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2019 Toyota RAV4 review

Used car review: a comprehensive look from new to now
7 photos

Toyota RAV4 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Quiet and comfortable ride quality
  • Easy-to-use controls and standard Apple CarPlay®

Cons

  • Lackluster performance from the non-hybrid engine
  • Lacks the precise steering of more agile rivals

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 33 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $23,998 - $25,998*

2019
2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited angle
Current yearRAV4 is completely redesigned
7 photos
Price
Year

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Is a used 2019 Toyota RAV4 right for you?

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is pleasant to drive and to live with. It’s comfortable and fuel-efficient, and its cargo area is among the most useful offered by a compact SUV. We don’t think it's exactly fun to drive, though its lack of sportiness and the so-so engine power are unlikely to be dealbreakers for most shoppers. Its sterling reliability, scoring a 4.0 out of 5 from RepairPal®, is a much more relevant factor. It's ranked third out of 26 compact SUVs in reliability.

What the 2019 Toyota RAV4 does best:

  • Fuel economy: 28-30 mpg according to the EPA
  • Storage: One of the biggest cargo areas among compact SUVs
  • Tech: Easy to learn, easy to use

When to consider other vehicles:

  • If sporty driving dynamics are more important than fuel economy, consider the Mazda CX-5
  • If you want more comfortable front seats, consider the Honda CR-V
  • If you want even better fuel economy, consider the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota RAV4 photos

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is fully redesigned, bringing a new engine, more modern design, and a host of desirable driver aids. The new engine is more powerful, though it's still weaker than competitors like the Mazda CX-5. More importantly, the engine is more efficient and produces better fuel economy than what it replaced.

Apple CarPlay® is also now standard on the RAV4 for the first time. Android Auto is added to the 2020 RAV4. Driver aids like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and forward collision mitigation with automatic braking are all standard features.

The RAV4 is one of the roomiest compact SUVs available, boasting 37.5 cubic feet of storage behind the second row. The second row is also roomy enough for adults, and we think the small-item storage in the RAV4 is quite good.

If you're looking for a less expensive compact SUV, we recommend you check out the Nissan Rogue. And if fuel economy is important to you, check out the growing number of hybrid options available. That includes the RAV4, which has offered a hybrid version dating back to 2016.

Check out the full review below for more details on why you might want to consider a used 2019 Toyota RAV4:

What tech does a used 2019 Toyota RAV4 have?

Tech highlights

  • Touchscreen is easy to use

  • Many driver aids come standard

  • Dated touchscreen graphics

Connectivity

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. You'll need to plug in to use those features, and keep in mind that the base LE trim only comes with one USB port. Higher trims come with additional ports.

Infotainment

All but the top-of-the-line Limited and second-from-top TRD Off-Road trims come with a seven-inch touchscreen. Those top trims get an eight-inch screen. Both are easy to learn and easy to use, but the native Toyota system is dated and a bit clunky. Using Apple CarPlay is an improvement on Toyota's standard system, but if you want Android Auto, you'll have to consider newer RAV4s.

Driver Assist Tech

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes loaded with advanced driver aids, even on the base trim. You get adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assistance on every RAV4. The second-tier trim adds blind-spot warning and the top-of-the-line Limited adds a surround-view parking system, which is an available feature on lower trims. Every RAV4 comes with a standard backup camera that's helpful but not a standout because of its so-so image quality.

How comfortable is a used 2019 Toyota RAV4?

Comfort highlights

  • Smooth ride

  • Comfortable seats

  • Engine noise can be bothersome

Front Seating

The front seats are roomy and comfortable with enough cushion and padding for most drivers. The bottoms of the seat are on the flat side, which may become uncomfortable during long drives. The manual seat adjusters on the passenger side are also a bit cumbersome—it can be tricky to find the perfect setting. Heated seats are available on the second-tier XLE trim, but to get cooled seats you need a top-of-the-line Limited trim RAV4.

Rear Seating

The second row has enough legroom for most adults, though the seats are not as cushioned as the front seats and their flat bottoms make them a less-than-ideal place to spend many hours at a time. There are a pair of fans attached to the center console that do a fine job of keeping the rear passengers cool (or warm, as the case may be). A couple of USB ports in the back are also handy for keeping devices charged.

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

The 2019 Toyota RAV4's ride quality is good even on moderately bumpy terrain. It doesn't feel too stiff or too soft, which could lead to an off-putting floaty feeling when driving over speed bumps. Engine noise is not typically a problem when just cruising, but it's a different story if you need to get on the gas while driving uphill. The engine can sound coarse and unpleasant in those conditions.

