Feast Your Eyes on the 2019, Fifth-Generation Toyota RAV4

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March 28, 2018

Time definitely flies fast these days.  Case in point is the current-generation Toyota RAV4 which has been on sale for around 5 years now. And you know what that means for the automotive industry—it’s time for a model change. Enter the all-new, 2019 RAV4.

Yes, Toyota’s hot-selling (in markets like the USA, at least) compact crossover enters its fifth iteration with a new platform underneath—the vaunted Toyota New Global Architecture. This makes it a tad shorter, a bit wider, and a smidgen shorter than the model it replaces. Wheelbase, however, has ben increased, to improve interior room and overall driving stability.

Beyond the stats, it’s obvious that this new model is, well, all new. We refer to the exterior which now sports a more macho look—an evolution of sorts from the toy-like beginnings to  what was described as a mainstream look for the last generation. It now also getss the en vogue two-tone body/roof color scheme that seems to be a fad among SUVs these days.

Inside, the changes continue with a new dashboard dominated by a standard 7-inch floating touchscreen atop the minimalist-look center stack. There is also the option to fit that stack with an 8-inch unit that adds more infotainment and connectivity options. One gets a slew of USB ports, wireless phone charging, and of course, navigation. Another cool feature is the wider rearview mirror display. This offers a more extensive view of what’s behind, thanks to a high-mount camera.

Speaking of seeing better, the new RAV4 will come with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of driver assist tech. This includes Forward Collision avoidance with brake assist, dynamic cruise control, auto high beams, and lane departure warning. More notable features include Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist which both help reduce driver stress by providing semi-autonomous driving assistance.

While the RAV4 may be all new, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor that has been powering the SUV will continue to do duty under the hood.  Toyota has not released any output figures just yet, though it says that this mill will now be more efficient. It will be mated to a new 8-speed automatic with three types of All-Wheel Drive systems—one with torque vectoring, a standard setup, and one that employs mild hybrid technology with an electric motor driving the rear wheels.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 will make its world debut at the New York Auto Show that opens today, March 28 in the Big Apple. Sales will begin in the fourth quarter of the year. As for our market, we should see it in arrive 2019.

About the Author

Mr. Gerard Jude Castillo
Gerard has been a self-confessed car nut ever since he was a little boy. As a grown-up, he indulges in his passion by collecting toy cars (which he started since childhood) and reading up on the latest cars out there.  As Associate Editor, he will ensure that you get your fill of the latest cars in the market, as well as a load of automotive features.