MT GARAGE
ARRIVAL: 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB Fuel Econ:
25/33/28 mpg
“Will America’s best-selling crossover live up to its reputation? We’re about to find out.”
Kelly Lin
Base price $29,945 As tested $31,509
Sorry, 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 comparisons, 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 treasures we haven’t yet explored?
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 platform 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 headlights and daytime running lights add a little style. It also comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a pre-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.
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
