2019 RAV4 part of mass migration to Toyota modular platform

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(April 9, 2018) Toyota is moving quickly to shift all its front-drive models to its TNGA modular platform. The latest member of this mass migration is the fifth-generation RAV4, a vehicle that is 57 percent more rigid than its predecessor, and has toppled the Camry from the top of the sales charts.


Introduced at the New York Auto Show, the 2019 RAV4 goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2018, with the hybrid model following in early 2019.

Like the Corolla Hatchback, also revealed in New York, the RAV4’s press kit makes use of, uh, interesting descriptors used by the designers and engineers when developing the small crossover. For example, the designers, says the press material, “kept in mind design elements of Adventure and Refined to allow owners to get up and go in their RAV4, no matter the time or place.” Yeah, okay. Whatever you say…

That said, the exterior panels are much more chiseled, sharing a family look with the Highlander and 4Runner, and giving the RAV4 a more aggressive appearance. More aerodynamic than the vehicle it replaces, the new RAV4 has more ground clearance (by more than half an inch), but looks even higher thanks to fender lip inserts that start above the lower sill and fascia moldings.

In order to improve visibility, the designers moved the exterior mirrors lower on the front doors, and further away from the A-pillars. The beltline is lower as well, and the rear quarter windows larger to improve over-the-shoulder sightlines. Despite SUVs being a modern metaphor for an apocalyptic world view where owners will travel Mad Max-like over inhospitable terrain, this change will make it easier to change lanes on the freeway and back out of parking spots.

Both powertrains are built around Toyota’s 2.5-liter inline four. Non-hybrid models mate the 40% thermal efficiency engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid uses an electronically-controlled CVT. In addition, there are three all-wheel drive systems available. Hybrid models use an AWD-i system with 30% more torque available to the rear wheels through the electrically-driven rear axle.

Mainstream models use a version of the current AWD system, while gas-engined versions of the Limited and Adventure grade RAV4s are fitted with a dynamic torque vectoring system with Rear Driveline Disconnect. This system can send 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, and shift it left or right to improve traction and handling. When all-wheel drive isn’t necessary, like on long straight stretches of highway, the disconnect system — which features ratchet-style dog clutches on the front and rear wheel shafts — uses these clutches to stop the driveshaft rotation and transfer all the power through the front wheels. As with the standard AWD system, it features a Multi-Terrain Select controller that allows the driver to maximize traction when driving on snow, mud, sand or rocks.
 
A new member of the RAV4 family is the XSE Hybrid, which features gloss black accents on the front fascia, wheel arches, and sills, as well as a standard two-tone paint scheme with gloss black roof. It also has a “sport tuned” suspension with higher spring and damper rates, making it the sportiest member of the hybrid family. The interior of this model in “mono-spec”, featuring black Softex material and blue accents throughout the larger interior.

Every 2019 RAV4 comes standard with a 7.5-inch display, Entune 3.0, Verizon Wi-Fi Connect, hands-free Amazon Alexa access, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Entune 3.0 Audio Plus adds an eight-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM radio, while Entune 3.0 Premium Audio adds dynamic navigation to the mix.

A JBL Premium audio system is available, and includes eight channels, 11 speakers, and 800 watts. Rounding out this electronics orgy are five USB ports and an optional Qi wireless charging tray in the center console.
 
The Virtual Driver