2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　

What's new

Fully redesigned for 2019Part of the fifth Toyota RAV4 generation introduced for 2019

　　Toyota totally redesigned the RAV4 for 2019, giving it not only more technology and better dynamics but added personality. You might even be excused for thinking it had — wait for it — a little bit of attitude. For the new RAV4 Hybrid model, you get all that plus more power and a lot more efficiency.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$97/mo  for RAV4 Hybrid LE

　　RAV4 Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,850 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $29,650 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $33,850 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $35,850 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　EPA-estimated fuel economy is up to 39 mpg combined this year, which is a 6 mpg improvement over the 2018 model. The battery-assisted powertrain now produces 219 horsepower, making this the most powerful RAV4 since the V6 engine was discontinued in 2012.

　　Inside, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is comfortable and roomy. The controls are easy to find, and the cabin design has more visual appeal than the outgoing model. Apple CarPlay comes standard on every RAV4. Toyota's Safety Sense Suite 2.0 is also standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation with automatic braking. Blind-spot monitoring is equipped on all but the base trim. On many competitive SUVs, you have to upgrade to the more expensive trim levels to get these safety features.

　　Nor are those competitive SUVs actually all that competitive. No other small two-row SUV gives you this much efficiency, utility and power. The Mazda CX-5 has a nicer cabin and offers a more engaging driving experience, but there's no hybrid option. And while the Honda CR-V is a great all-rounder, there's no official word yet on when a hybrid model will arrive in the United States.

　　Alternative-fuel fans might look to the diesel Chevrolet Equinox, which drives well and is relatively efficient, but the diesel is only available in pricier trim levels. You might also consider the Kia Niro or, if you have a place to plug in, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. However, the Subaru is very pricey for only small efficiency gains, and the Niro — while very efficient — is overall less appealing than the RAV4. Both also offer significantly less passenger and cargo space.

　　Toyota has this particular market cornered for the moment. It's almost a bonus that the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid would still be worth considering even if it weren't in a class by itself.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as one of zzdcar' Best Gas Mileage SUVs for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE (2.5L inline-4 hybrid | CVT automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

7.0

　　Surprisingly swift acceleration makes the RAV4 Hybrid kind of fun to drive in and around traffic. But it's less amusing when stopping, and the transmission brings about awful engine sounds when you dig into the pedal.

　　

Acceleration

8.0

　　Acceleration is snappy, especially from around 25 to 40 mph. Electric assist combined with the gas engine's 176 horsepower keeps enough power on tap for lively slingshots around traffic. Our RAV4 Hybrid test unit covered 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds, a solid result that's more than a second quicker than the non-hybrid RAV4 we've tested.

　　

Braking

6.0

　　The hybrid's brakes differ from those of a regular RAV4. They are effective in daily situations, but the pedal feels vague and mushy and lacks the feedback needed to stop smoothly every time. Panic-stop performance is underwhelming, largely because of the economy-minded tires. In our braking test, the RAV4 Hybrid needed 131 feet to stop from 60 mph at our test track. Most other top small SUVs stop in the low 120s.

　　

Steering

6.5

　　The steering is vague around its center point when you're driving at highway speeds. Sometimes you'll feel like you need to make tiny corrections to stay centered. The thing is, it does track well enough if you don't fuss with it. The steering gets more direct when you're driving around turns, but even then there's no real feedback or sense of the road.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　With the XSE trim and its sport-tuned suspension, the hybrid provides good composure and stability when turning quick corners. It shakes off midcorner bumps without losing stability, and there's minimal body roll. There isn't enough tire grip for any truly sporty driving, but it's consistent with the class.

　　

Drivability

7.0

　　The hybrid's unique continuously variable automatic transmission is smooth at all speeds, whether in town or cruising on the highway. It also copes well with gentle acceleration. But digging into the pedal for any quick burst will rev up the engine and generate the typical obnoxious engine droning that some passengers will not like.

　　

Off-road

7.5

　　All-wheel drive and 8.1 inches of ground clearance give the hybrid some basic tools for modest trail or all-terrain work. It's enough to warrant consideration as a dual-purpose car that saves gas by the week and gets to the ski hill or trailhead by the weekend.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　The RAV4 Hybrid can cover long and short distances in pleasant comfort thanks to a firm but absorbent suspension, supportive seats and effective climate control. Wind noise can be an issue if you leave the roof rack crossbars on. The hybrid system makes an assortment of weird noises that you may or may not find endearing.

