All-New 2019 Toyota RAV4 Breaks the Mould
All-New Robust Design and Highly Refined Driving Experience
New Dynamic Force 2.5L Engine and Toyota Hybrid System Powertrains Offering More Power and fuel efficiency
Standard Second-Generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0)
All-New, No-Compromise Sporty Hybrid Grade, XSE HV, with More Power and Anticipated Class-Leading fuel efficiency
Off-Road Capabilities with Available Multi-Terrain Select and Available Segment- and Toyota-First, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect
Standard Entune 3.0 with Apple CarPlay Compatibility
On Sale in December 2018 (Gas Grades), Late March 2019 for Hybrid Grades
- The original Toyota RAV4 arrived in Canada 22 years ago, casting the mold for a whole new industry segment, which evolved into the compact crossover SUV.
With the all-new, fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4, the vehicle premieres, yet again, at the forefront - both for the Toyota brand and for what is currently the most popular segment in the industry. Dealership arrivals can't come soon enough, with 2019 RAV4 gas models set to arrive next month, and RAV4 Hybrid models following in late March 2019.
The first RAV4 was a true game-changer, but no one knew at the time just how big of a market shift it would create. Much has changed in the two decades since then. Compact crossover SUVs have grown in size, and segment growth shows no signs of abating. RAV4 is the best-selling vehicle in its class, doubling volume over the last five years to sales of nearly 51,000 in Canada in 2017. That makes RAV4 Toyota's best-selling vehicle in Canada, and the best-selling non-pickup truck in North America.
The 2019 RAV4 is, in essence, disrupting the segment it created. It is bringing more sport and more utility back while enhancing the agile handling, everyday comfort and exemplary fuel efficiency that made RAV4 the segment leader it is now. All told, the 2019 RAV4 is designed to tackle urban, suburban or great outdoors Trails with equal aplomb. The look is tougher, and there's greater capability with a new type of all-wheel drive, yet the ride is smoother and quieter, with new comfort touches inside.
New RAV4 powertrains increase performance while reducing fuel consumption. Second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) comes standard, and Entune multimedia is more comprehensive and versatile than ever.
RAV4, the compact crossover SUV trend-setter, is poised to, once again, change the game.
As Capable As It Looks
There will be no mistaking the 2019 RAV4 for anything else in its class. Following the guiding themes of Adventure and Refined, designers drew inspiration from tough Toyota trucks, particularly in front-end and grille design, to create an athletic, chiseled appearance. Sophisticated sculpting with a more dynamic profile and robust shoulders give the 2019 RAV4 a brawnier stance, giving the vehicle a "get up and go" attitude.
With their polygonal motifs, the wheel arches appear to hold the tires from a high position, emphasizing the lifted-up body and drawing attention to the vehicle's capability. Ground clearance is increased by more than 15 mm over the previous generation RAV4, with the Trail grade doubling that increase of ground clearance and equipped with standard 19-inch wheels. Black-finish lower body protection further emphasizes the lifted-up look, yet RAV4 retains a comfortable step-in height.
The side mirrors are now positioned lower on the doors for increased forward visibility around the A-pillar. Side visibility is increased thanks to a lowered beltline and the redesigned and enlarged rear-quarter glass. Form and function combine in taillights and exterior door handles shaped to contribute to aerodynamic stability.
The 2019 RAV4 2,690 mm wheelbase grows 30 mm over the previous model, adding to rear seat legroom. Overall length comes in at 4,595 mm and height is reduced to 1,700 mm with roof rails (-5 mm) for non-Trail grade models (Trail coming in at 1,740 mm). Width grows by 10 mm. Front track is nearly 35 mm wider, while rear track is increased by nearly 45 mm.
Built Like a Takumi-tuned Brick
Beneath the 2019 RAV4's bolder sheet metal, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform provides the robust foundation for capability, comfort and safety. The longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks provide a stable, confident driving platform. Shorter front and rear overhangs aid the RAV4's trail driving capability.
The 2019 RAV4's unibody structure is 57-percent more rigid than the previous model, allowing tuning for the front strut and rear multi-link suspension that enhances agility while also providing a smoother, quieter ride. The end goal was clear: create a driving experience that is confident and natural.
The TNGA-K platform allows lower powertrain placement than in the previous RAV4, which lowers the centre of gravity. Using high-strength steel has reduced weight in the upper body, also helping to shift the centre of gravity lower. A new saddle-style fuel tank distributes weight of the fuel evenly side-to-side. The previous model had the entire tank on one side of the vehicle.
