As one of the most anticipated Toyota vehicles in recent years, the newest 2019 Toyota RAV4 debuted as a completely redesigned model. With an all-new exterior, new modern-age interior, and more tech than ever, the new RAV4 managed to jump up the highest step in the imaginary hierarchy of the compact SUV segment in one swing. Safety was paramount for Toyota engineers, and the new RAV4 now has a full safety suit as standard. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist. No other similar car has a safety suit as comprehensive as the one in the Toyota RAV4 in its standard form. Regardless of all the imaginable family-friendly features, the Toyota RAV4 somehow managed to stay cool with an appeal that never ends. Now, I'm going to give you 12 awesome facts about the new 2019 Toyota RAV4.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Has An All-new, 2.5-liter, Four-cylinder Engine

Called the Dynamic Force 2.5L, Toyota's new four-cylinder engine is the next step in the naturally aspirated engine development. Revealed earlier last year, I learned that Toyota engineers did all they possibly could to improve the thermal efficiency of the new four-cylinder engine. The changes include:

-* New cylinder bore design

-* Longer piston stroke

-* An increased angle between the intake and exhaust valves

-* Reprogrammed VVT-i system

Combustion is quicker, and the 2.5-liter four-cylinder churns out 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The same as in the Camry. Bear with me and you will see a whole lot of Camry connections - and that with a good reason. The next fact will shed some light on all of it.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Drivetrain And Performance

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Rides on Toyota’s New TNGA K platform

The main reason for the fundamental similarities between the RAV4 and the Camry sedan is the fact that these two share the same platform. Actually, the new RAV4 is the first SUV based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). The main benefits of the TNGA K include:

-* Available high-tech, last gen, electronic systems that can be easily updated with the new hardware or software in the future

-* Multi-link rear suspension

-* Available advanced hybrid drivetrain and modern ICE engine

-* Far more luxurious interior layout with plusher materials and far better NVH values

-* Much better off-road gear with a fantastic smart AWD system

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Has a Smart AWD System

Thanks to the TNGA K, Toyota managed to offer three different AWD systems for the new RAV4. Toyota can optionally install a base AWD setup in the LE and the XLE models. The system works by engaging the centrally mounted coupling when it detects rear wheel slippage. It can send up to 50-percent of power to the rear axle.

This thing manages torque distribution between left and right rear wheels. If it detects that one wheel is about to slip, it will apply the power to the other one. This particular AWD system has another awesome merit - the so-called Rear Driveline Disconnect. This system completely disengages rear wheel drive - for example, when on the highway - and in that case saves a bit of fuel compared to the standard AWD system.

The third system is basically the one found in the RAV4 Hybrid. As before, the electric motor propels the rear wheels, but for the new model, the system provides up to 30 percent more torque to the rear wheels and considerably improves the performance of the AWD system. The system can even provide torque to a single wheel by braking the slipping wheel.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Has a Multi-Link Rear Suspension

Thanks to the new platform, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has a multi-link rear suspension setup. Apart from the beneficial effect on the driving dynamics and characteristics, the multilink setup has numerous other benefits:

-* Better NVH values (less noise, vibration, and harness) in the SUV

-* Better ride comfort

-* It made it easy for Toyota to increase clearance by more than half of an inch

-* Better off-road characteristics

This is not the case with the torsion beam setup that actually connects two rear wheels.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Isn't Offered With a Diesel Engine or Manual Transmission

Toyota produced the final RAV4 with a diesel engine last year in May. Back then, the Japanese announced their commitment to production and further development of the gasoline and hybrid propulsion system, along with a complete demise of diesel engines. Also, forget about the manual transmission. There isn’t one available anywhere. The only transmission option is the eight-speed automatic for gasoline-powered models and the CVT for the hybrid.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Is More Aerodynamic Than Ever

This is actually a big deal in the world of SUVs. And, it did so with a slightly increased ground clearance. Quite amazing. This increased high-speed stability and improved efficiency on the highway. While we do not have any information about the drag coefficient value, I would guess that the new RAV4 has a drag coefficient of less than 0.30 Cd. Back in 2012, Toyota introduced the RAV4 EV and that one has a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is Shorter Than The 2018 Toyota RAV4

Not by much, though. It is a bit wider (0.4 inches), but shorter overhangs and more clearance make it somewhat more adapted for the light off-roading takes it will be definitely exposed to. And, it does look rugged and utilitarian. More so than before for sure.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Has a Digital Rearview Mirror

Well, this is more like a nice gizmo than a true novelty, but the integration of a digital rearview mirror in the 2019 Toyota RAV4 shows that the world is about to accept this technology in all its entirety. If I remember correctly, the 2018 Nissan Armada was the first one to bring the tech - basically, a live feed on a display behind the reflective film from the rear mounted camera. In the case of the RAV4, this tech offers a bit wider view. Think safety!

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is Safer Than Ever

Heck, I can even say that the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is maybe the safest vehicle right now. I am able to draw such a conclusion because Toyota installed the TSS 2.0 in all its entirety in every RAV4 available. Regardless of the trim level.

The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (that's what the “TSS 2.0” stands for) includes features such as:

-* Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)

-* Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

-* Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)

-* Automatic High Beam (AHB)

-* (NEW) Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

-* (NEW) Road Sign Assist (RSA)

All of this is standard on every 2019 Toyota RAV4, along with eight airbags and:

-* Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

-* Traction Control (TRAC)

-* Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

-* Brake Assist (BA)

-* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

-* Smart Stop Technology (SST)

And just as I thought that Toyota couldn’t offer anything else in terms of safety for its popular compact SUV, the Japanese surprised me once again. This is what you can optionally choose to make your RAV4 even safer:

-* Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

-* Bird’s Eye View Camera

-* Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS)

-* Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB)

The 2019 RAV4 Standard Super-Advanced Infotainment System

With a 7.0-inch touchscreen, the Toyota RAV4 now comes with the Entune 3.0 software as standard. The big deal here is the integration of Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa voice-assistant. Wi-Fi hotspot? Of course.

On the other end (read among the optional equipment), you can get an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a navigational system, a wireless phone charger, and an 800-watt JBL audio.

Did I mention five USB ports?

We Saw The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Two Years Ago

It has larger tires, a redesigned front bumper, new grille design, contrasting roof, and a number of other special parts. While some did actually note that the RAV4 Adventure is like a small FJ Cruiser throwback, I can actually tell you that we have already seen it. Two years ago in the shape of the Future Toyota Adventure Concept - aptly named FT-AC. It’s the same thing really.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is More Than Practical

As we all know, family values have never been as important as today. In that case, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 provides an exhilarating set of awesome convenience features:

-* Reversible cargo area liner

-* Split-folding rear seats

-* Moonroof

-* Heated rear seats

-* Deeper cup holders between the seats

-* Bigger storage space in front of the gear lever

-* Chunkier air-con dials

-* Lower dashboard for better visibility

-* 2.5-inch longer cargo area with two height levels

-* Cargo area light

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is simply the most practical RAV4 ever devised.

Further Reading

Read our full driven review on the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

Read our full review on the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

Read our full review on the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.