Easy to rave about revised Toyota RAV4
Now in its fifth generation, the very popular and huge-selling Toyota RAV4 is as sharp as ever.
With the 2019 refresh, the RAV4 stays fashionable with sharper creases and angular headlights and taillights. It also sports the Toyota branded nose and grille seen across the fleet.
The RAV4 is powered by a 205-hp 2.5-liter motor spinning an eight-speed transmission. The SUV also has six selectable transmission combinations that get the truck through pretty much every surface condition, whether buzzing around town or looking for some off-roading adventures.
The XLE AWD model turns out to be a gas-sipper, making nearly 32 mpg on average while enveloping riders in a nicely appointed cabin. The textured cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and easy-tolearn Entune eight-speaker infotainment system all combine to create an environment that soothes the soul while in traffic, or as you take on weekend big box store chores, and get into some rough-and-tumble riding.
Starting at $28,700, the tester was optioned up to $33,699 that included a nice safety package with blindspot monitor, pedestrian and collision alerts, lanedeparture, clearance sonar and dynamic cruise control.
The RAV4 rates highly in the hyper-competitive category including the popular Jeep Trailhawk, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Mazda
CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester and the Hyundai Tucson, among others.
Toyota RAV4 MSRP: $28,700 As tested: $33,699 MPG: 25 city; 33 highway