Model-year 2019 sees the introduction of an all-new, latest-generation Toyota RAV4 — making this one of the most modern new crossovers on the scene today. The RAV4 is also one of several crossover options for shoppers interested in a made-in-Canada product. (See also: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Honda CR-V).
That CR-V is one of RAV4’s key competitors. And it has many.
In fact, few segments in the automotive marketplace today are as hotly-contested, competitive, and sopping with choice, as this one we call the compact crossover.
The compact crossover segment is not unlike, say, a roomful of random Canadians. At a glance, they’re all sort of the same: four arms, four legs, yay-high, pleasant, and intending of no harm.
In compact crossover terms? Basically, they’re all four-cylinder, four-wheel-drive, four-doors with an available power tailgate, and inches separating the biggest and smallest.
So, to this writer (and reviewer of many, many compact crossovers), understanding the differences and key strengths is key.
Turns out, closer inspection, our roomful of random Canucks are all slightly different in shape and size. Each is a different colour. Some come from other countries. Some are athletic. Some are extra environmentally conscious. The list goes on.
In RAV4 terms? A combination of several unique attributes is what helps set this one apart — and the result is a machine of numerous strengths, a few weaknesses, and something worth a closer look if you like the smell of what Toyota is cooking with the latest model.
The ask is about $28,000 for a front-drive RAV4, with AWD bumping the base price to about $30,700. A RAV4 hybrid is available from the low 30s if you like, and my top-line model, called the RAV4 Limited (non-hybrid), clocked in at the better part of $41,000. With some 9 models available to choose from, selection abounds.
Under the hood? A smooth-but-noisy 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s plenty of output given the engine’s size, though this engine does its best work in the custody of a leisurely and lighter-footed driver. Driven gently, it’s smooth, sufficiently quiet, and responsive enough to handle most situations without revving too high, or making too much noise.
Heavier-footed drivers have better options, however. The get-up-and-go for passing and merging are plentiful when called upon, though the engine is loud, noisy, and sometimes harsh when pushed. Keep your foot away from the floor, and you’ll barely hear a peep. If that’s not your style, think turbocharged (VW Tiguan, Honda CR-V, others), for smoother and quieter performance.
An eight-speed automatic enables smooth gearshifts and low cruising revs, to the benefit of refinement and mileage. The transmission is largely invisible: you rarely hear, feel, or detect it doing much of anything. It’s part and parcel of a powertrain that does its best work when driven gently.
My tester had a great feel for long-distance driving, for two specific reasons.
First, the seats. My backside found careful deployment of stiffer and softer foam sections throughout the seating surface, which meant that more of me felt more supported by more of the seat. Translation? I felt lighter on your bum and legs, and got out from numerous hours-long drives without the need for some parking lot yoga stretches.
Second? Ride quality. On the highway, RAV4 feels dialled right in. Smack dab, as it happens, into that sweet-spot about two-thirds of the way up the sporty stiff versus comfortable softness spectrum, needle pointing toward the latter. By making the suspension a touch softer than average, and fine-tuning the resulting setup carefully, RAV4 rides without the sporty-stiffness that some crossovers overdo it on, and feels a measure more relaxing and laid back.
On rougher in-town roads and trails, ride quality is nicely maintained. Worst-case-scenario roads will coax plenty of noise from beneath, though your average beat-up city street is tackled without undue suspension noise, as most harsher impacts and vibrations are nicely smoothed out. Many shoppers cross-shopping competitive models will find the RAV4 to be one of the best rides in the segment right now (see also: Subaru Crosstrek and Jeep Cherokee).
The RAV4’s cabin has many strengths and a few weaknesses.
Texture, sculpting and stitching effectively stir a sense of high-end flair. Unique textured rubber grips on the volume and climate control knobs, as well as the door grab handles, add a uniquely rugged and rich feel at key touch points.
