Test Toyota RAV4 220H 4 × 2 Feel!

The fifth-generation RAV4 arrives with a completely revamped design, equipment, and engines. The model we tested is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 220H 4x2 Feel!, the second-highest trim level, which, although its price is €37.950, can now be had with a discount that brings it down to €35.700.

At Actualidad Motor, we were eager to test the 2019 RAV4 to see firsthand the evolution of its hybrid powertrain . We reviewed the previous version of this system in the 2018 Lexus NX and noticed some shortcomings in its highway fuel consumption. Has Toyota significantly improved its model in this and other areas? Keep reading to find out.

A more robust and modern look

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 features a completely redesigned exterior compared to the generation launched in 2013 and updated in 2016. Its front end now boasts a much larger and more prominent grille, along with LED headlights across the entire range. In keeping with this, the hood sits much more horizontally, giving the vehicle a wider appearance despite only increasing in width by 1 cm.

Viewed from the side, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has a more modern and angular appearance than its predecessor. From this angle , horizontal lines also predominate , both in the roof, which no longer slopes down to the rear window, and in the upper part of the wheel arches and the contours of the doors and fenders. Furthermore, the rising lower edge of the rear windows has disappeared, a change that improves visibility when reversing.

The Feel! trim level we tested includes some details that give it a more striking appearance . These include a two-tone body, which in this case is pearly white with a black roof , but can also be chosen in metallic blue, gray, and silver, all with a black roof. The alloy wheels that come standard with this trim level are five-spoke and finished in gloss black.

well built interior

Inside, the horizontal lines that define this model are once again evident . The dashboard abandons the curved line that once housed the central controls, becoming a straight line that spans the entire width of the vehicle. It also includes a narrow, elongated storage compartment for items such as an umbrella, flashlight, pens, and so on.

In general, curved lines have been replaced with geometric shapes and softened edges. For example, the dashboard has a visor with sharper angles, as do the cupholders between the front seats.

The materials are soft even in areas that aren't usually touched, such as the top of the dashboard. Many surfaces are also adorned with the same blue stitching as the upholstery. Of particular note are the grooved rubber surfaces in certain areas where enhanced grip is appreciated, such as the circular climate control knobs and the interior door handles. They have a pleasant feel and allow for more comfortable use.

All the parts fit together perfectly, and we didn't detect any creaks or rattles , even while driving briskly on roads with some irregularities that would normally cause vibrations. This, combined with the quality of the materials, gives the interior a high-quality feel.

The only drawbacks we've noticed are that some hard plastics scratch easily , such as those around the cupholders, and that the central tunnel section that connects to the dashboard moves slightly when you rest your knee on it . However, these aren't significant flaws and don't affect our overall assessment.

Very complete security equipment

The new Toyota RAV4 not only has safety features like its seven airbags , including one for the driver's knee , but also comes standard with most driver assistance systems across all trim levels. These include: emergency braking assist with warning , intelligent headlight control, adaptive cruise control with front radar, a pre-collision system with cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition (which could be improved), and the eCall emergency call system.

The top-of-the-line Luxury trim also includes blind spot monitoring , a 360° surround view camera system , rear cross traffic alert , and a smart rearview mirror with a rear camera display. The rearview camera is available starting with the Advanced trim.

All versions except the Business trim feature an 8-inch touchscreen . The Business trim only has a lower-quality 7-inch screen. We weren't impressed with the navigation system due to its poor performance or map resolution. This shortcoming can't be remedied with connectivity options like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, as they aren't available for this model. Toyota has announced that it will gradually incorporate these features into its cars, so they might be available in a future facelift.

More spacious without growing outside

In reality, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has virtually the same dimensions as the fourth generation . It measures 4,60 meters long, 1,85 meters wide, and 1,68 meters high. The only dimension that changes significantly is the wheelbase , which, at 2,69 meters, is 3 cm longer than before . Thanks to this, legroom in the rear seats is slightly increased.

With the driver's seat configured for a person 1,86 meters tall, there's still 8 cm of legroom for a person of the same height sitting in the back. This dimension isn't affected by the rear seats because the back bench doesn't slide , unlike in the Skoda Karoq . However, the backrest angle is adjustable.

In terms of width and height , there's plenty of room for occupants both in the front and rear. Five average-sized adults can travel comfortably, with the only drawback being that legroom in the middle seat is reduced by the central tunnel. This tunnel, incidentally, is well-equipped with air conditioning vents and USB ports compatible with fast charging.

The trunk has also grown significantly compared to the 2016 RAV4 hybrid, which offered 501 liters of cargo space (547 liters for the non-hybrid version). The 2019 RAV4, sold only in Spain as a hybrid, boasts a capacity of up to 580 liters , making it one of the best in its segment. This measurement is achieved with the floor in its lowest position, as it is height-adjustable.

The powertrain of the 4 Toyota RAV2019

One of the reasons they've managed to optimize the RAV4's trunk space is because the 1,6 kWh battery pack is located between the rear seats and the axle. This battery powers the 120 hp electric motor, which, together with the 177 hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, delivers a combined output of 218 hp .

In the 4x4 versions , the 2019 RAV4 includes an additional 68 hp electric motor that powers the rear axle. Although its total power only increases by 4 hp, to 222 hp , official performance figures indicate a 0,3-second improvement in the 0-100 km/h sprint, reducing the time to 8,1 seconds.

