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2019 Toyota RAV4: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is an all-new, fifth-generation model built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform. The redesign brings a tougher shape, new gas and hybrid powertrains, more standard safety technology, and Apple CarPlay.
About the 2019 Toyota RAV4
5th generation, first year (2019-2025 before the 2026 redesign).
Toyota positions the 2019 RAV4 as a compact SUV that can handle city driving, family duty, and weekend getaways without giving up efficiency or everyday comfort. The key differentiators are its tougher SUV styling, strong safety story, roomy cargo area, available hybrid efficiency, and AWD systems that go beyond basic bad-weather traction. In plain terms, it is the practical do-everything Toyota crossover with a more adventurous personality than before.
The 2019 lineup ranges from the straightforward, safety-focused LE to the more upscale Limited, which has navigation, a digital rearview mirror, and a power liftgate. Adventure is the rugged-looking version, with a more advanced AWD system and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, while the hybrid-only XSE adds a sport-tuned suspension and a contrasting black roof.
What changed, by category
Structural
The RAV4 moves to Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, with a stiffer body, a redesigned cabin, more rear legroom, and a roomier cargo area.
Powertrain
Gas and hybrid models get new 2.5-liter four-cylinder-based powertrains. The gas version rises from 176 to 203 horsepower and uses a new 8-speed automatic, while the hybrid rises from 194 to 219 horsepower and delivers better fuel economy. Adventure also gains torque-vectoring AWD, which can shift power between the rear wheels for added grip.
Styling
A more upright, truck-inspired exterior replaces the softer shape of the 2018 model. Adventure adds larger fender trim and raised roof rails, while XSE uses a black-roof design and sportier exterior details.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 becomes standard across the lineup, adding Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist. XLE also gains standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear cross-traffic braking.
Tech
A touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay becomes standard. Limited gains an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 7-inch driver display, and a digital rearview mirror.
2019 Toyota RAV4 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct & Sequential Shift / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct & Sequential Shift / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct & Sequential Shift / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct & Sequential Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct & Sequential Shift |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26–41 mpg | 26–41 mpg | 41 mpg | 26–41 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35–38 mpg | 35–38 mpg | 38 mpg | 35–38 mpg | 34 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 203–219 hp | 203–219 hp | 219 hp | 203–219 hp | 203 hp | 203 hp |
| Torque | 163–184 lb-ft | 163–184 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 163–184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500–1750 lb | 1500–1750 lb | 1750 lb | 1500–1750 lb | 3500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 a redesign?
Yes. The 2019 RAV4 begins the fifth generation with a new TNGA-K platform, a stiffer body, a redesigned interior, and a more upright SUV-like exterior.
How did the 2019 RAV4’s engines change from 2018?
Both powertrains were replaced for 2019. The gas model gets a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an 8-speed automatic, while the hybrid uses a 219-horsepower system with improved fuel economy.
What safety and infotainment features became standard on the 2019 RAV4?
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and Apple CarPlay became standard for 2019. The safety suite adds Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist, and every trim has a touchscreen infotainment system.
Which RAV4 trims changed for 2019?
The XLE Premium trim joined the lineup, while LE Plus and Platinum were dropped. The sporty SE name changed to XSE; for 2019, XSE is a hybrid-only trim with 219 horsepower, a sport-tuned suspension, and a black-roof design.
Is the 2019 RAV4 a major step over the 2018 model?
Yes, if the newer platform, stronger powertrains, added safety functions, and standard Apple CarPlay matter to you. The 2019 is a full redesign rather than a light update to the 2018 RAV4.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Toyota RAV4.
4.0
2019 Toyota RAV4
(328 reviews)
“Great vehicle. We are about to have our first baby and we feel completely safe with the car. We feel like it would protect our baby and look good at the same time.”
“I love my 2019 RAV4. I have a dark blue exterior, black pleather interior, 4 WD. The hybrid function really helps my gas mileage and the sport function is a lot of fun. It feels comfy and safe. The L mirror rattles a little, the dark blue shows dust, the cargo could be larger and the seats don't lie flat. The moon roof is a fun function but it could be larger and causes a lot of noise.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — All New 2019 Toyota Rav4 Breaks The Mold For The Segment It Created
- pressroom.toyota.com — All New 2019 Toyota Rav4 Serves Breakthrough Debut Nyias
- pressroom.toyota.com — Rav4 Technology Smartest Suv On The Block
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2018 Toyota Rav4 Ready More Action New Adventure Le Hybrid Grade
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2020 Toyota Rav4 Offers A New Trd Off Road Model And Multimedia Enhancements