The completely redesigned 2019 Toyota RAV4 looks more like the SUV it’s always strived to be. Toyota took this opportunity to not only provide RAV4 with a more serious appearance, but its chassis, engine, and transmission are new, too.
Losing a bit of cargo room in the transition, the RAV4 maintains its family-friendly cabin with its roomy backseat and comfortable seating. We particularly like it for its impressive safety technology, spirited engine, solid all-wheel drive (AWD) system, and Toyota’s legendary durability.
Toyota separates RAV4 into six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, and Limited. There are also hybrid variations, which we detail separately.
Toyota arms every RAV4 with a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 8-speed is a treasure in a segment where continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) are the rule (Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and so forth) and not the exception.
The Adventure grade comes standard with the new torque-vectoring AWD system. Not only does engine torque move back and forth between the axles, but it also moves between the wheels on the rear axle. Moreover, its rear-driveline disconnect means saving fuel. AWD is a $1,400 upgrade in every other RAV4 trim level. Trims lower than Adventure get the conventional system. The top-end RAV4 Limited gets the same AWD as Adventure.
According to government fuel-economy estimates, the RAV4 delivers 26 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg in combined driving with front-wheel drive (FWD). Opting for AWD scrubs away a little mileage to 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined.
2019 Toyota RAV4 LE (Original starting price when new: $25,950)
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The 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE starts at $29,950.
Standard are 17-inch steel wheels, LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), and high-beam assist.
Also included are air conditioning, fabric-covered multi-adjustable manual front bucket seats, a 60/40 split-reclining fold-flat rear seat, and remote keyless entry.
A tilt-telescopic steering wheel and hill-start assist are standard, as well.
The infotainment system has a 7-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, one USB port, voice command, and Apple CarPlay. Android Auto isn’t available.
The driver aids are adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with steering assist.
Also standard are road-sign assist and lane-tracing assist.
Options include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
If you opt for AWD, you also get multiple traction modes: Mud/Sand, Rock/Dirt, and Snow.
Who is this trim level for? Buyers who want a solid small crossover with a smattering of convenience and advanced safety features will appreciate the LE.
2019 Toyota RAV4 LE includes:
LED exterior lighting – This includes headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). LEDs illuminate a broader and longer area than regular incandescent or halogen lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
Remote keyless entry – You can unlock and lock the vehicle remotely when in range using the fob.
Forward-collision warning – This alerts the driver when a frontal collision is probable. If the driver doesn’t react, it will automatically apply the brakes.
2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE (Original starting price when new: $27,245)
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The 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE starts at $27,245.
To the LE, XLE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-on-off LED headlights, fog lights, and heated power outboard rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Also standard are a power moon roof, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and five USB ports.
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automatic reverse braking are included, as well.
Through the options list, you can add satellite-radio capability, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more.
Who is this trim for? With the XLE, Toyota targets buyers wanting to keep the price below $30,000 yet enjoy a few creature comforts like dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry.
2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE includes:
Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
Keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you touch the door handle. Push-button start pairs with keyless entry.
Heated outboard mirrors – Electrically heated, these mirrors automatically clear away ice, snow, and fog. These outboard mirrors also feature turn-signal repeaters installed on their outer shell.
2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium (Original starting price when new: $29,950)
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The 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium starts at $29,950.
There are only minimal differences between the XLE and the XLE Premium.
The additions are 19-inch alloy wheels, a power rear liftgate, faux-leather seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The available options are similar to the XLE, minus the power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Who is this trim for? Adding a bit of class to the XLE, the XLE Premium, for very little money, includes a few nice upgrades. It’s for buyers who have a $30,000 budget and decide to get a little more than in the XLE.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure (Original starting price when new: $33,055)
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The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure starts at $33,055.
Adventure adds AWD, a unique grille, active grille shutters, a digital gauge cluster, seat orange-accent stitching, soft-touch interior accents, and a rear cargo storage net.
An 8-inch touchscreen, a panoramic rearview camera, downhill assist, and satellite-radio capability are also standard.
Toyota offers an Adventure Grade Weather Package. It adds a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, and rain-sensing wipers.
Who is this trim for? Although it doesn’t offer a 4Lo gear, the Adventure AWD system with its torque-vectoring rear axle is more capable than many of its peers. So, Adventure is for the buyer looking to go a little farther off-road than the average RAV4 buyer.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure includes:
AWD – This is RAV4’s more advanced torque-vectoring AWD system with multi-terrain select driving modes.
Downhill assist – This system helps maintain a steady slow speed when descending a steep grade.
Active grille shutters – These automatically open and close to control airflow into the engine and reduce aerodynamic drag. It improves fuel economy.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited (Original starting price when new: $34,480)
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The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited starts at $34,480.
Limited adds puddle lights, a leather-trimmed shift lever, a special interior color, a digital rearview mirror, a Homelink transceiver, and navigation.
You can further upgrade your Limited with an 11-speaker JBL audio system, the Weather Package, and heated second-row outboard seats.
Who is this trim for? The buyer going after the Limited wants the most luxury available in the RAV4. Navigation and the digital rearview mirror separate Limited from the rest of the grade lineup.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited includes:
Digital rearview mirror – Using a rear-pointed camera, this rearview mirror presents a full display of what is behind the vehicle even if the rear window is blocked.
Navigation – This GPS-based system can help you get where you are going.
Homelink – This universal transceiver offers programming for your automatic garage door, as well as other functions like your home’s interior light operation.