Does a used 2019 Toyota RAV4 have good storage?

Comfort highlights

  • Easy-to-access cargo area

  • Lots of small-item storage

  • Some competitors offer more rear storage

Cargo

The rear cargo area is one of the largest among compact SUVs, offering 37.5 cubic feet of storage with all seats in an upright position. Fold the rear seat down to get 69.8 cubic feet of storage, which combined with the RAV4's low loading floor makes it one of the most useful in the class. The second row folds down manually, but the lever is easy to access.

Storage

Small item storage is good in the 2019 Toyota RAV4. There's plenty of cubbies and pockets for assorted items, and the area under the infotainment screen is perfect for storing your smartphone.

How easy is a 2019 Toyota RAV4 to use?

Use highlights

  • Easy to get in and out

  • Installing car seats is a snap

  • The infotainment touchscreen can be tough to reach

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

The Toyota RAV4's doors open wide enough that most passengers won't have a problem getting in or out of the vehicle. Installing a car seat is also easy thanks to the easy-to-spot lower car seat anchors. Tethering to the upward anchors is also straightforward. It's easier to install a rear-facing seat on the driver's side because of the elevated position of the front passenger seat.

Interior Layout and Visibility

Visibility is quite good in the Toyota RAV4, whether you're looking out your side mirrors or through the back. The backup camera is helpful, but its resolution is not as impressive as that of some competitors. Our biggest complaint is the placement of some of the knobs on the infotainment screen, some of which require a stretch from the driver's seat to use. Otherwise, the cabin is straightforward and easy to use.

What’s a used 2019 Toyota RAV4 like to drive?

Driving highlights

  • Enough power for driving around town

  • All-wheel-drive system is good

  • Not much power

Driving

The 2019 Toyota RAV4's 203 horsepower looks good on paper, but don't be fooled: Its maximum power doesn't overcome its sluggish delivery. It's fine when it comes to tooling around town, but the RAV4 labors when put to more challenging tasks like accelerating uphill or passing on two-lane roads. The steering also feels imprecise, which is a fancy way of saying it can be frustrating to know how much you need to turn the wheel to get the RAV4 to appropriately respond.

Towing

The RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. That's good enough for a small pop-up camper or other lightweight loads.

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

The EPA estimates a front-wheel-drive RAV4 gets 30 miles per gallon in combined driving. That's about on par with the rest of the subcompact SUV class and matches its biggest competitor, the Honda CR-V. In Edmunds' testing, we found the EPA estimates pretty reliable.

Powertrain

Fuel economy estimate

2.5-liter four-cylinder, FWD (LE, Limited)

27/35

2.5-liter four-cylinder, AWD (LE, Adventure)

27/34

2.5-liter four-cylinder, FWD (XLE)

27/34

2.5-liter four-cylinder, AWD (XLE)

27/33

2.5-liter four-cylinder, AWD (TRD Off-Road)

25/32

2.5-liter four-cylinder, AWD (Limited)

25/33

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Based on customer reviews, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a small yet very roomy and comfortable vehicle with lots of storage space. The car drives excellent and has many features. Customers like the car for its versatility, reliability, and fun to drive.
4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Toyota RAV4 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota RAV4 4th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 features and specs

LE 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Entune
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cloth Seats
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

203

Torque (ft-lbs)

184

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

14.5

Wheelbase

105.9"

Overall length

180.9"

Width

73"

Height

67"

Leg room

F 41"/R 37.8"

Head room

F 39.5"/R 39.5"

Front tires

P225/65HR17

Rear tires

P225/65HR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Toyota RAV4 FAQ

All Toyota RAV4 years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota RAV4 generation from 2012 to 2025

What is new for the 2019 Toyota RAV4?

  • The RAV4 is available in a new trim called the XLE Premium.
  • The Platinum and SE trims have been discontinued for 2019.
  • RAV4 trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
  • Panoramic Sunroof and A/C Seat(s) features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
  • The Adventure trim now comes with Power Seat(s), Parking Sensors, Smart Key, Blind Spot Monitor, Leatherette Seats, and Power Hatch/Deck Lid as standard equipment.
  • The XLE trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor and Smart Key as standard equipment.

2019 Toyota RAV4 trims

Curious how Toyota RAV4 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LE:

  • 203-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Rear View Camera
  • Traction Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • View our Toyota RAV4 LE inventory

XLE:

XLE Premium:

Adventure:

Limited:

Research other vehicles


* Price excludes tax, title, tags and $387 documentary service charge (not required by law). Price assumes that final purchase will be made in the State of OH, unless vehicle is non-transferable. Vehicle subject to prior sale. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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