The brawniest, most macho-looking Toyota RAV4 ever

For the 2019 model year, Toyota Motor Corp. abandoned the bland “car-like” styling of its best-selling compact crossover to produce the brawniest, most macho-looking RAV4 ever.

Shorter, wider, and lower than the outgoing model, the fifth generation RAV4 looks more rugged than its rivals with its blocky front end, large grille, angular, sharp-cut lines, chunky fender flares, wide C pillars, and sharp-cornered, horizontal LED rear combination lamps.

Viewed lengthwise while parked on a flat surface, the new RAV4 looks like a cat ready to pounce since its front thread (1,610 mm) is 30 mm lower than its rear thread (1640 mm.)

Chief engineer Yoshikazu Saeki, aiming to change the general perception of the RAV4, totally redesigned it to meet a wider range of needs with more content, more options, and a solid value justification for its price.

Saeki changed the RAV4’s proportions with the redesign, borrowing heavily from Toyota’s truck-based vehicles to craft a sportier, more muscular appearance—but at the expense of rear passenger room.

MORE GAINS. Nonetheless, there are more gains than losses as a result, starting with a new 2.5-liter (A25-A FKS), direct injection, 4-stroke gasoline engine with Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing Intelligent system by Electric motor) delivering 203 hp and 243 Nm/4000-5,000 rpm max torque through a direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission (contrary to popular opinion, the new RAV4 does not share the same powertrain as

the 2019 Camry, which is propelled by the 2AR-FE 4-cylinder-in-line, 16 valve, DOHC,

Dual VVT-I engine producing 181 hp and 231 Nm/4,000 rpm through a 6-speed A/T.)

The RAV4’s acceleration is sufficient and performance is good, but not much better than competing SUVs. Moreover, the engine tends to get noisy at highway speeds with an irritating drone.

The biggest improvement is not in engine power, but in a smoother, more composed ride quality due to the TNGA

(Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that replaced the 13-year-old chassis of preceding RAV4 models.

STIFFER STRUCTURE. The TNGA platform yields a 57 percent stiffer structure via strengthened ring structures around door openings and behind back seats, a lower center of gravity, and a new electric power steering system mounted to the rack as opposed to the column.

These translate into increased stability, enhanced agility, a more supple ride, and better visibility. The RAV4’s tendency to bounce in the rear end is gone.

An eagerness to turn in, impressive poise, improved handling and steering response make the 2019 RAV4 more engaging to drive than the rather indifferent transport pod preceding it.

MacPherson strut front suspension, double wishbone at the rear, stabilizers front and rear plus disc brakes all around contribute to the sense of stability on the road.

On the other hand, the increased ground clearance and the lower roof make the RAV4 more difficult to enter, and the revised proportions (shorter, wider, lower) reduce rear headroom.

The driver’s seat of the RAV4 gives an excellent view out over the hood, and visibility is also good to the sides, but the thick rear pillars create blind spots to the rear.

EMPHASIS ON TECH. As a whole, the interior of the new RAV4 maintains the crossover’s high level of build quality, although the emphasis is on tech rather than traditional luxury.

In the LTD and XLE, the higher end variants, the cockpit is dominated by a 7-inch TFT (thin film technology) multi-info display with analog and digital speedometer switchable to Normal, Eco and Sport modes, while in the entry-level LE variant, a 4.2-inch TFT infotainment display is found.

The infotainment system is well-designed with most controls clear and easy to use. A wider center console, a deeper under-armrest bin, a pair of large cupholders placed side by side are located up front, and bottle holders in the doors.

The cargo area offers 37 cubic feet of space with the rear seat up, increasing to 69.8 with the rear seat folded. Its versatile floor panel can be lowered to gain 2.5 inches extra depth, or flipped open to reveal a more easily cleaned plastic surface.

LE VARIANT. In the LE (P1.638 million) test unit I drove for a week, the driver’s seat is 6-way manually adjustable, the front seat 4-way manual, the seat cover is fabric, the shift lever and knob is soft vinyl, the steering wheel is 3-spoke urethane with audio and hands-free control, the door trim is resin, inner rear view mirror is day and night while the wireless door lock, and manual air conditioning with digital display complete the interior picture.

The LE has no push start system, no cruise control, no wireless smartphone charger, no backup camera, no rear parking sensors like the XLE and LTD.

Interior features are more upscale in the XLE (P1.878 million) and LTD (P2.188 million) variants such as 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory and lumbar support in the LTD, leather seats, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with audio, hands-free and cruise control, leather door trim, and electronic auto anti-glare rear view mirror.

The XLE and LTD also have push start system, a smartphone charger, automatic dual zone air conditioning, wireless door lock with smart entry, front and rear 8-eye sensors, and backup camera.

SEVEN AIRBAGS. Regarding safety equipment, all variants have seven airbags, vehicle stability control (with hill climb assist and trailer sway control), ABS, 3-point ERS seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter, high-mount LED stop lamp, and engine immobilizer anti-theft system.

The LTD alone has 18-inch aluminum wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails and a panoramic moon roof. The XLE and LE have 16-inch aluminum wheels and intermittent wipers.

What all three variants have in common as standard equipment, aside from the new 2.5-liter A25-A FKS engine and TNGA platform, are: parabolic LED type headlights, daytime running lights, automatic headlight leveling, fog lamps, LED rear combination lamps, rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, tilt and telescopic steering system, 60/40 folding rear seat with three headrests, electronic parking brake with brake hold, driver and passenger sun visors with mirror and lamp, 6-speaker audio system with CD/DVD/MP3/FLAC and AUX, USB, Bluetooth and K2 technology, rear cooler duct, and all power, jam-proof windows.

PRICEY INVESTMENT. Bottom line, the fifth generation Toyota RAV4 is a high-standard, value-packed crossover with a brawny road presence, well-tuned suspension, and superior ride quality. In the United States, the RAV4—even without the total makeover yet—outsold other compact crossovers in 2018 with 427,170 unit sales, making it the best-selling vehicle in America that is not a pickup truck.

In North America and other markets, the 2019 RAV4 is offered in front-wheel-drive, AWD, and hybrid configurations, but TMP is making available only the FWD LE, XLE, and LTD.

Perhaps TMP is limiting the range of variants to keep the price point affordable. But P1.638 million for the entry-level LE without pushbutton start, backup camera, not even rear parking sensors? These conveniences are standard equipment in other compact crossovers costing less than a million

pesos.

But then, over the course of its 25-year evolution, the Toyota RAV4 has proven to be worth whatever its price was, and has always given value for money.