#NYIAS: Toyota Went More Butch With 2019 RAV4 So It Didn't Like Like You Were Driving A Girly Car

The RAV4 has quickly become Toyota’s most important vehicle. While the Corolla still trumps it in overall global volume, the small crossover has made a ridiculous amount of headway over the past decade. Prior to the recession, domestic sales of the RAV4 just barely surpassed 70,000 units per year. Then, after the introduction of the model’s third generation in 2006, volume suddenly doubled — progressing to 2017’s all-time high of 407,594 deliveries.

Still, Toyota thinks it can further broaden the model’s appeal. It wants to see more men behind the wheel of the redesigned 2019 model that debuted at the New York International Auto Show last week. The recipe involves a more butch design, added power, an upgraded all-wheel drive system, and new trim levels giving a nod to sporting aspirations. Meanwhile, an updated interior provides more space for manspreading and big rubbery knobs some gentleman find totally irresistible. 

New York Auto Show

READ the press release that details the all-new Toyota RAV4 HERE!

MDarringer - 4/2/2018 1:25:12 PM

+1 Boost

We must not judge.

carloslassiter - 4/2/2018 2:34:32 PM

+8 Boost

Ungainly.

countguy - 4/2/2018 3:10:59 PM

+8 Boost

Still hideous.

TheSteve - 4/2/2018 3:57:52 PM

+9 Boost

Not a good looker, inside or out.

trboaccord - 4/2/2018 7:28:48 PM

+5 Boost

This turd is beyond hideous... Toyota is following Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, etc in making suvs ugly again...

MrEE - 4/2/2018 7:36:35 PM

-2 Boost

Last generation was outstanding and this update will accelerate their sales. I like Toyotas direction over others that just apply sedan or coupe styling to their SUVs. Sales don't lie.

zlives - 4/2/2018 7:52:50 PM

-1 Boost

for all those complaining about the looks of this vehicle...
the manufacturer was going for the "butch" look, i guess mission accomplished!!

/duck

cidflekken - 4/3/2018 2:40:30 AM

0 Boost

I guess I'm in the minority here. It looks tons better than the outgoing model. The old model looked wimpy and, even when brand new, aged.

This one has a cleaner, more aggressive look and stance. While the look appears to have been stolen right off a Volvo sketch board, it's going in the right direction. Give it one color all around, lighter colored rims, and one may just mistake this for a Volvo XC60. Hopefully, they'll have dual trims, similar to what Acura is offering with the RDX, one sportier, blacked out trim and a chromed, luxurious trim.

Dexter1 - 4/3/2018 6:37:32 AM

+3 Boost

Agreed. Much better than the last iteration. But still Toyota ugly.

MDarringer - 4/3/2018 8:12:01 AM

-1 Boost

I'm with you. I think this is very handsome looking.

MDarringer - 4/3/2018 8:47:44 AM

+1 Boost

They also look like they are for a smaller car.

MDaringer1 - 4/3/2018 7:21:13 PM

-2 Boost

Why is everyone copying the Range Rover black Roof, I was hoping it was going to end with Nissan but now Toyota is doing it.

valhallakey - 4/4/2018 12:34:31 AM

-1 Boost

No kidding, and the only one that really pulled it off well was Range Rover... everyone is copying the poor imitation...

MDaringer1 - 4/4/2018 9:05:47 AM

-1 Boost

lol