When any new auto for the year is released, “playing it safe” has been the name of the game. Worried about how certain consumers may think and react to a vehicle’s overall stance and vibe, many manufacturers stick with what is expected, and simply don’t want to rock the boat. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 now replaces a vehicle that sold 400,000 units last year and is the best selling non-pickup vehicle in the entire United States. All of us here at Rick McGill feel that playing it safe was what Subaru did with their Forester this year, and we can’t say that we blame them.
As James Riswick of Autoblog highlights in an article this past week, the entire method of style and philosophy is now different within the new model, and it has definitely been injected with elements that make it behave much more like a fully-fledged SUV. A taller ride height, TNGA car platform, and available all-wheel-drive system makes the car more sophisticated overall, and the styling more commanding and angle-centric. Longtime company contributor Yoshikazu Saeki is obviously very happy to carry out his new duties, on a quest to change currently existing perceptions of the RAV4.
XSE Trim Level
Within the new XSE Trim level, the athletic essence of the vehicle is embraced, with a sport-tuned suspension, and the glossy metallic black trim on the fascias, enhanced wheel arches, and contrasting roof. Trying to make the regular RAV4 more fun and break the hybrid mold were what the chief engineer was trying to accomplish. The base engine in question here is the new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder shared with the Camry, producing 203 horsepower, providing what the testing team at Autoblog deemed more than enough. In the hybrid, the same 2.5-liter engine is joined by three electric motors to form a standard all-wheel-drive system and provide more in the performance department. Fuel economy is exceptional, with EPA estimates of 41 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 39 mpg combined.
The TNGA platform helpfully yields a 57 percent stiffer structure, a lowered center of gravity, and an electric power steering system that is mounted to the rack instead of the column. Because of these changes, the SUV feels much more involved, and the poise, as well as turn-in, is improved greatly. We stand behind the sentiment that every RAV4 is now better to drive, and much more capable after making the exciting final turn to navigate off-road. The Adventure and Limited AWD trims feature the more sophisticated torque-vectoring AWD system, which expertly varies the amount of power sent to each rear wheel enhancing the all-important traction factor.
The various journalists present at the press launch favored its Tacoma-inspired front, new fender flares, contrasting roof, and raised-up roof rails. As far as the comfort factor, the back seat gains an extra .6 inches of legroom, and an extra inch of shoulder room as well as a much quieter cabin. The base LE sports a 7-inch touchscreen, and all others get the 8-inch unit with dash-top position. We are wagering that many will be attracted to this version of an instant classic and hope you come down to grace us with your New-Year anticipating presence this coming week!
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