2019 Toyota RAV4 Review

It’s fresh off the assembly line and here at Toyota of Des Moines. It’s the all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4, redesigned for this model year and providing West Des Moines, Des Moines, and Grimes motorists an outstanding option in the small sport utility vehicle category.

In this review of the RAV4, we’re taking a closer look at its performance capabilities, interior amenities, and safety features. After reading, you’ll be more educated about this Toyota SUV and everything it brings to the table.

RAV4 Performance

When driving the RAV4, it’s easy to feel confident. Toyota engineers have crafted a vehicle that carries two different powertrains, one for the five gas models and another for the four hybrid RAV4 models. The 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed direct shift automatic transmission powers the gas models. The Toyota Hybrid System II engine with electronically controlled continuously variable transmission activates the four hybrid models.

Both powertrains come standard with front-wheel drive. Standard on the all-wheel-drive Limited and Adventure models, Dynamic Torque Vectoring can send half of the engine torque to the rear wheels, plus distribute it to the left or right rear wheel for better handling. Ride comfort is increased on this 2019 edition thanks to the multi-link rear suspension, which minimizes cabin noise and is ideal for handling.

Interior Amenities

Inside the cabin, every Toyota RAV4 comes with the Entune® 3.0 multimedia system, which features hands-free access to Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay™. The standard audio system comes with a larger 7-inch touchscreen that’s nestled comfortably in the center stack. If you’re looking for an upgrade, an 8-inch screen with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio is available. 

The premium Limited RAV4 trim brings style that’s hard to ignore. A front-row moonroof is included, along with 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. And, for the first time, a Toyota car in North America will feature a digital display rearview mirror. A flip of a switch will display what’s behind the vehicle, thanks to a camera mounted on the rear of the car. 

Toyota Safety Features

The next generation of safety is arriving in the 2019 RAV4, thanks to the all-new Toyota Safety Sense™ P. TSS 2.0 is the second generation of the package, with new active safety technologies that work hard to protect you. 

Included is the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. This can detect a car or pedestrian up ahead, and alert you or apply brakes to help you avoid the collision in some cases. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is included, too. Newly added to this is the capability to detect the road’s edge, in addition to detecting lane markers and the RAV4 lane position. Small corrective steering inputs can be made to prevent unintentional lane departure.

Test Drive the 2019 Toyota RAV4

Whether you’re heading to downtown Des Moines or driving around West Des Moines and Grimes, the all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 can be your companion for every trip.

Schedule a RAV4 test drive with the sales team at Toyota of Des Moines today, and we’ll have the keys waiting for you at our dealership.