The RAV4's exceptional handling performance and ride compliance are not simply the result of engineering the right parts. Throughout vehicle development, a select group of takumi (highly trained master craftsmen), focused on the finest tuning details to ensure a level of vehicle smoothness in all driving conditions, particularly at everyday speeds.
The driver will feel the benefits when steering into the first corner, or over the first bump. RAV4, even with its added capability for 2019, offers crisper on-road handling and an even more compliant and quieter ride than its esteemed predecessor.
A lighter powertrain and new steering system are major contributors to that cause. The new parallel-type electric power steering system is rack-mounted rather than column-mounted in the previous model. The new design enhances turning response and delivers a natural feel that can help reduce fatigue on long drives. Higher rigidity in the steering mounting and column further enhances steering responsiveness and feel.
More Power from Less Fuel
Power and efficiency both make a leap in the 2019 RAV4 thanks to the new Dynamic Force 2.5-litre inline-four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission in the gas models. In the RAV4 Hybrid, the engine is teamed with Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with Electronically-Controlled Continuously-Variable Transmission (ECVT). RAV4 HV is not only the efficiency leader of the line, but the top performer, as well.
The combination of a very high compression ratio (13:1 on gas models, 14:1 on HV models, which uses Atkinson cycle), D4-S fuel injection (combining direct and secondary port injectors), high-speed combustion, VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing and ultra-low internal friction yield a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent. That remarkable figure is among the highest in the world for a passenger vehicle engine (41 percent for the RAV4 HV), exemplifying Toyota's leadership in fuel efficiency technology.
The other eye-opening numbers, of course are for output: 203 horsepower for the gas models and 219 total system horsepower for the HV models.
The new Direct Shift-8AT transmission provides a much wider ratio spread than the 6-speed automatic it replaces (7.8 vs. 5.425), resulting in quicker and smoother acceleration, getting drivers from 0 - 60 mph in 8.2 seconds (Limited grade). The new transmission provides torque converter lock-up in gears 2 through 8 to eliminate power loss and execute ultra-smooth shifts. The driver can choose from Eco, Normal and Sport modes to tailor vehicle responses.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive
In addition to standard front-wheel drive, RAV4 gas models offer two types of available all-wheel drive. The new, segment- and Toyota-first, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect comes standard on AWD-equipped Limited gas and Trail grade models. It can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, as well as distribute it to the left or right rear wheel to enhance handling on or off pavement.
When AWD isn't required -on long stretches of highway, for example - RAV4 can achieve better fuel economy thanks to the Rear Driveline Disconnect system. The system uses the world's first ratchet-type dog clutches to stop the rear-axle driveshaft's rotation, thus significantly reducing energy loss and improving fuel efficiency.
Standard on all AWD-equipped gas RAV4 models, Multi-Terrain Select gives drivers the ability to maximize traction when driving through mud, sand, rocks, dirt and snow. The system is easy to use thanks to control buttons or a control dial (depending on the grade) positioned to the left of the transmission shift lever.
The driver can select Mud & Sand mode for beach driving, or Rock & Dirt mode for trails. Using the Multi-Information Display (MID), the driver can view torque allocation and slip control, which change depending on driving and road conditions.
In addition, RAV4 models include the following features for optimal on-road and off-road performance and safety:
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
• Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (standard on Trail and Limited AWD only)
RAV4 Hybrid: Enhanced All-Wheel Drive Capability
As with the AWD system in the previous RAV4 HV models, the new AWD version employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. The 2019 system comes standard on all RAV4 HV grades and increases total torque to the rear wheels by 30 percent compared to the previous system.
During on-road driving, distributing more driving force to the rear wheels suppresses front wheel slip during off-the-line starts for optimal acceleration performance and stability. The system also reduces understeer during cornering for enhanced steering stability. Off-road, the increased rear-wheel torque provides powerful hill-climbing performance, even on rough terrain.
A driver-selectable Trail Mode makes it possible to get unstuck by braking a spinning wheel and sending torque to the wheel with traction.
Refined, Re-Defined
The Refined theme guided interior design, and the word "premium" will come to mind, as well. The dash layout is modern and uncomplicated, yet packed with the latest multimedia technology and some thoughtful surprises. "User-friendly" may sound like a cliché until one experiences it in the 2019 RAV4.
The instrument panel's horizontal layout has a slimmer profile and lower position than before to enhance forward visibility. Its reduced visible angle conveys a feeling of greater openness in the cabin, as well.
The thoughtful mix of interior materials conveys a higher level of sophistication in the 2019 RAV4, obvious at first look and touch. Solid material used for the upper and lower parts of the instrument panel and door trim grip conveys strength and durability. Soft padding has been added to areas that passengers frequently touch. These contrasting surfaces emphasize the dual nature of an SUV. Stitching that enhances the continuity from the door trim to the instrument panel adds a sense of quality.
