The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year. The new RAV4’s look is tougher, and there’s greater capability with a new type of all-wheel drive, yet the ride is smoother and quieter, with new comfort touches inside.
New RAV4 powertrains increase performance while reducing fuel consumption. Second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) comes standard, and Entune multimedia is more comprehensive and versatile than ever.
Beneath the 2019 RAV4’s bolder sheet metal, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform provides the robust foundation for capability, comfort and safety. The longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks provide a stable, confident driving platform. Shorter front and rear overhangs aid the RAV4’s trail driving capability.
The 2019 RAV4’s unibody structure is 57-percent more rigid than the previous model, allowing tuning for the front strut and rear multi-link suspension that enhances agility while also providing a smoother, quieter ride.
The TNGA-K platform allows for lower powertrain placement and lower center of gravity than in the previous RAV4. Using high-strength steel has reduced weight in the upper body, also helping to shift the center of gravity lower. A new saddle-style fuel tank distributes the weight of the fuel evenly side-to-side. The previous model had the entire tank on one side of the vehicle.
Power and efficiency both make a leap in the 2019 RAV4 thanks to the new Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission in the gas models.
The new Direct Shift-8AT transmission provides a much wider ratio spread than the six-speed automatic it replaces, resulting in quicker and smoother acceleration, getting drivers from 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds (Limited grade). The new transmission provides torque converter lock-up in gears two through eight to help eliminate power loss. The driver can choose from Eco, Normal and Sport modes to tailor vehicle responses.
In addition to standard front-wheel drive, RAV4 gas models offer two types of available all-wheel drive. The new, segment- and Toyota-first, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect comes standard on AWD-equipped Limited gas and Adventure grade models. It can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, as well as distribute it to the left or right rear wheel to enhance handling on or off pavement.
When AWD isn’t required, RAV4 can help achieve better fuel economy thanks to the Rear Driveline Disconnect system. The system uses the world’s first ratchet-type dog clutches to stop the rear-axle driveshaft’s rotation, thus helping to significantly reduce energy loss and improve fuel efficiency.
Standard on all AWD-equipped gas RAV4 models, Multi-Terrain Select gives drivers the ability to maximize traction when driving through mud, sand, rocks, dirt and snow. The system is easy to use thanks to control buttons or a control dial (depending on the grade) positioned to the left of the transmission shift lever.
The driver can select Mud & Sand mode for beach driving or Rock & Dirt mode for trails. Using the Multi-Information Display (MID), the driver can view torque allocation and slip control, which will fluctuate depending on driving and road conditions.
In addition, RAV4 models include the following features for optimal on-road and off-road performance and safety: Hill Start Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control and Downhill Assist Control.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 gas models will be offered in five grades: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure and Limited.
The RAV4 LE grade’s standard equipment list includes features such as multi-LED headlights and taillights; dual exhaust; color-keyed exterior door handles; low-profile roof rails; privacy glass on side, quarter and liftgate windows; 4.2-in MID; and soft-touch dash and armrests.
The XLE grade is a major upgrade and adds 17-inch alloy wheels; multi-LED headlights with chrome bezels and auto on/off headlamps; fog lights; color-keyed heated power exterior mirrors with LED turn signals and blind spot warning indicators; power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and new mesh wind deflector; dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents; Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with push button start, remote keyless entry and remote illuminated entry; rear cargo area cover; four additional USB charging ports and more.
The new XLE Premium grade builds on that, adding 19-inch super-chrome-finish alloy wheels; SofTex-trimmed seats with eight-way power driver’s seat and two-way lumbar; power liftgate; leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift handle with sequential mode.
The Adventure grade includes 19-inch, split five-spoke wheels with matte-black accents and 235/55R19 tires; an available Ice Edge-colored roof that is paired with one of three exterior colors; available heated and ventilated front seats; and orange stitching accents in the interior.
The Limited grade takes the RAV4 into luxury territory with exterior silver accents, large black over-fenders, gray metallic-colored grille, 19-inch alloy wheels with chrome accents; power moonroof; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory and two-way lumbar support; available heated and ventilated perforated front seating; available heated perforated rear outboard seating; available panoramic sunroof; power liftgate, with available hands-free power liftgate; Entune Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and Digital Rearview Mirror.
An entry level 2019 gasoline FWD RAV4 LE starts at $25,500. A fully loaded Limited gas AWD RAV4 will carry a price tag just under $35,000.
Servicing the 2019 Toyota RAV4
Every 5,000 miles or six months:
• Add Toyota EFI Tank Additive or equivalent (Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Saipan and American Samoa only)
• Check installation of driver’s floor mat
• Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
• Inspect wiper blades
• Rotate tires
• Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months:
• Replace engine oil and filter
15,000 miles or 18 months:
• Re-torque propeller shaft bolt (4WD)
• Inspect ball joints and dust covers
• Inspect brake lines and hoses
• Inspect cabin air filter
• Inspect drive shaft boots
• Inspect engine coolant
• Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
• Inspect radiator and condenser
• Inspect rear differential oil (4WD)
• Inspect steering gear
• Inspect steering linkage and boots
• Inspect transfer case oil (4WD)
Every 30,000 miles or 36 months:
• Replace cabin air filter
• Replace engine air filter
• Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid cooler hoses and connections
• Inspect automatic transmission for signs of leakage
• Inspect fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
• Inspect fuel tank cap gasket
Every 60,000 miles or 72 months:
• Inspect drive belts
Every 120,000 miles or 144 months:
• Replace spark plugs
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads
Every 5,000 miles or six months:
• Inspect ball joints and dust covers
• Inspect drive shaft boots
• Inspect engine air filter
• Inspect steering linkage and boots
• Re-torque propeller shaft bolt (4WD)
• Replace engine oil and oil filter
• Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier or heavy vehicle loading
Every 5,000 miles or six months:
• Re-torque propeller shaft bolt (4WD)
• Replace engine oil and oil filter
• Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Every 15,000 miles or 18 months:
• Replace rear differential oil (4WD)
• Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
Every 60,000 miles or 72 months:
• Replace automatic transmission fluid
Repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32 F/0 C
Every 5,000 miles or six months:
• Replace engine oil and filter
Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use
Every 5,000 miles or six months:
• Replace engine oil and oil filter
Every 60,000 miles or 72 months:
• Replace automatic transmission fluid
Fluids and Capacities
Motor oil: API SN/RC 0W-16. Capacity is 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) – with filter; 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters) – without filter.
Coolant: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent. Capacity is 7.3 quarts (6.9 liters) – without engine oil cooler; 7.4 quarts (7.0 liters) – with engine oil cooler.
ATF: Toyota Genuine ATF WS or equivalent. Capacity is 7.8 quarts (7.4 liters)
Transfer oil: Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil or equivalent. Capacity is 0.48 quarts (0.45 liters) – Dynamic Torque Control AWD vehicle; 0.428 quarts (0.405 liters) – Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD vehicle.
Rear differential oil: Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LX 75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent. Capacity is 0.5 quarts (0.5 liters) – Dynamic Torque Control AWD vehicle; 0.554 quarts (0.525 liters ) – Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD vehicle. S
