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25 city, 33 highway, 28 combined
From $23,998 - $25,998*
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
4.7 out of 5
28 customer reviews5 Stars | 19 |
---|---|
4 Stars | 9 |
3 Stars | 0 |
2 Stars | 0 |
1 Star | 0 |
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 RAV4Drive 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 |
The current, fifth-generation RAV4 is the newest version Toyota has produced. However, if you're looking for lower prices, the fourth-generation RAV4 that debuted in 2013 is also a great choice. Here's a breakdown of what kind of RAV4s you'll typically be able to find at CarMax:
- 2009-2012 RAV4: The third-generation RAV4 (it started in 2006) offers an optional third row of seats, plus an optional V6 engine in addition to its standard four-cylinder.
- 2013-2015 RAV4: These fourth-generation versions abandoned the V6 engine and rugged mounted spare tire of past models. They're more comfortable and quieter than the older RAV4s.
- 2016-2018 RAV4: Toyota revised the fourth-generation RAV4 for 2016, adding a bevy of upgraded features, such as a better infotainment system and a new SE trim with more refined handling. The RAV4 Hybrid also made its debut with the top estimated fuel economy for the class.
- 2019-2020 RAV4: The fifth-generation RAV4. This generation RAV4 has rugged-looking styling and more standard advanced driver safety aids. It also benefits from increased space for passengers and cargo, plus new, more off-road-oriented trim levels.
We'll focus on the fifth-generation RAV4, the most recent version, since you'll find many available at CarMax. The RAV4 comes in many trims. The base trim is known as the LE, while the XLE and the XLE Premium offer more standard features. The RAV4 Limited trim is top-of-the-line. Notable additions include a rugged-looking Adventure model and a more capable TRD Off-Road version (new for 2020).
Hybrid models also offer different versions for you to choose. In 2019, the hybrid lineup added the base LE and sporty XSE alongside the XLE and the fully-loaded Limited.
The base engine in 2019-2020 RAV4s is a four-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower. It comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
This engine gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving for front-wheel-drive models. With all-wheel drive, the EPA says to expect 27, 28, or 30 mpg combined depending on the specific RAV4 trim level.
Hybrid versions of the RAV4 also have a four-cylinder engine. But these vehicles add a battery pack and electric motor hybrid system to improve both power and estimated fuel economy. RAV4 Hybrids from 2019 and 2020 come with 219 horsepower and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is standard on the RAV4 Hybrid.
The RAV4 has a low-loading cargo floor. This is important because it can make hoisting large or heavy items through the rear hatch easier. It also comes with a 60/40-split second row of seats that can fold down flat, creating more room for whatever you need to transport. With the second row folded, the 2019-2020 RAV4 has a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cubic feet. The space is plenty for most bicycles, electronics, and boxed furniture.
Planning to tow? The RAV4 has trailer sway control as a standard feature to improve its towing stability and increase your confidence on the road. Most 2019-2020 models are rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The one exception is the Adventure trim, which has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Toyota improved the interior for the fifth-generation 2019-2020 models. Space for passengers and small items is plentiful. We also like the easy-to-use controls and the improved level of quiet and refinement on the road compared to earlier RAV4s. You'll also find many locations to store small items, including a handy tray for front-row passengers to use. The base LE and XLE trims come with cloth upholstery. XLE Premium and higher trim levels use simulated leather upholstery.
The RAV4's cabin is roomy. The back seat has plenty of headroom and legroom, and two adults seated in the rear will likely be comfortable. The expansive rear seat space also makes it pretty easy to install child safety seats and get little kids in and out. One downside, however, is the front passenger seat's lack of adjustment range. As a result, long-distance drives might be uncomfortable for that passenger.
The fifth-generation 2019-2020 RAV4 has a standard suite of driver aids. It includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (can warn you of an impending collision and apply the brakes in certain scenarios), lane keeping assist (can make minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane), and traffic-adaptive cruise control (can maintain a driver-set distance between the RAV4 and the car in front). Optional on the LE and standard on everything else is blind-spot monitoring (can alert you about a vehicle that's in the next lane over and possibly in your blind spot)
The standard touchscreen is a 7-inch unit with Apple CarPlay® compatibility. On 2020 models, there is Android Auto™ as well. These systems allow you to display and operate select apps — such as those for text messaging, maps, and music — from your smartphone and display them on the touchscreen. They can help reduce distraction since you don't need to hold your phone to use it. For the Adventure and higher trims, Toyota adds an 8-inch screen. Standard on the Limited and optional on the Adventure and TRD Off-Road is an integrated navigation system and a premium JBL audio system.
The four-cylinder engine used in 2019-2020 regular RAV4s provides enough power for you to merge onto freeways without too much trouble. But compared to some of the more powerful engines in rival crossover SUVs, it's not very exciting. The RAV4 Hybrid feels more lively and responds quicker to inputs.
The RAV4 is defined by its leisurely demeanor on the road; it has a pleasing balance between ride comfort and control. Wind and road noise is also kept out of the cabin, though the engine can sound coarse and not exactly pleasant when you mash the gas. Around turns, the steering and handling lack responsiveness, which creates a vague, foglike feeling when you're behind the wheel.
The RAV4 XLE Premium offers a lot of advantages. It's a middle-level trim and should be a solid pick for value. It has a few more standard features that you'll likely enjoy, such as a power liftgate, simulated leather upholstery, and a sunroof. You'll also find higher-quality materials inside the cabin, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A power-adjustable driver's seat adds to the upscale experience.
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota RAV4 generation from 2012 to 2025
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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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