shoppers interested in the redesigned 2019 toyota rav4 have a lot of choices: hybrid or gas? all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive? basic or adventure trim? gas and hybrid versions of the compact suv are available in le, xle and limited trim levels, then there's the non-hybrid-only adventure and xle premium versions and the hybrid-only xse hybrid model. to say you have options would be an understatement, so we'll demystify.
all non-hybrid models get power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder used engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. the hybrid model comes standard with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder used engine , all-wheel drive in the form of front and rear electric motors, a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack and electronic continuously variable automatic transmission.
all rav4 versions get some new standard equipment for 2019. this includes the toyota safety sense 2.0 suite of safety features, the entune 3.0 multimedia system with subscription-based in-car wi-fi and compatibility with both amazon alexa and apple carplay (but not android auto).
with more features comes more dollars: the base 2wd model starts at $26,545 — higher than both the old version and many competitors. all-wheel drive adds $1,400 to each trim level, and the hybrid powertrain (which comes with standard awd) is an additional $800 (all prices include the destination fee).
what trim makes the most sense for you? here's how the rav4 trims break down:
standard features
le
the base price is $26,545 with fwd and includes:
- 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder used engine with eight-speed automatic transmission
- toyota safety sense 2.0 with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection
- 7-inch touchscreen with entune 3.0 and apple carplay
- soft-touch interior accents
- single usb port
- 17-inch steel wheels with covers
- awd models start at $27,945, le hybrids at $28,745
xle
this model starts at $28,345 and adds:
- dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear-seat vents
- keyless access system on doors and liftgate
- blind spot monitor system with rear cross-traffic alert
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- five usb ports
- moonroof
- xle awd models start at $29,745, xle hybrids at $30,545
xle premium
this model starts at $30,545 with fwd and adds:
- simulated leather-trimmed front bucket seats
- 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support
- height-adjustable power liftgate
- leather-trimmed tilt/telescoping three-spoke steering wheel
- leather-trimmed shift lever
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- xle premium awd starts at $31,945
adventure
this awd-only model starts at $33,945 and adds:
- upgraded dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive system
- a deck-mounted 120-volt ac power outlet
- instrument panel 7-inch digital multi-information display with customizable settings
- 8-inch touchscreen
- backup camera with dynamic guidelines
- digital speedometer and instrumentation
- 19-inch wheels with matte-black accents
- unique front grille, bumper, fenders, roof rails
- orange interior accents
- steering wheel reverts to urethane from xle premium's leather
- siriusxm satellite radio with three-month trial
xse hybrid
this sport-oriented, hybrid-only model starts at $34,745 and adds to the xle hybrid:
- a sport-tuned suspension
- unique 18-inch wheels
- two-tone exterior paint and gloss-black exterior accents
- height-adjustable power liftgate
- dual-zone automatic climate control system with front center vent-flow controls
- backup camera with dynamic guidelines
- instrument panel 7-inch digital multi-information display with customizable settings
- heated front seats
- digital rearview mirror
- blue interior ambient lighting
limited
the top trim starts at $34,545 with fwd and adds to the xle premium model:
- 8-inch touchscreen with entune 3.0
- premium audio system
- instrument panel 7-inch digital multi-information display with customizable settings
- navigation
- heated seats
- blue interior ambient lighting
- two-position memory seat function
- digital rearview mirror
- siriusxm satellite radio with three-month trial
- limited awd models start at $35,945, limited hybrids at $36,745
related: 2019 toyota rav4: the (rav)411 on pricing and fuel economy
which rav4 trim should you buy?
there's a dizzying array of choices, but the one that stands out to me is the hybrid, and i'd select the entry le model for its value proposition. the hybrid is quicker off the line than the non-hybrid and has more likeable road manners with a quieter, more comfortable ride. what's more, fuel economy is way up over the previous generation hybrid: toyota estimates 41/37/39 mpg city/highway/combined, compared with the old hybrid's 34/30/32 mpg epa rating and the non-hybrid model's 26/33/29 mpg with awd rating. lastly, cargo room is up this year thanks to better battery placement.
yes, the hybrid is still more expensive than the gas model, but with a manageable price premium of $800, it won't take too long for the gas savings to make up for it.
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