Collectively, details large and small show the focus on enhanced everyday comfort and convenience throughout the RAV4 cabin. Front and rear seats are more supportive and more comfortable. Standard two-zone front heated seats include a thoughtful touch: greater heat provided in the centre of the back and the thighs, which many people typically find comfortable.
The centre console is about 38 mm wider and more versatile than before. Compared to the previous RAV4, the centre armrest sits about 18 mm higher to match door armrest height for more natural and comfortable elbow resting. A newly standard Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) improves accessibility, and console storage is increased. The console also provides side-by-side cup holders, an open tray to hold small items and an available Qi wireless charger.
Convenient, easy-to-reach in-dash trays for the driver and passenger hold such items as electronics, mobile phones, and other travel must-haves. At night, clear blue LEDs illuminate the trays to keep items visible and provide indirect mood lighting for the cabin (on Limited, XSE and Trail grades). When RAV4 is in motion, the tray lights are dimmed to prevent driver distraction.
In addition, an overhead console offers room for small objects, such as sunglasses. Attention to detail also shows in the way the climate controls can be operated while wearing gloves, greatly enhancing tactility.
Quiet Comfort Throughout
Rear seat passengers get plenty of attention in the new RAV4, starting with access. The larger rear door-opening angle, reduced distance from the hip point to the rocker, and increased distance from the rear seat to the door trim makes getting in and out easier. Once seated, passengers will immediately feel the benefit of the greater left and right couple distance and legroom, as well as the improved seat cushioning.
The rear armrest area is nearly 38 mm wider than before, and its cup holders are deeper. There are new air conditioning vents for the rear seat area, which are standard on LE HV and above on hybrids, and XLE and above on gas models.
Previously, RAV4 was already lauded for its quiet ride, but that didn't stop Toyota from making further improvements. The high-strength TNGA platform is the first defense against noise intrusion. Sound-damping and soundproofing materials have been optimized throughout the vehicle, with a particular focus on minimizing noise in the frequencies that interfere with conversation in the cabin.
Holes and gaps between parts have also been filled in with sound-damping material for an even greater reduction in road noise intrusion. As one example, the floor silencer pad is now one large piece, and its surface area is increased from 60 percent coverage to 92 percent.
High-Style Pack Mule
In shifting to a more focused SUV design for the 2019 RAV4, Toyota also added emphasis to a key reason people buy these vehicles: carrying capability. RAV4 already had one of the largest cargo areas in its segment, and the 2019 model expands on that. The cargo area is more than 65 mm longer, and the side surfaces have been shaped for maximum space usage. Side pockets behind the wheel wells provide extra storage. The LE grade features a removable partition to hold items in place, while the higher grades feature nets.
For added convenience, the cargo area deck offers two height levels:
• Upper level: The heights of the finish plate and deck board surface are aligned, making it easy to store and remove objects. Also, when the rear seats are folded, the rear seatbacks, finish plate, and deck form a nearly flat surface, enabling long items to be carried more easily.
• Lower level: The height from the deck board to the vehicle ceiling increases by about 55 mm to accommodate taller items.
• The deck board is reversible: Flipping it over brings a plastic surface, ideal for carrying wet or dirty objects.
Advanced Multimedia
Every 2019 RAV4 model is equipped with Entune 3.0 multimedia, including Apple CarPlay compatibility.
The standard Entune 3.0 audio system uses a 7-inch touchscreen perched atop the centre stack for easy access. Entune 3.0 Audio Plus adds an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM Radio. Entune 3.0 Premium Audio enhances the multimedia system with embedded dynamic navigation.
Topping the RAV4's multimedia offerings is an all-new available JBL audio system. This next-generation premium audio setup incorporates enhanced system architecture, new speaker design and an improved tuning process.
The available JBL audio system rocks music of all genres through 11 speakers in nine locations at 800 watts. The result is an all-access pass to the most intimate music concert, all from inside a RAV4.
Making the Grades
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 gas models will be offered in five grades: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Trail and Limited. RAV4 HV will be offered in five grades: LE HV, XLE HV, XSE HV, XSE HV with Technology package and Limited HV.
Toyota's typical outstanding value is clearly evident in the RAV4 LE grade, where the standard equipment list includes features that one might expect in an upgrade model: Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, color-keyed heated power exterior mirrors with LED turn signals and blind spot warning indicators; Multi-LED headlights and taillights; dual exhaust; color-keyed exterior door handles; low-profile roof rails; privacy glass on side, quarter and liftgate windows; 4.2-in. Multi-Information Display (MID); power windows with automatic up/down and jam protection on all doors; soft-touch dash and armrests; a 12v auxiliary power outlet in the instrument panel storage tray and another in the second row, plus front reading lights and a cargo area light.
