Toyota offers the automobile fans a preview of the 2019 RAV4 during at New York International Auto Show. The newest model boasts safety enhancements and rugged looks.
The Japanese automaker recognizes that the compact crossover SUV is one of its best-selling products. Data shows that the company sold around 407,594 units, placing it firmly as the fourth top-selling vehicle in the United States in 2017.
This time around, the manufacturer claims that the upcoming model is equipped to handle off-road conditions than its predecessor.
Available Trims
For automotive consumers, it is all about the available choices that Toyota is offering. The Japanese firm knows it and now, it offers the 2019 variants with several trims.
Five of nine models in total are powered by gasoline engines while the remaining four are reserved for its hybrid options. Each catalog is designed and furnished to cater to consumers who seek a balanced ride or a rough and tough adventure outdoors.
The Core
Toyota replaced the previous model's 2.5-liter inline-four with its Dynamic Force 2.5-liter I-4 with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Engine or VVT-iE. It is capable enough to generate 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Furthermore, it is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing version's six-speed configuration.
On the other hand, the 2019 RAV4 hybrid variants rely on 2.5-liter inline-four Toyota Hybrid System II or THS II with an upgraded Electronically-Controlled Continuous Variable Transmission or ECVT. The numbers generated are rated at 176 and 163 lb-ft for horsepower and torque respectively.
Rugged Exterior And Performance
Other notable changes made to the incoming model is the shift to the Japanese car manufacturer's Toyota New Global Architecture K platform. It is the same one found on the Avalon and Camry model that touts a higher ground clearance and wider track. It keeps the crossover SUV stable on rough terrain.
Moreover, handling is supposedly improved by the stiffer chassis. Select trims of the 2019 version apparently get Dynamic Torque Vectoring technology with Driveshaft Disconnect.
The Dynamic Torque Vectoring technology allows the vehicle to direct up to 50 percent more power to each individual wheel depending on the driving conditions and terrain. The all-wheel-drive system also benefits from the latter technology, which shifts power to the front wheels for fuel efficiency.
The company also made it a standard for all trims to come with safety features like a lane-departure warning with a lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
Entertainment System
Toyota does not just stop with the aforementioned features. The 2019 RAV4 comes with a 7-inch infotainment installation on its dashboard.
The system comes with Apple CarPlay compatibility and Amazon Alexa pre-installed. Optional Qi wireless charging is available on select trims and audio channeled through an 11-speaker setup by JBL sound systems.
Consumers can expect the new models to become available later this year with the Hybrid variants in early 2019.
