We've had a lot of threads out here bashing one auto manufacturer or another over what we perceive to be stupid decisions or them not listening to their customers (yes I participated in that bashing). How about we try something a bit different?

The Toyota RAV4 is currently the number one selling vehicle (even over the Camry) only surpassed by truck sales. So when Toyota opted to redesign the 2019 RAV4, they needed to get it right. And from everything I've read and seen thus far, they have.

The 2019 RAV4 is moving to Toyota's global platform (i.e. the Camry), so its bigger inside and out, but not in overall length. Its actually bigger than the previous generation Highlander. From the preliminary test drives that have been released, it actually looks like a vehicle I could consider for myself. And in the current world of $50k+ vehicles, its nice to see that a well equipped 2019 RAV4 could likely be bought for less than $30k.

Obviously its not a MB G-Wagon or other high end status symbol. It does however appear to be Toyota once again listening to their customers and thoughtfully delivering on as many of their requests as possible while keeping it affordable for most people. For those of us who place a high priority on value, it seems like a really neat vehicle.

What do you think???


***One gripe. Although it will be supporting Apple Carplay, it won't be supporting Android Auto. Come on Toyota, the whole world doesn't carry Apple phones.

Looks good, I hated RAV4's back in the day but like them now

It’s on my list.

Have actually been waiting for the local dealer to get one in so I can check it out

After my truck was wrecked my rental is a 2018 RAV-4.
Pros:
Peppy in sport mode.
Lockable low speed AWD.
Good gas mileage.
Roomy inside. Good sized cargo area.
Excellent heat / AC system.
Seems to be a quality vehicle.
Cons:
"Automatic headlight" is confusing.
Poor interior lighting.

if I was in the market for a small SUV (crossover) I would look hard at the RAV-4.

My wife had a 2012 and currently a 2015. When she's ready she'll get a new one, she loves the vehicle. It's roomy enough for me but I'm used to my Tundra so the Rav feels a little small inside.

quote:

Originally posted by mark60:
My wife had a 2012 and currently a 2015. When she's ready she'll get a new one, she loves the vehicle. It's roomy enough for me but I'm used to my Tundra so the Rav feels a little small inside.

Then the increased interior space in the 2019 might actually work to your advantage.

I wonder if they will drop the Highlander from the lineup.

We looked at the Highlander and 4Runner in June.

Ended up with a 2018 4Runner.

I like it. I just wish they would give it a little more grunt, like with a small six cylinder or a turbo four.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:
I wonder if they will drop the Highlander from the lineup.

We looked at the Highlander and 4Runner in June.

Ended up with a 2018 4Runner.

From everything I've read, the Highlander will stay in the lineup.

quote:

Originally posted by wbw:
I like it. I just wish they would give it a little more grunt, like with a small six cylinder or a turbo four.

The name of the game with this segment is efficiency and reliability. As such, I don't think Toyota will ever dabble with a larger or sportier motor for the RAV. That's ok by me as I'm looking for fuel economy, reliability, and as little maintenance as possible, while offering up as little money out of pocket as I can get away with. I don't think sporty, sexy, or exciting will ever be words used to describe the RAV4.

Looks like a Toyota 4Runner and Mazda CX-5 mated.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
Looks like a Toyota 4Runner and Mazda CX-5 mated.

Interestingly, the interior volume in the 2019 RAV4 is bigger than both of those. Given I'm 6'2" and 220, that comes as good news.

Looks good. We have a 2011 RAV4 Limited AWD with a 6 cylinder.

The thing still drives like it's brand new after 110k. The only thing I've ever had to fix on it was a bad battery.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:
I wonder if they will drop the Highlander from the lineup.

We looked at the Highlander and 4Runner in June.

Ended up with a 2018 4Runner.

Doubtful as I don’t think they added a 3rd row and no V6 option.

I lost all interest in them when Toyota did away with the V6 option.

We have a 2008 V6 Sport with just under 50k miles. Haven't had any issues. Would definitely consider a new one but have no need right now. Disappointed when they dropped the V6.

My wife is in the market for an awd small suv. Honda CRV touring is on her mind but there is a Toyota dealer nearby. Worth a look for sure.

If your looking at a CR-V, carefully check out the issues with the gas in the crankcase issue.

https://www.crvownersclub.com/...ad-post-1-first.html

I read the specs. Looks like they are doing what Honda did with the CR-V in 2017. Honda does have the turbo 4 cylinder.

I don't know man. It still looks like all of the other crossover SUVs out there. Meh, they all look the same. Some bigger, some smaller but they all have the same style and shape.