Controls are mostly positioned for easy and logical access, and there’s plenty of nearby small-item storage. Ditto numerous charging ports to keep mobile electronics juiced on the move. A wireless charging pad allows for cord-free juicing of your compatible handset, just by laying it on top.
Out back, the motorized tailgate with “kick to open” functionality slowly lifts away to reveal a cargo hold with several important attributes. Specifically, it’s square to the edges, deep and wide, and features a low load-in height which is handy for pets or smaller kids who like to help with the groceries. And there’s less lifting for you.
I noted no issue with entry or exit to either seating row. Many shoppers will appreciate the simple lateral slide required to board and exit. You don’t climb up or down as much as you just shift sideways and into your perch. The door openings are generously-sized, which may be helpful for larger or mobility-challenged occupants.
Rear seat space is adequate or better for adults — four of average size can ride in here, with legroom and headroom to spare.
In top-dog Limited trim, The RAV4’s cabin is brimming with high-tech touches, most of which are flaunted with modern flair.
A console near the gear shifter allows drivers to call up various AWD system modes for tackling specific types of terrain, and the selection is referenced via an on-screen info graphic. The rear-view mirror is actually a camera-fed screen, which dramatically improves rearward visibility.
The RAV4’s array of hazard-detection features are easy for first-timers to interface with, and in use on my watch, they consistently demonstrated smooth and predictable operation.
The full-colour display screen in the instrument cluster can display an easy info graphic for at-a-glance referencing of which safety systems are on, active, and what they’re up to. If you prefer to try the systems at your own pace, each can be turned on and off with relative ease. Notably, the adaptive cruise control, which automatically slows and speeds the vehicle up in response to changing traffic conditions, works as smoothly as I’d expect in a twice-the-price luxury car, rarely feeling startled or making any abrupt moves.
Further, with parking radar, parking cameras front and rear, and a birds-eye parking camera system (which provides a full perimeter view of the vehicle from a single screen), RAV4 has among the segment’s most comprehensive parking assist systems. At a button press, the parking camera system can also show you a full 3D pan of your surroundings — like a digital on-screen circle-check before you drive off. Slick stuff.
Weaknesses?
First, the central command touch-screen. It’s the big, square visual centrepiece of the interior, though the graphics and interfaces look disappointing. Most on-screen info is presented in a navy-blue and grey colour scheme, often via rectangular boxes. The graphical output is roughly on par with your average dollar-store ATM. The embedded navigation system isn’t much better. The system is fast, responsive, highly logical and very easy to use, but touch-screen aficionados have numerous better options — many of which include the Android Auto functionality that’s also missing, here (though Apple CarPlay is on board).
The second weakness is a possible one. As the 5’10” owner of multiple sports coupes over the years, my comfortable seating position within the RAV4 offered sufficient, but not abundant, headroom, and no sense of claustrophobia. Anyone much taller than me, or anyone more comfortable with many inches of extra headroom (just in case?) may wish for more.
Confirm adequate headroom for your largest passengers by bringing them along for the test drive, if possible.
In exchange for your $40,600, a RAV4 Limited turns in a hearty feature content list full of high-end content. For instance, a JBL stereo system, built-in navigation, heated and chilled front seats, and that slick, camera-fed rear-view mirror are all included.
Consider this a must-drive if comfort, mileage, cabin design and high-end feature content are higher on your wish-list than the segment’s best touch-screen, or quietest engine.
The specs
- Model: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD
- Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder, 203 horsepower
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Features: Apple CarPlay, power tailgate, sunroof, Toyota Safety Sense, 360-degree parking camera, automatic lights, push-button start, climate-controlled leather, automatic climate control
- What’s hot: Good ride quality, good fuel economy, easy to drive, plenty of adult-friendly space, unique looks
- What’s not: central touch-screen is dated, no Android Auto, some drivers may wish for more headroom
- Starting price (RAV4): $27,990
- As tested (RAV4 Limited AWD): $40,690