The unit we tested has front-wheel drive (4x2) , which we found more than sufficient to move the 1.665 kg this version weighs. Its e-CVT automatic transmission is very quick , as there's no gear change as such. Furthermore, the electric motor's assistance is immediate, so every movement on the accelerator pedal is transmitted very directly to the road.

The only drawback of this transmission is that, being a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it revs the engine very frequently , making the noise somewhat annoying inside the cabin . It can be put into manual mode by tilting the lever to the left. In this mode, it simulates having six gears, just like the Subaru XV we tested last year. However, we missed having a tachometer on the instrument panel when this system is activated. The Lexus NX does have this feature, allowing you to shift gears without relying on your ear.

The ECO, Normal, and Sport driving modes affect the throttle and gearbox response, as well as the use of electric power to assist the gasoline engine. With Sport mode , we did notice a significant change in the car's handling. Conversely, with ECO mode , we didn't achieve any improvement in fuel consumption figures.

Although the 2019 RAV4 boasts a 21 hp increase in power compared to the previous generation, the most noticeable change is in fuel consumption . Both the 2016 and 2019 RAV4s perform satisfactorily in the city, where their non-plug-in hybrid systems excel. But this fifth generation has also significantly reduced its highway fuel consumption.

Specifically, the real-world fuel consumption figures we achieved with the new RAV4 are 5,5 liters per 100 km in the city , 5,2 liters per 100 km on roads at 90 km/h , and 7,6 liters per 100 km on the highway . These figures, as usual, are quite different from the official official figures, but they are very good for everyday driving.

driving dynamics

The Toyota RAV4 has always been designed more for comfort than agile handling, and this generation remains unchanged. Even so, it's still possible to drive it fast without feeling like you might easily lose control. Its suspension tuning is somewhat soft compared to other SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 or the Seat Ateca , but it's well-balanced.

What we have noticed is that the car doesn't react well to sudden changes in direction because its weight transfers are slow . This problem is more noticeable because its power steering is configured for the typical comfort required in urban environments.

The RAV4 is a car for relaxed driving , not for pushing too hard on tight corners at high speeds, because it tends to understeer easily and the stability control has to intervene. But in return, it absorbs road imperfections and the typical speed bumps so common in many areas quite well .

Off-road, this model is well-suited to well-maintained dirt roads and tracks. Its ground clearance is decent for an SUV at 19 cm, and its approach angle is good at 17,5 degrees. However, its breakover angle (15,5 degrees) and departure angle (20 degrees) are nothing to write home about. The latter is hampered by the two prominent exhaust pipes , which, incidentally, are surprising on a hybrid version. Other manufacturers typically conceal them beneath the bodywork to emphasize their eco-friendly appearance.

Conclusions

The Toyota RAV4 220h is a comfortable and spacious car for both passengers and luggage. It's a great option for those who will primarily use it for city driving , and now that its powertrain has been optimized , it's also suitable for the occasional highway trip without excessive fuel consumption. Furthermore, it offers the advantages of an ECO-labeled vehicle , such as discounts in regulated parking zones and access to areas restricted to certain cars.

Given its chassis configuration, it's a model designed for relaxed driving without demanding too much from its handling. This perfectly suits the intended use of the RAV4. However, a slightly more refined driving dynamic wouldn't hurt.

Standard equipment of the Toyota Rav4 2019

Business

• temporary spare wheel
• Headlights with LED parabola
• Rear optics with LED light-guide technology
• Headlights with “Follow-me-home” function
• Light sensor
• Electric, heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors
• Driving mode selector Off road AWD-i
• Speed ​​limiter
• emergency braking assistant
• Flashing warning of emergency braking
• Front fog lamps
• Intelligent High Beam Control
• Automatic headlamp height adjustment
• LED daytime running lights
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
• Hill start assistance
• Pre-Collision Safety System with Cyclist Detection
• Involuntary Lane Change Warning
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• e-Call emergency call system
• Low tire pressure indicator
• Bluetooth hands-free with audio streaming function
• MP3/WMA radio with six speakers
• 7-inch multifunction touch screen
• USB sockets
• Vehicle information via App My Toyota
• electric parking brake
• Armrests on the rear seats
• Keyless start (Smart Entry)
• Dual zone air conditioning
• 60:40 folding rear seats
• Electric windows with one touch function front and rear
• 12V socket in the trunk
• Voice recognition system with steering wheel controls
• Warning of unfastened seat belts in the rear seats

Advance

• Darkened rear and rear side windows
• Rain Sensor
• Longitudinal roof bars
• rear parking sensors
• Electrochromic interior mirror
• Rear view camera
• wireless charger smartphone
• 2” Toyota Touch 8
• Glove box for glasses
• Roll-up luggage cover

AdvancePlus

• Automatic gate with electric opening and closing
• Keyless start system (Push Start)
• Driving mode selector Off road AWD-i
• 9 speakers
• JBL premium sound system
• paddle shifters on the steering wheel

Feel!

• Two-tone bodywork
• Alloy wheels in black
• Synthetic leather upholstery Feel!
• Driver's seat with electric lumbar adjustment
• Heated front seats

Luxury

• Leather upholstery
• Chrome inserts on the door handles
• Automatic electric opening and closing gate with kick type function
• Floor lights in the mirrors
• Blind spot warning
• 360º vision system
• rear traffic alert
• Intelligent interior rear view mirror with image display via rear camera
• Driver's seat with electrical adjustment and position memory

Toyota Rav4 2019 Prices

Editor's opinion

Gallery of the Toyota Rav4 2019 220H Feel!