Toyota RAV4: It’s all grown up
Compact utility vehicle becomes a capable all-weather hauler
THE original RAV4 — one of the first compact utility vehicles on the market — was more cute than rugged. But over two decades and four successive generations, it has grown in size and strength to become a capable all-weather hauler alongside players such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue.
The RAV4 adopted a brawnier persona during the 2019 model year, with a front end influenced by the toughnut 4Runner, but more pleasing to the eye. The rest of the bodywork veered away from the previous slab-sided appearance for more character-building creases and angles along the fenders, door panels and the rear roof pillar. The result is a design that shifts from introverted to appealing.
The RAV4 appears larger than before, and its measurements somewhat back that up. A 1.2-inch gain in distance between the front and rear wheels — which enhances rear-seat legroom — is the key difference.
The latest redesign has resulted in wider rear-door openings for easier entry/exit plus a cargo floor that has increased by more than two inches
The passenger compartment now has a richer look, especially the dashboard and control panel that carries over the exterior’s angular theme. The upright touch screen might seem out of place, but these days almost every automaker has succumbed to this trend. At least there are knobs for adjusting the audio and ventilation controls.
The RAV4 is constructed on a platform that, according to Toyota, is lighter and 57 percent more rigid than the previous structure. Along with corresponding suspension changes plus added insulation, the aim was to improve overall ride and steering agility and to reduce cabin noise. As well, the drivetrain is positioned lower in the RAV4, thus lowering the center of gravity.
The RAV4 is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
An eight-speed automatic transmission directs power to the front or all four wheels.
Available also is the all-wheel-drive RAV4 Hybrid that uses a modified version of the gasoline engine plus two electric motors for a combined output of 219 horsepower. It’s linked to a continuously variable transmission.
The Hybrid’s added performance comes with a superior fuel economy rating of 40 mpg — combined city/ highway — compared with 30 mpg for the nonhybrid RAV4.
Front-wheel-drive is standard for the nonhybrid RAV4 LE ($29,800, including destination charges) and XLE trims, while all-wheel drive is optional. The system has a “Lock” mode that applies half the powertrain’s torque equally to both rear wheels as long as you’re driving below 25 mph.
For the AWD Adventure and Limited trims, a different all-wheeldrive system sends half the engine power to the rear wheels and can direct all of it to either outside wheel when the RAV4 is turning — called torque-vectoring — for claimed increases in stability. The system also uncouples the rear wheels under normal driving situations to help reduce fuel consumption.
The Adventure comes with special high-rise cargo rails mounted to an Ice Edge (silver) roof. There’s also added bodyside cladding, a slightly higher ride height, unique grille and blacked-out wheels. Inside, the Trail’s bright orange trim is unnecessarily over the top.
For 2020, the new TRD model uses the same AWD system as the Adventure version plus a retuned off-road suspension, shocks and all-terrain rubber. Also included are unique grille and bumpers, matte-black 18inch wheels and added bolstering for the front seats.
Both the TRD and Adventure can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the rest of the lineup is limited to 1,500 pounds.
All RAV4S come with a full suite of dynamic-safety technologies, except for a digital rearview mirror (camera) that’s installed in premium models and provides an unobstructed field of vision.
With its edgy styling, leading technology and numerous trim levels, the RAV4 continues as a star performer in the utility-vehicle category. Cute, no more.