all RAV4 models. Equipment such as blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert will be offered on higher models.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has been confirmed for Australian sales in the first quarter 0f 2019, with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for news and reviews regarding the Toyota range.