The XLE grade is a major upgrade and adds 17-inch alloy wheels; Multi-LED headlights with chrome bezels and auto on/off headlamps; fog lights; power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and new mesh wind deflector; dual chrome exhaust tips; dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents; Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with push button start, remote keyless entry and remote illuminated entry; rear cargo area cover; four additional USB charging ports, power liftgate, leather-trimmed steering wheel and more.
The new XLE Premium grade builds on that, adding 19-inch super-chrome-finish alloy wheels; SofTex-trimmed seats with 8-way power driver's seat and 2-way lumbar; and shift handle with sequential mode.
Trail Grade True to Its Name
The Trail grade continues in the all-new 2019 RAV4, equipped for all-weather urban, suburban, and trail exploring. Inheriting design features from Toyota off-roaders, the Trail grade represents the pinnacle of the design team's Robust theme. It is distinguished by standard high-rise roof rails and larger over-fenders, more aggressive bumper, grille design and fog light surrounds.
The 19-inch, split five-spoke wheels with matte-black accents are exclusive to the Trail grade and wear 235/55R19 tires. The Trail grade backs up its tough stance with 218 mm of ground clearance and rugged functionality for any road. The Trail and Limited grades are equipped with active grille shutters to enhance fuel economy.
To maximize the adventurous look, this RAV4 Trail grade can be ordered with an Ice Edge-colored roof that is paired with one of three exterior colors: Midnight Black Metallic and Blue Flame are both new for RAV4, while Lunar Rock is new to the Toyota lineup and makes its first appearance on RAV4.
Heated and ventilated front seats are available on the Trail grade, and interior seat finishes come in either black or a grade-exclusive Mocha-colored SofTex, the latter a brand-new interior finish in the Toyota lineup. Orange stitching accents the interior, with additional orange appointments placed throughout the dashboard.
XSE HV: The Sportiest RAV4
The HV models are the power and acceleration leaders in the RAV4 line with a 7.8-second 0-60. For those who prefer sportier on-road driving dynamics, the XSE HV leads the charge with its sport-tuned suspension, tauter spring and shock absorber tuning, and 18-inch five-spoke, black-painted sport alloy wheels with P225/60R18 tires, capping off a handling package that makes RAV4 XSE HV hungry for the corners.
The look is unique, too, with piano-black accents across the front end, mirror caps, fender arches, and lower rockers. Exclusive to RAV4 HV models, projector-beam LED headlamps and unique signature LED daytime running lamps (on XLE and above) produce a more premium light source.
A standard two-tone exterior paint scheme gives RAV4 XSE HV a striking presence. The standard black roof is paired with Blizzard Pearl, Silver Sky Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, or Blueprint (a new color to the palette). RAV4 XSE HV's exclusive interior comes mono-spec with black SofTex material and blue accents throughout.
Limited Grade: Journey Into Luxury
The Limited grade takes the RAV4 into luxury territory. Outside, front and rear bumpers with silver accent garnishes, large black over-fenders, gray metallic-colored grille, 19-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents set it apart from the other grades. Inside, premium comfort and style come to the forefront with a standard power moonroof and 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory and 2-way lumbar support. Heated and ventilated perforated front seating, heated perforated rear outboard seating are also available.
RAV4 Limited comes standard with a new 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) in the instrument panel, which can, among other functions, display turn-by-turn directions in navigation-equipped vehicles and serve as a digital speedometer.
A power liftgate is standard, and a hands-free power liftgate is available. The Entune Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation system is standard, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen and 11 JBL speakers.
The Digital Rearview Mirror makes its debut on RAV4 for the first time in a Toyota vehicle in North America and comes standard on Limited and XSE HV grades. By default, the display is a conventional rearview mirror but with the flip of a switch, drivers have an increased field of vision coming through the rearview mirror, showing what is behind the vehicle thanks to a high-mounted, adjustable wide-angle, high-definition camera on the rear of vehicle. At night, the image is brightened. At the same time, glare from headlights and other light sources is eliminated to enhance visibility while reducing eye fatigue.
Next-Generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0)
The new TNGA-K platform forms the foundation for exemplary collision protection in the 2019 Toyota RAV4, while a suite of standard driver-assist technologies is designed to help prevent collisions, or to mitigate their impacts.
Fulfilling a goal announced in 2016, Toyota has made safety technology with automatic front braking standard on every new model. The 2019 RAV4 is equipped with the second generation of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), which adds new active-safety technologies and capabilities. The roster includes:
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
Reference : www.toyota.ca