MT
Although the RAV4 isn’t our
top pick, it’s definitely winning
the sales race. The RAV4 is
the best-selling vehicle in its
segment. In fact, the RAV4 was
the best-selling non-pickup
vehicle in the U.S. in 2018.
Toyota completely overhauled
the RAV4 for the 2019 model
year, moving it to a new plat-
form that greatly improves
the drive experience. The SUV
received new engines, a more
compelling design, and even a
little off-road appeal.
Our XLE tester is one
step up from the base RAV4.
Standard features are simple:
a 7.0-inch touchscreen with
Apple CarPlay, six speakers,
fabric seats, a power moonroof,
keyless entry and ignition, and
dual-zone automatic climate
control. Standard LED head-
lights and daytime running
lights add a little style. It also
comes with Toyota Safety
Sense 2.0, which includes apre-collision system with
pedestrian detection, adaptive
cruise control, lane departure
alert with steering assist, lane
tracing assist, automatic high-
beams, and road sign assist.
Blind-spot monitoring with
rear cross-traffic alert rounds
out standard safety goodies.
On top of these features,
we tacked on some carpet
floormats and the $1,295
XLE Convenience package,
bringing an eight-way
power-adjustable driver’s seat
with lumbar support, heated
front seats, and a height-
adjustable power liftgate. All
in all, our RAV4 comes out to a
pretty reasonable $31,509.S
orry, Toyota, but
we’re going to start by
mentioning the thorn
in your side, the Honda
CR-V. How can we ignore the
elephant in the room? In two
recent MotorTrend compari-
sons, the CR-V took the crown
over the RAV4, and we’ve
concluded the Honda is the
best vehicle in the segment.
It’s on this note that the 2019
Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD enters
our long-term fleet. That said,
I’ve been driving it for a few
weeks now, and I’m enjoying it.
Maybe there are hidden trea-
sures we haven’t yet explored?Android Auto will be
standard on the 2020 RAV4.
But if you get a 2019 model,
we hope you have an iPhone;
Android Auto is not available.
We suppose it’s not the end of
the world, but using Bluetooth
just feels silly now that both
CarPlay and Android Auto are
so widely available.
Under the hood, a 2.5-liter
four-cylinder engine comes
paired with an eight-speed
automatic. Making 203 hp and
184 lb-ft of torque, it’s far from
the most energetic crossover
we’ve driven. Over the year,
we’ll have to see if it can keep
up with our demands and if
it’s as fuel efficient as its EPA
rating suggests. We’ll also
report how much it costs to
operate during the year.
We’ll tell you a few things
we like about our tester right
off the bat. It may not be
everyone’s first choice, but
don’t you think the Lunar
Rock paint color is a nice
change of pace? The ambig-
uous hue looks more green,
blue, or gray depending on
the lighting. The RAV4 also
has a tight turning radius and
is easy to park. Stay tuned for
more in-depth insights, and
find out whether I can survive
a year without Android Auto.Updates on our long-term fleet
“Will America’s best-selling
crossover live up to its reputation?
We’re about to find out.” Kelly LinEPA CITY/HWY/COMB Fuel Econ:
25/33/28 mpgARRIVAL: 2019 Toyota RAV 4 XLE AWD
Base price $29,945 As tested $31,509ALFA ROMEO
ACURA RDX GIULIA86 MOTORTREND.COM FEBRUARY 2020PAULLAGUETTEHeight 66.9”2019 Toyota RAV 4 XLE AWD
Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
Engine 2.5L/203-hp/184-lb-f t DOHC 16-valve I-4 Transmission
8-speed automatic Curb Weight 3,500 lb (MT est) Wheelbase
105.9 in 0-60 MPH 8.0 sec (MT est) Energy Cons, City/Hw y
135/102 kW-hr/100 miles CO2 Emissions, Comb 0.69 lb/mileWidth^73.^4 ”Length (^180). 9 ”