Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions



2019 new Toyota RAV4 in moving forward

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

Test drive the original crossover Japanese fifth generation: what changed in him?

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

Say that automotive designers and engineers draw inspiration, looking ideas from each other. For example, even more – it is believed that the manufacturers of spyware there are entire departments (even though secret) that seeks out all sorts of interesting things from their closest competitors. So, perhaps nobody is more responsible for the modern “automotive landscape” than the Toyota RAV4. It seems that since 1994 watched him designers of all auto companies in the world, and each took as the basis of successful Japanese concept. So, apparently, there was a modern crossover in the General sense, which combines the features of the car, the versatility and the quality of terrain.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

RAV4 remains true to its basic “ingredients” of success, which constitute the basis of every modern crossover produced on all continents. As we have repeatedly emphasized, every automaker has in its lineup at least a few models of urban SUV, they need it to make money, because these cars have become the mainstream and the buyer willingly pays for these cars, good money.

 

The case of the Japanese SUV are going so well that he not only firmly established in the leading tier, but is aiming for the leaders, pushing the Camry sedan by the number of cars sold on the second place global ranking Toyota. Isn’t that a confession? If it wasn’t, then we don’t even know what success is!

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

Toyota also claims that in the past year, RAV4 was the best selling model among SUVs (except pickups) in the United States, despite the competition in the segment, crowded with alternatives, such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and many others. All put on the blades of the brisk Japanese.

 

The evolution continues with the coming of 2019 Toyota RAV4 fifth generation. Crossover long been available as two-door model, which was the original RAV4, but the company assure us that the new fifth-generation model combines the best qualities of both SUVs and traditional SUVs.

 

To find out if this is true, the first available for testing the model of the popular SUV of new generation like hotcakes dismantled leading automotive publications. One of them came into practical tests in Sunny California, these adventures will now be discussed.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

In 2019 RAV4 will be available with petrol engines, front-or all types of drive and hybrid (only with AWD-drive type) power plants in various configurations. The separation of models and levels of interior decoration differs for the hybrid and gasoline powertrains, at least for the US market.

 

Prices start at $ 25 500 (1.6 million rubles) for the base petrol version with front-wheel drive and rise to $ 35,700 (2.3 million) for top-end AWD hybrid Limited models.

 

Closer to the crossover

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

External style clearly advertises that the new crossover Toyota RAV4 made from scratch. Not only that, the model looks completely different than its predecessor, so also the designers reacted to its creation in a totally different direction philosophy.

 

To repeat about the appearance will not be about all the touches of exterior news, you can read our previously published articles:

2019 new Toyota RAV4 officially presented

 

We note only that the 2019 RAV4 remains a crossover, it’s based on the same platform, Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which is used sedans Camry and Avalon, but you never know looking at him. The new RAV4 got 2.690 mm wheelbase (+30 mm), but virtually unchanged in length – 4.595 mm (+5 mm). Is wider by 10 mm with the figure of 1,854 mm and 5 mm below. The height at the “withers” – 1.699 mm. With it’s scowling grille, square wheel arches and a straight roof, the RAV4 has more in common with the Toyota Tacoma pickup and 4Runner SUV than any sedan.

 

 

The interior has an attractive design, but disappoints with cheap materials. However, all the elements from the side “blowers” to the meaty door handles look original and clean. The strategic use of textured rubber on the “krutilki” the climate control is clear to all – a reliable, comfortable grip of the fingers over the edge of the cylinder of customization, but also her style echoes the design elements of the exterior – moderate angularity in fashion again for Toyota.

 

You might say that the Americans are nitpicking, but about low quality materials of upholstery claims were made several times. If in a limited version of the SUV in the interior to complain about was almost to nothing (however, we understand and praise for the inner lining top version of the Yankees also did not hurry), from the entry-level model, they simply turned up their noses. “Too cheap,” was their conclusion.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

Position on the driver corresponds to the rank of the crossover. Behind the wheel you will feel more like a passenger car, not as in the truck looks like you put on the roof.

