Toyota bought greater than 400,000 examples of its RAV4 crossover final yr. So when it got here time to revamp that gross sales celebrity, the strain was on to not screw it up. Thankfully, Toyota’s accomplished an important job with this new RAV4, however there’s one other trick up this SUV’s sleeve. Meet the RAV4 Hybrid, a car that takes all the good accolades about Toyota’s compact crossover and provides a wholesome dose of effectivity.Hybrid benefitsWhile the vast majority of RAV4s driving off vendor heaps will probably be gasoline-only fashions with a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, individuals who actually worth effectivity will possible be enticed by the hybrid. It’s obtained stellar EPA-estimated gas economic system figures of 41 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 37 mpg on the freeway — an enormous profit over the 25 mpg metropolis and 33 mpg freeway scores of the usual RAV4. All-wheel drive is normal with a rear-mounted electrical motor shifting the again wheels, and as an entire, the powertrain is a bit more highly effective than its gas-only sibling, with a mixed system output of 219 horsepower.
Working with a constantly variable transmission, the engine offers greater than sufficient kick to rise up to hurry in a semi-quick vogue. The CVT hallmark of annoyingly loud engine drone underneath onerous acceleration stays, however the way in which that the drivetrain switches between gasoline, electrical or a mix of the 2 for propulsion is impressively seamless.Regenerative brake tuning can also be on level, providing sturdy stopping muscle and modulation skills. Older Toyota hybrids had brake pedals that felt like on/off switches when switching between regenerative and mechanical braking, and that is one space the place the corporate has actually come a good distance.Middle-ground dealing withAt the inspiration of all fifth-generation RAV4s is a variant of the TNGA-Okay platform that is additionally underpins the Avalon and Camry sedans. That accounts for 57 p.c higher rigidity than the outgoing automotive and permits the drivetrain to be mounted decrease, bringing the middle of gravity nearer to the bottom.
Ride consolation is excessive on the 18-inch Dunlop tires.
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All of that sounds promising dynamically talking, however a extra forgiving suspension and numb off-center steering response forestall the RAV4 from having reflexes as sharp because the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. Overall dealing with traits are nonetheless respectable for a 3,800-pound crossover, with managed preliminary physique roll coming into corners. The 18-inch wheels and Dunlop Grandtrek tires provide a experience high quality that can fulfill the vast majority of shoppers, as effectively. Dreaded Midwest roads suffering from potholes and frost heaves do not rattle the RAV4 because the suspension soaks up impacts. This is a noticeable enchancment over the previous automotive that felt crashy over small- to medium-sized bumps.Beefier seems to be and higher consolationAs most of its opponents undertake rounder, car-like traces, designers took the RAV4 in a boxier and extra substantial-looking course. The entrance takes cues from Toyota vehicles just like the 4Runner and Tacoma with my Limited take a look at automotive sporting a hexagon-pattern grille insert. At the edges, there are squared-off wheel arches, whereas the rear additionally strikes a chunkier look. As a giant fan of the boxy 4Runner, I do like the brand new look.Inside, a blockier sprint and door panels proceed the truck-like theme. Thankfully, in contrast to the RAV4’s truck brethren which can be crammed with acres of onerous plastic, supplies inside this Toyota are close to the highest of its class. All main surfaces have soft-touch surfacing with some accent stitching sprinkled in for good measure. Other good touches are the rubber door pull handles and heart stack knobs that add to the crossover’s barely extra premium really feel.The outdoors adopts a boxier look from Toyota vehicles just like the 4Runner and Tacoma.
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Both cabin consolation and performance are good. The entrance seats are comfortable however may use just a little extra aspect bolstering. Outward visibility is great from all angles. There’s serviceable room for adults in each rows, and plenty of storage cubbies to stash gadgets. The 37.5 cubic toes of cargo area in again is useful throughout a weekly grocery run, however a visit to the wholesale restaurant provide retailer (hey, I’ve obtained to assist the household enterprise after I can) requires folding the rear seats to make use of all the RAV4’s 69.8 cubic toes of hauling actual property.Stronger techTaking care of infotainment duties in my range-topping Hybrid Limited take a look at automotive is the Toyota Entune 3 interface with a responsive 8-inch touchscreen. This tester comes with onboard navigation, an 11-speaker JBL audio setup, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Entune display screen is intuitively laid out with large and clear display screen icons and helpful onerous shortcut buttons flanking the display screen to shortly name up probably the most generally used menus. As for Entune knocks, it nonetheless does not provide Android Auto, and the graphics look significantly dated.
Entune’s 8-inch touchscreen is responsive, however graphics look dated.
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To cost telephones and tablets, a USB port, 12-volt outlet and non-compulsory wi-fi cost pad sit on the base of the middle stack, whereas a few 2.1-amp USBs reside within the heart armrest. Rear passengers even have easy accessibility to 2 2.1-amp USB ports on the again of the middle console.
All RAV4 Hybrids obtain ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking, automated excessive beams, street signal help and lane departure warning with lane-keeping help. Limited trims additionally get normal blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and an adjustable, digital rearview mirror. A 360-degree surround-view digicam is obtainable as an possibility.How I might spec itAs attractive because the extra reasonably priced XSE mannequin, I might go together with a Limited for the additional creature comforts and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited begins at a not-too-expensive $36,745, together with $1,045 for vacation spot. I might solely add the $1,015 Limited Weather Package largely for the heated steering wheel to convey the worth tag of my RAV4 Hybrid to $37,760. The automotive pictured right here punches in at $39,565. Make my RAV4 Hybrid a full-zoot Limited.
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Top choiceWhen it involves small gasoline/electrical crossovers, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has loads going for it. With a base value of $28,745, it solely carries are $800 value premium over its gas-only counterparts so it will not break the financial institution. Making it a extra compelling bundle are the gas economic system advantages together with the brand new styling, nicer inside and tech upgrades.The solely direct delicate hybrid competitor in the intervening time is the Nissan Rogue Hybrid, with its forgettable seems to be, to not point out the truth that it is painfully sluggish and does not come near matching the Toyota’s effectivity. So for those who’re looking for a compact hybrid crossover, the brand new RAV4 actually is one of the best factor going.