Six Things You Might Not Know About 2019 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 has grown in popularity through the years, and it was the best-selling Toyota model in Toyota’s lineup in the United States in 2018. Buyers looking for the all-new redesigned 2019 RAV4 have purchased even more so far this year. In fact, Toyota Motor North America reported a 10% increase in RAV4 sales last month – a best-ever April.

With so many new safety additions, technology improvements, options and packages, there may just be some things about the 2019 Toyota RAV4 that you did not know yet.

An all-wheel drive capable of the name all-wheel drive

For the first time ever, the new 2019 RAV4 all-wheel drive allows us to enjoy our vehicles both on the road – and off it. When needed, the all-wheel drive system distributes up to 50% of available power to the rear wheels. Plus, it sends additional power to the wheel that needs it most. Think driving up an uneven hill in the mountains. To save on fuel, when there is no loss of traction, a system called Rear Driveline Disconnect stops sending power to the rear wheels and it operates like a front-wheel drive vehicle. RAV4 for the win.

The rear cargo floor can lower

Everyone wants to optimize their cargo space. We all have luggage, baby and pet gear, sports equipment, and sometimes even the kitchen sink. We need room. 2019 RAV4 offers a nifty cargo system that gives us versatility and a little more space too.

The rear cargo floor is carpeted as you might expect. However, let us imagine you need to carry bags of mulch or potting soil. You can flip the floor over to expose a hard, all-weather surface. You can even slide the floor board down into a groove to give a couple more inches of cargo height. Versatility at its best.

Active cornering assist

In a move to prevent vehicle understeering in certain situations, your RAV4 will apply extra braking pressure to the inside wheels while going around sharp turns and corners. This is standard on all 2019 Toyota RAV4 trims.

Digital Rearview Mirror

There may be no more trying to look around rear seat passengers’ heads or car headrests when looking in the rearview mirror. On certain trims a digital rearview mirror allows you to see directly out the back window without hindrance. A camera located just inside the rear window faces outward watching the world go by.

You will love the Hybrid, but can you get one?

The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid is an excellent option for consumers. Some of the things you will appreciate are 219 net horsepower (that’s better than 203hp on the gasoline version), a combined 40mpg (41 city/38 highway), and a reasonable price (less than $1000 more than the RAV4 gasoline all-wheel drive equivalents.

What you might not know is how challenging it is to get them. Due to high demand and lower supplies hitting dealerships, customers are scrambling to find one they like all over the country. Some people have told me they have their hybrid on-order, and are being told their wait time will be several months.

Now that’s a smart key!

Most of us know by now a Smart Key push button start will auto open both front doors and the liftgate just by touching it. In one of the most practical advancements possible, the Limited and Limited Hybrid can come equipped to auto open all four doors and liftgate by placing your hand on the door handles. Finally rear seat passengers are getting a little more love (imagine Led Zeppelin singing “they want a whole lotta love”). Ask for the Advanced Technology to get this feature.

Are you in the market for a 2019 Toyota RAV4? What features are important to you? If you have one already, what are your favorite features?

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Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and look for his "Toyotajeff Minutes" car reviews on Instagram. Twitter at @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at Toyotajeff.