After decades of hybridised success in the form of the Prius, Toyota is continuing its growth into the hybrid compact SUV sector with the release of the second generation of its electrified RAV4 model. The Honda CR-V, the Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Ford Escape are the three vehicles that the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid intends to compete with. In addition, it has a neat and ergonomic interior, while its outside is fairly blocky and sturdy. This should allow it to compete well. The ride quality and handling balance of the previous version of Toyota’s compact offering have both been vastly improved in this generation’s model, even though it may not be the most engaging vehicle to drive in terms of dynamics. The gas-only version of the RAV4 is not only a little bit slower than the hybrid version, but the hybrid version also has a significantly lower fuel economy. Obviously, the possibility of Toyota’s dependability is not something that can be ignored either. What’s in Store for the Year 2019? As part of the lineup for the all-new 2019 RAV4, Toyota introduces a Hybrid version of the vehicle. Buyers have come to expect that the newest generation of the RAV4 Hybrid will be the same compact size, but they will notice a slight improvement in power as well as a considerable increase in fuel economy when compared to the previous model. Pricing and Deciding Which Product to Purchase The XLE trim level is the winner of the award for greatest value in the hybrid lineup. When compared to the LE trim as a starting point, this one has significantly more standard features and only a marginally higher buying price. Customers who choose the XLE trim level receive additional standard equipment, including heated side mirrors with blind spot indicators, fog lights, LED automatic headlights, passive keyless entry, a power tilt/slide sunroof, and push button start. The Performance, the Engine, and the Transmission There is only one powertrain option available for the RAV4 Hybrid, and that is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with two electric motors. One electric motor works in conjunction with the gas engine on the front axle, and the other electric motor powers the rear axle by itself to provide all-wheel drive. There is a total output of 219 horsepower coming from the system. In place of the standard 8-speed automatic gearbox used in non-hybrid cars, the powertrain of hybrid vehicles is equipped with a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT). This results in a jump to 60 miles per hour that takes 7.4 seconds, which is shorter than the time it takes for a non-hybrid RAV to make the same jump, which is 8.0 seconds. This additional pizazz is most visible at lower speeds, such as those found about town, because this is where the additional electric torque excels. The RAV4 Hybrid is a capable travelling companion that offers a comfortable ride; yet, it is far more suited for navigating urban roadways and highways than it is winding two-lane roads. Economy on fuel and actual miles per gallon The RAV4 Hybrid is noticeably more fuel-efficient than any other RAV4 model, with EPA ratings of 41 miles per gallon in the city, 38 miles per gallon on the highway, and 40 miles per gallon combined. When compared to the most fuel-efficient gas-only RAV, which is the standard front-driver model, the hybrid improves city mileage by 15 miles per gallon, highway mileage by 3 miles per gallon, and combined mileage by 10 miles per gallon. This assertion was largely supported by the RAV4 Hybrid’s performance in our highway fuel-economy test, where it returned a result of 37 mpg, falling only one mpg short of its EPA rating. Visit the website of the EPA for further details regarding the RAV4 Hybrid’s impressively low fuel consumption. Cargo Space, Interior Design, and Amenities Even though it is evident that aesthetics were not the priority of development, the interior of the RAV4 Hybrid is beautifully put together and cleanly packaged. The majority of operations are controlled by physical buttons and knobs, and there is an abundance of storage bins, which provides plenty of places to tuck away smaller objects. There are a variety of amenities available on Toyota vehicles beginning with the base trim level. These features include a tilt-and-telescope steering column as well as 12V power outlets in both the first and second rows. In addition, every model comes equipped with a false floor in the cargo area that can be adjusted in height. This helps the RAV4 accommodate 10 carry-on items in the rear luggage compartment alone, in addition to 12 more when the rear seats are folded down. Because of the consistency of the cargo space across the hybrid and non-hybrid RAV4 models, these figures are the same as those for the non-hybrid RAV4. If you tick additional boxes on the build sheet, you can get more luxurious amenities like heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux-leather SofTex upholstery, and a power liftgate. This will give the vehicle a more upscale appearance and feel. Connectivity and informational entertainment Every RAV4 comes standard with an infotainment display that looks like a tablet and protrudes from the dashboard. The LE and XLE models have displays that are just 7.0 inches in size, while the XSE and Limited editions have screens that are 8.0 inches in size. If you opt for the Audio Plus package, the XLE is also capable of providing you with the larger display. Apple CarPlay, capability for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are among the notable standard features offered by this vehicle. RAV4 versions with less standard equipment come with a six-speaker sound system as standard equipment; however, audiophiles interested in shopping in this sector may want to look at the eleven-speaker JBL system, which, like navigation, is optional on the XSE and comes standard on the Limited. Post navigation The nimble Audi tiny electric vehicle idea draws on the brand’s NSU roots. The development of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel-cell technology will now focus on Europe and China.