2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure and XSE Hybrid – New York Auto Show Preview

By Steve & Tamami Laser

To reward the RAV4 crossover for its top-selling status, Toyota is preparing to introduce an all-new fifth-generation lineup. Making its debut at the New York Auto Show today, the 2019 RAV4 gains completely new styling inside and out, improved driving dynamics, advanced connectivity and safety technologies plus a new platform.

RAV4 will ride on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, including a multi-link rear suspension, designed to improve the crossover’s ride, handling and driving pleasure. Toyota previewed the styling direction for the new RAV4 with the FT-AC concept that made its debut late last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The RAV4 Adventure model (above) is dressed with an exclusive grille, fog light surrounds and unique wheels, along with high-profile roof rails and big over-fenders. It features standard Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect. Multi-Terrain Select, standard on RAV4 AWD gas models, offers driver-selectable modes to help maximize traction on different surfaces.

RAV4 powertrain choices for 2019 include a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with VVT-iE teamed with an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. Hybrid models feature a 2.5L gas engine combined with the Toyota Hybrid System II and an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT).

Toyota calls the new XSE Hybrid (above) the “sportiest” RAV4. It gains piano-black accents across the front end, mirror caps, fender arches and lower rockers. Meanwhile, with its sport-tuned suspension, along with enhanced power, this model is billed as the “quickest and best-handling” RAV4 in the lineup.

Luxury is the theme for the new RAV4 Limited. Features include 19-inch alloys, a moonroof, power driver’s seat, and new 7-inch Multi-Information Display. Limited’s new Digital Display Rearview Mirror offers an increased field of vision by displaying an image via an adjustable wide-angle rear-mounted camera.

RAV4 features a standard Electronic Parking Brake, and available Qi wireless device charger. Toyota says every RAV4 includes Entune™ 3.0 multimedia with 7-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon, hands-free access to Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility. Available Entune 3.0 Audio Plus includes an 8-inch touchscreen plus SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, while Premium Audio adds a navigation system.

RAV4s are fitted with Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS) 2.0 including Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, plus new Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. Other available safety features include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Bird’s Eye View Camera, Intelligent Clearance Sonar, and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking system.

Launch timing for 2019 RAV4 gas models in the U.S. is planned near the end of 2018, while hybrid models are expected to follow in early 2019.

Note: Features, specifications and launch timing is subject to change without notice

News source and photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, Inc., and Toyota (GB) PLC

Story (commentary) © 2018 CarNichiWa.com