　　

Seat comfort

7.5

　　The front seats have padding that is both supportive and pliable, and aside from a flattish bottom cushion, they're generally well-shaped. But these are not cradling sport seats, so you'll find yourself sliding around during spirited driving. The rear seats are comfortable enough and recline but lack side bolstering.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　Despite the XSE's sport-tuned suspension, its underpinnings offer a good combination of comfort and control. Body motion is neither busy nor floaty, and rough patches of bumps and dips don't really upset the cabin. Harsh impacts from driving over potholes sound sharper than they feel, which suggests a need for more sound-deadening materials.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　The hybrid powertrain toggles between silent and overly noisy, depending on what the engine and transmission are doing. Road noise is nicely muted, but at highway speeds you will hear wind noise if you leave the optional roof rack crossbars fitted. The hybrid system makes Toyota's familiar assortment of electrical whizzings, clickings and whirrings at odd intervals.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　There's suitable airflow throughout the cabin thanks to strong fan speeds and easily adjusted air vents front and rear. It gets to temp quickly, too. Chunky rubberized control knobs are easy to use, even with gloves. The seat heaters warm quickly, but even the highest setting the seats don't get all that hot.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　It's easy to get in and out of the RAV4 Hybrid's front and back seats, and the roomy cabin gives four adults plenty of space to stretch out. Seat height is odd, though. The rear seats are set low, and the front seats are set too high and can't be adjusted down. It can be an issue for taller drivers and front passengers.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　Most every control is logically placed and easy to figure out at a glance. We like how the audio and climate systems are clearly separated. The biggest drawback is the long reach for the driver to the touchscreen and the tuning knob.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　The high-mounted front seats make for easy entry and exit. The narrow doorsills and minimal side and thigh bolsters also make easy work of getting in and out of the back seat. But the low fixed point of the rear seats will force you to "drop in" slightly on entry.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　The tilt-and-telescoping steering column will help you dial in a clear view of the road ahead. But the height of the front seats, even at their lowest setting, might still be too high for taller drivers.

　　

Roominess

7.5

　　The RAV4 doesn't feel claustrophobic in any seat. The rear seat is especially spacious in all directions. It reclines, too. Taller drivers may feel too close to the roof even in the lowest height setting, and the front passenger's high-mounted seat cannot be lowered at all.

　　

Visibility

8.0

　　The slim front roof pillars help mitigate front-corner blind spots, ensuring a good view of pedestrians and curbs while turning. A rising window line compromises some rear-side visibility, but extra windows behind the rear doors do much to minimize the blind spot. The optional surround-view camera offers multiple useful viewing angles, but the image is fairly low-res.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　Interior surfaces, touch points and assembly all feel high-quality. Nice tactile touches abound, such as rubberized grips on dials and soft landings for elbows. Toyota's SofTex simulated-leather upholstery feels soft and pliable, and the stitching looks tight and tidy, even if the fabric inserts give it a bit of a rental-car feel.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　The RAV4's cargo hold is nearly the largest in its class, hybrid or otherwise, and the load floor is low and makes loading cargo easy. A handful of storage nooks offer space for most small personal items. All but the bulkiest child seats fit easily and without issue. This hybrid can actually tow a bit more than most compact SUVs.

　　

Small-item storage

8.0

　　A small center console and molded door pockets large enough for a medium-size bottle are the extent of the hybrid's most useful storage nooks. A nifty tray lined with rubber grip spans a length above the glovebox for items such as a phone or sunglasses. It's a neat idea seemingly imported from the Highlander.

　　

Cargo space

8.5

　　The hybrid impressively offers the same luggage room (37.5 cubic feet) as its gas counterpart. A low loading height and wide opening make for easy cargo shuffling. The optional stereo system subwoofer takes up some corner space, but a small cubby with secure netting helps you store smaller items. Four tie-down hooks and a 12-volt power outlet enhance the hybrid's utility.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

　　Lower car seat anchors are easily accessible at the base of rear seatbacks. A swatch of vinyl above lower car seat anchor points should help prevent fabric wear due to frequent car seat changes — a nice touch. Top tether anchor points behind the rear seatbacks are also easily accessible and are hidden out of sight by fabric flaps. The RAV4 has plenty of room for forward-facing seats, but installing a bulky rear-facing seat may require sliding up the front seats somewhat.

