USED: The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited is Everything You Want in a Small SUV
Erica Mueller
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I just couldn’t turn down the chance to review the redesigned 2019 Toyota RAV4.
We love the Toyota RAV4. We have written about it a lot in the past. But when I was asked if I might like to test drive a small group of vehicles, among them, the all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4, I jumped at the chance. See, this vehicle is one I’ve reviewed a few times and it’s a personal favorite. And one I could see myself owning. It is both practical and spacious, comfortable and sporty.
The 2019 model has been redesigned. I just had to see the upgrades for myself.
What We Liked About this Small SUV
It’s fuel efficient. I don’t know about you, but that’s surely an important factor for me. Perfect for everyday use plus your adventurous travels. Toyota knew that so they tailored the RAV4 just for you.
For the avid adventurer, the cargo space in the RAV4 is unmatched. You’ll be absolutely blown away by how much you can haul in this little SUV. Put the back seats down and you nearly double the space. You could easily pack for a weekend camping trip, a week-long road trip, or put a dog kennel in the back.
My husband and I had to attend a funeral the week we had the RAV4 and the cemetery was one of those really out of the way places where you’re pretty much driving through fields to get there. No road, no gravel, just tire marks in the grass. We remarked more than once that we were very glad to be in a vehicle with good ground clearance, rather than our family sedan. The RAV4 handled the uneven terrain like a pro and didn’t seem one bit lost, even though we totally were.
And it was plenty comfortable on the road too. We spent some time that week in urban areas and enjoyed being able to get in and out of tight spaces easily while still enjoying the higher stance and spaciousness of an SUV.
This is with the front seats as far back as they will go. As you can see, there is still plenty of legroom for passengers in the back seat! Photo by Erica Mueller
The 2019 RAV4 Limited is a Great Family Car
More spacious than a sedan, easier to get the kids in and out of thanks to the higher ground clearance, and plenty of room in the cargo area for strollers, playpens, sports gear, groceries, and pets! The back seat of this compact SUV is anything but compact. It affords way more leg and elbow room than our Camry and my kids loved all the space. I liked the idea that they could keep growing and we wouldn’t grow out of the car.
The RAV4 is incredibly safe, boasting all of the latest technology for lane detection, pedestrian crossing, stability control, backup cameras, and parking assist. It also has fantastic crash test ratings which will put your mind at ease as you’re driving your family around town.
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Technology like wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity make the RAV4 a great choice for the driver with a long commute. Photo by Erica Mueller
For the Commuter, More Power with Less Fuel? Win. Win.
The 2019 RAV4 is now available with electronic rear driveline disconnect, which means that when AWD isn’t needed, only the front wheels are being powered. This helps to increase fuel economy for AWD models. (Models without the available AWD are front-wheel drive.) I think this is an excellent improvement. Living in the middle of nowhere in north Texas I love knowing I have an AWD vehicle when the roads are wet or icy, but I hate sacrificing fuel economy on a daily driver when my commute is so long. The RAV4 got 32-34 MPG when we drove it, which is about what our Camry gets, so I was very pleased. In fact, I’d trade for one in a heartbeat. It really is the best of both worlds.
Step Inside the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited, Where Every Passenger is Greeted with Comfort and Luxury
All the RAV4 trim levels got interior upgrades this year, and while my favorite is the orange trimmed Adventure Edition, the Limited model I drove this year was quite upscale! The creamy light leather seats contrasted well with the dark carpet and interior of the vehicle, and the leather looked really easy to clean, which is important when you have kids and pets.
I think this package is going to make the RAV4 a real contender for the group of people who want a more luxurious ride, but still need the convenience, safety, and family-friendly prices that Toyota offers.
How Much Does It Cost?
While the RAV4 starts at just $25,650 but the Limited we test drove comes to a total of $38,019. Why? Because this beauty has a boatload of extras like automatic liftgate, smart key system on all doors, premium audio, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, birdseye view, all around 360-degree camera for added safety, an 8-inch touch screen, and more.
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This color is called Blueprint and it catches the light beautifully! Photo by Erica Mueller
The RAV4 Has Something for Everyone
I keep a close eye on our local Toyota dealership’s social media pages and I always smile when I see a RAV4 has found a new home. From parents of teens buying their kid’s first car to college students, new families, and even older couples, this compact SUV is winning hearts on a daily basis.
2019 Toyota RAV4 FAQs
1. What is the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota. It’s known for its reliability, versatility, and a wide range of features.
2. How many trim levels are available for the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 typically comes in several trim levels, which may include the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and the hybrid versions, including the LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. Each trim level offers distinct features and options.
3. What are the engine options for the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides ample power and efficiency. In addition to the conventional gas engine, Toyota offers hybrid versions with a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor.
4. Is all-wheel drive (AWD) available for the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
Yes, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on the 2019 Toyota RAV4, and it’s particularly popular in areas with varied weather and road conditions.
5. What is the seating capacity in the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 typically seats five passengers in a comfortable and spacious interior. Both the front and rear seats offer ample space for occupants.
6. How is the interior of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 in terms of comfort and features?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 features a well-designed interior with quality materials. It includes comfortable seats, an intuitive infotainment system, and a flexible cargo area with a rear seat that folds down to create additional space.
7. What are the technology features in the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and available features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on select trims. It also includes advanced safety technologies, such as Toyota Safety Sense P, which includes adaptive cruise control and pre-collision system.
8. How is the cargo space in the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 offers a spacious cargo area for its class, making it practical for various hauling needs. The rear seats are easy to fold down, providing even more cargo space when needed.
9. Is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 fuel-efficient?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is known for its good fuel efficiency, especially in its hybrid versions. The conventional gasoline engine provides competitive gas mileage for its class.
10. What are the safety features in the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 includes a comprehensive suite of safety features, with Toyota Safety Sense P as a standard feature on most trim levels. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. Traditional safety features like airbags and stability control are also present.
11. How does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 handle on the road?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 delivers a comfortable and stable ride. It’s suitable for daily commuting and highway driving, offering a balanced mix of comfort and handling.
12. What is the starting price for the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
Pricing for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 varies based on the trim level and optional features you choose. It starts at a base price, and additional features and packages can influence the final cost.
The 2019 RAV4 was lent to me, by Toyota, for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