 

Toyota said that better visibility is a priority. As explained to American journalists that the statement corresponds to the truth. And cameras system for 360 degree certainly improves the already good result.

 

But the back not so comfortable

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

The RAV4 has a smaller total volume for passengers in the back seat than most of its competitors. Unfortunately, the TNGA platform has not had a significant impact on this fact.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

Leg room rear back to back, the knees can rest on seat backs of front passengers, particularly if you located a tall man. The seats themselves seemed to journalists from the United States without adequate lateral support and stiff.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

From California it is reported that at 1.064 liters of volume of the trunk with a raised rear seat up (in the U.S. measures the total combined volume of the trunk) is better than the average for the segment. And yet, despite the installation of additional batteries, hybrid RAV4 models offer the same passenger and cargo space as their gasoline counterparts.

 

The car that reads road signs

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

In 2019 RAV4 features system entertainment navigation Toyota Entune 3.0. standard versions include: 7.0 inch touch screen, support Apple CarPlay (but not Android Auto), compatible with Amazon by Alexa and Google Assistant, and built-in access point Wi-Fi. Options include an 8.0-inch touch screen, 7.0 inch digital instrument cluster, 11-speaker, 800-watt JBL sound system, wireless charging for your Qi compatible and rear view camera, similar to those already offered on some models of Nissan and GM. Toyota offers up to five USB ports, but only one standard.

 

Touch screen inelegant exposed on top of the dashboard – it looks not very aesthetically pleasing, but it’s cheap, reliable and practical, at least it is within reach of the driver. Physical buttons for turning pages menu for easy navigation. Toyota wisely used physical pen-“whirlings” for critical functions such as temperature setting and sound volume. Touch screen responsive, the menus are easy to navigate, but this system has broad functionality.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

An explanation was awarded the “tidy” and audiopreparation: “We believe that the information on the additional 7.0-inch display in the dash could be better organized, since its hard to read at first glance. But speaker JBL sound system with 11 loudspeakers deliver sound quality worthy of special praise”.

 

The RAV4 also gets a wide list of safety systems and driver assistance Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 volts as standard equipment. That includes:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (collision warning with pedestrian detection system with Autonomous braking)

Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (dynamic radar cruise control)

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (a warning system exit lane using the steering control)

Automatic High Beam (auto high beam)

Tracing Lane Assist (help in tracking lane)

Road Sign Assist (assistant read road signs)

 

The latest technology uses a camera to read Stop signs, “Yield”, “Brick” and speed limit signs and alerts the driver if the electronics thinks that they (the signs) are ignored. Of course, the electronic eye read American road signs, so how the system will work in Russia is unknown.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

Blind Spot Monitoring technology Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Reverse Autonomous Emergency Braking are optional additions.

 

“We believe that the information on the additional 7.0-inch display included in the instrument cluster could be better organized, since its hard to read at first sight”.

 

“We have not had the opportunity (or fortunately need) to test most of these functions, but we discovered that the technology “Road Sign Assist” quickly reacted to all changes of speed limit signs,” – said in conclusion, testing of electronic auxiliary systems auto.

 

The hybrid powertrain to help

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

2019 Toyota RAV4 is offered only in two versions: petrol and hybrid. Petrol models use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and a torque of 233 Nm, connected to a CVT (variable speed) transmission. Hybrid RAV4 models get the same engine that is associated with the familiar other hybrid systems of Toyota, with a total output of 219 HP, Petrol versions have a standard front drive or optional all-wheel drive, hybrid – AWD only. No diesel engine is a real disappointment.

 

 

Here’s what transpired in the course of practical tests: “Toyota calls its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine “Dynamic Force”, but his performance is not like that. Power and respectable torque for a base engine in this segment (some competitors offer more powerful engines as options), but you never would have guessed about it, sitting behind the wheel. Acceleration is just adequate, nothing more, and it is always accompanied by the unpleasant roar. Hybrid is much better: not only does he have more power, but electric motors also give a much needed splash of low torque at the start with low speeds.”

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

If the base power unit disappointed, the steering and suspension are a pleasant surprise. The RAV4 will never be confused with a sports car, but the steering on the new amazingly precise and communicative. Modern automotive electrical systems can give the driver feel at ease and even to some extent a player in video games, feedback “driver – wheel” even on expensive cars is poor, so the opportunity to feel that make the front wheels this RAV4 is assessed at the highest score. The suspension also encourages spirited driving, though, it would seem that it is more tuned for handling than comfort. The only thing that was noticed during the practical tests – unpleasant shudder on uneven pavement… otherwise, no complaints.

 

RAV4 all-wheel drive system also deserves highest ratings in its segment. In both petrol and hybrid models, the default front-wheel drive to save fuel, but it can also use torque for the direction of power to specific wheels (vectorization). According to Toyota, it helps to improve cornering, as well as on light off-road. Additionally, the RAV4 is characterized by the presence of specific drive modes “Off-road”.

 

 

“Although fuel economy is important, we want the system to default was all-wheel drive. When you press the “foot down”, the front wheels before the system will transmit power to the rear axle and it will become apparent the effect of torque vectoring during cornering at full throttle, will feel helpless, especially on unstable surfaces. Slip destabilizie SUV and reduces the level of security.” Therefore, in addition to improving permeability, it becomes evident the need to purchase AWD-all-wheel drive system for this car in terms of maintaining security.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

The RAV4 performed well during the passage of light off-road, effortlessly overcoming obstacles that would stop most of its competitors. The crossover took place where the majority of potential customers will never call in, posting one of the wheels above the ground… but even in such situations, the RAV4 went out a winner. But don’t confuse these with RAV4 SUV such as a 4Runner or Land Cruiser Toyota: it lacks proper tires, and more equipment needed for serious mud action. If you need a real “rogue”, pay attention to other deals in the market.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

Official figures are not yet available, but Toyota expects that a hybrid RAV4 will reach 2019 consumption according to EPA rating is 6 liters per 100 km on average (5.7 liters in the city, 6.3 liters on the highway). It exceeds the performance of other automakers, for example, a hybrid Qashqai, which consumption on average, according to official data, is around 7.13 liters.

 

Evaluation of fuel economy for a petrol RAV4 vary depending on the trim level. With front-wheel drive model of the RAV4 is expected to get fuel consumption 8.11 liters per 100 km (9 liters on 100 km in the city, 6.9 liters on the highway) to more expensive, feature-rich, and, therefore, more severe trim consumption in the city should theoretically increase.

 

2019 Toyota RAV4 with all-wheel drive system on average will consume 8.1 liters, about 9 liters in the city and 7.1 liters on the highway.

 

Rivals Toyota RAV4

Honda CR-V (price in Russia from 1.9 to 2.5 million rubles), Mazda CX-5 (from 1.5 to 2.1 million rubles), Nissan Qashqai (1.2 – 1.8 million rubles) and Subaru Forester (minimum 1.9 maximum 2.5 million rubles).

 

 

The latest generation of Toyota’s SUV in Russia is not yet presented, but if we draw an analogy with the redesigned IV-th iteration, we can assume that its cost will have to start in the area of 1.5 million rubles and up to 2.3-2.4 million, which is the average among competitors.

 

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

2019 Toyota RAV will be available at dealers in late 2018. Hybrid models will appear in early 2019. Prices are not called, waiting for the end of the year, then Toyota will have to disclose all the cards.

 

Conclusion…

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions

2019 Toyota RAV4 is a huge step forward compared to its predecessor. Modern technology, high-quality interior (yeah, the materials, as they say, is still far from ideal, but what you want, and the car itself is far from premium segment) and improved dynamics transforms the RAV4 into a serious rival for competitors. But while the RAV4 2019 is durable (both in terms of quality and reliability, and the terrain is moderately complex sudorole), a versatile car, it is not dominant in its segment, but is doing well. Besides his attractive looks… competitors should start to be afraid…

Test drive the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4: first impressions