　　

Towing

7.5

　　Other RAV4 variants, such as the non-hybrid Adventure model, can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The hybrid is stuck with a 1,750-pound towing capacity, but that's still a bit better than what you'll get from some other small SUVs.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　Audio and navigation controls are easy to use thanks to a large tablet-style display, but the graphics look dated. Apple CarPlay is included, but Android smartphone users are still left out. The optional audio system sounds good, and the inclusion of a bundle of advanced driver aids as standard equipment is a huge plus.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.0

　　The display is large, and it's easy to pull up maps and menus using touchscreen icons and fixed buttons surrounding the bezel. The graphics look dated, but otherwise the system works well. The optional JBL audio system delivers full, clear sound.

　　

Smartphone integration

7.5

　　Apple CarPlay is available, but Android users will still need to interface with Toyota's clunky Entune system. Only one USB port transmits data, but passengers can charge their devices with four USB ports (two front, two rear). Bluetooth pairing is easy and requires few confirmation steps, and an optional wireless charging pad will hold today's largest phones.

　　

Driver aids

9.0

　　The impressive group of driver aids includes stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and Lane Tracing Assist, Toyota's nearly self-steering system. In our testing, it worked well in dense highway traffic and free-flowing roads with clear lane markings. Adaptive cruise control defaults to the farthest following distance each time it's switched on.

　　

Voice control

7.5

　　Voice commands are available for basic phone, audio and navigation functions, but they require careful and deliberate verbal input that's easier after you spend time using the setup wizard to teach it your voice. Android and iPhone can go directly to Siri or Google Voice instead by pressing and holding the voice button.

　　

Which RAV4 Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

　　The XLE is an undeniable bargain, coming in under $30,000 and presenting a full roster of safety features, but we'd try and swing the XSE if we could. That move is the biggest price jump between trim levels, but you get a full spectrum of upgrades. From luxuries such as improved interior trim and power driver seat, to technology such as the 8-inch infotainment screen and 7-inch driver information display, to practicalities including a power liftgate and added interior ambient lighting, the XSE is pretty loaded for a reasonable price.

　　If you live somewhere cold, you'll want the Weather Prep package with its heated steering wheel and de-icer function for the windshield wipers.

　　

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models

　　The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a slightly different trim-level setup from the standard model. Gone is the toughened-up Adventure trim. Instead, the Hybrid follows a pretty standard progression from the well-equipped base LE model through the XLE and the XSE and then to the range-topping Limited.

　　All RAV4 Hybrid models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor with a continuously variable automatic transmission. And an additional electric motor is used to power the rear wheels in low-traction situations. Total system output is 219 horsepower.

　　Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard on all RAV4 Hybrid models and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, auto high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control.

　　The base LE trim comes relatively well equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a rearview camera, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats with adjustable recline, and dual-zone climate control.

　　Infotainment is handled by a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration (Android Auto isn't available), Toyota Connected Services (includes onboard Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, one USB port, and a six-speaker sound system.

　　The XLE trim adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlights, integrated foglights, proximity entry with push-button start, a sunroof, upgraded fabric upholstery, sliding sun visor extensions, and additional USB ports (five total, including two for the rear seats).

　　Options for the XLE include the Weather package, which adds a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel and automatic wipers with a de-icer function. The XLE Convenience package equips a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and a power liftgate. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite radio can also be added to the XLE.

　　Moving up to the XSE gets you the 8-inch touchscreen system and the contents of the Convenience package. You also get black-painted 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, two-tone exterior paint, simulated-leather upholstery (SofTex), upgraded interior trim materials, a digital speedometer, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dynamic guidelines for the rearview camera, and additional interior ambient lighting.

　　Optional for the XLE and the XSE is a Technology package with front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear cross-traffic braking, an auto-dimming rearview mirror (XLE), and a wireless charging pad (XSE only).

　　At the top of the range is the Limited. It arrives with 18-inch chrome-finished wheels, the parking sensors and automatic rear cross-traffic braking, an integrated navigation system, and two-position memory for the driver's seat.

　　But wait, there's more! The Limited Grade Weather package adds a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear passenger seats, and the de-icing and automatic wipers. You can also get the Limited Grade Advanced Technology package with proximity-entry sensors on all four doors, foot activation for the power liftgate, the wireless charging pad, and a surround-view parking camera system.

　　Finally, the XSE and the Limited can be upgraded with an 11-speaker JBL stereo system (bundled with navigation for XSE) and a panoramic sunroof. Adaptive headlights are available as a stand-alone option for the Limited.

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2019 RAV4 Hybrid Highlights

Trim: LEXLEXSELimitedLE

　　

Base MSRP	$27,850
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	39 MPG
Cost to Drive	$97/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	37.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles