Our Review of The Imposing New Toyota RAV4 (2019)

The Looks

Akio Toyoda gave an honest but stern warning when he took over the reins of Toyota Motor Corporation - "No more boring cars."
It takes a stack of courage for a President to admit that our designs were lacking the spark that brought us hot-blooded classics like the Supra & Celica.

In 9 years since he took over, the evidence is clear. Toyota's designs have been getting bolder, sportier & heart-racingly beautiful. The Japanese have a term for that feeling: Waku Doki!

Take one look at the Lexus LC 500. What began as a concept at Toyota's North American design studio, CALTY - evolved into one of the most graceful cars on our roads today. (I found this lovely inside look into the CALTY Design Studio here)

Now tell me if this is not sheer poetic grace in motion.

Coming back to the RAV4....
If the LC 500 is poetry, the 2019 RAV4 is brawny athleticism!
Gone are the soft curves, and in comes strong lines, sharp angles and an imposing, chiseled face that's set to intimidate many a rear view mirror,
But it's not all face value. Inside and out, there's a list of improvements, feature upgrades, more power and cutting edge safety innovations that ensures our new RAV4 meets every need of the modern driver --  while giving you a massive style upgrade that's gonna have people whispering under their breath... "Did you see that new car she pulled out? Must have won the Lotto!"

There are 3 grades to the new range. Entry level GX, a step up to GX-R and the flagship VX range.
The engines are completely new as well.
Keeping engine capacities the same (2.0 and 2.5) - Toyota have increased power outputs and decreased fuel consumption. Go Toyota!

The 2.0 CVT RAV consumes just 6.5 lts per 100 kms.  So you can have the full SUV experience with the fuel consumption of a small sedan.

The range-topping 2.5l VX Auto is not far behind either. Pushing 152 Kw's, this beauty will sip petrol at an impressive 7.3 lts per 100 kms. Keep in mind, these are official figures in mixed highway and city driving conditions.

Can you spot anything missing from the engine options? Yes , you're quite right -- there is no diesel option on the RAV. With the advances in petrol and Toyota's proprietary Hybrid charging system, the days of dirty diesel powered cars are numbered.

We've not been flagged for the Hybrid version just yet, but the situation could change in year or two. For interest's sake, the Hybrid Rav comes in a 2.5 Petrol/Hybrid engine that improves the power output to 161 Kw at a fuel consumption of around 4.5 lts per 100 kms! So there's a genuine advantage to us changing our engine preferences in South Africa.
Anyhow, here's the technical breakdown below.

The New RAV4 Breakdown

Stand-Out Features

There is a long list of added features across the range. My favourites include:

• Rear view mirror, that can be switched to an electronic monitor that displays the view via a rear camera (GX-R & VX)
• 3 USB ports & wireless phone charging (GX-R & VX)
• Seat heaters (GX-R & VX) We're looking at you - Gauteng drivers!
• Pre-Crash system (VX Only). Toyota Safety Sense’s Pre-Collision System with Cyclist Detection combines a camera with radar technology to detect cyclists and other vehicles in the road ahead. When the possibility of collision is detected, the driver is alerted with audio and visual warnings. If the driver doesn’t react, the brakes engage automatically.
• Lane Departure Alert (VX Only). Using a camera to detect the lane markings in the road ahead, Toyota Safety Sense's Lane Departure Alert will alert the driver with audible and visual warnings if the vehicle starts to deviate from its lane without the turn indicator being applied. Steering Control applies corrective force in the case of unintentional lane departure.
• Blind Spot Monitor with Cross Traffic Alert (VX Only)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (VX Only). Intelligent cruise control that slows down as you approach a car in front of you - and accelerates to your cruise speed as soon as space opens up.
• 360° Panaromic Monitor that uses cameras all around the RAV to give you a complete view directly on the multimedia screen. Very handy when navigating tight parking spots!

I think you'll agree. That's an impressive range of comfort and safety features included, making it one of the most fully-kitted vehicles in the segment.

Here are some tweets from the journo's attending the world launch in Barcelona.

New RAV4 Prices at Launch

Wrap Up & Gallery

Exciting days ahead! Expect the new RAV to reach you by March. Subscribe to our blog to be the first in the know.

The new RAV4 will come standard with a 6-year/90,000 km service plan and a 3-year/100,000 km warranty.

There are striking new colours also added. Caribbean Blue, Moonlight Ocean Metallic & Urban Khaki.

From the GX-R upwards you'll also get leather seats, with an option of Black or Orchid Brown on the GX-R and Black or Beige on the VX models.

Enjoy the gallery below. And remember to subscribe to our blog so you get first dibs at our launch in the equally exotic, seaside city of Durban!