DRIVEN + VIDEO: The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Is Here, But Will It Wind Up In More Driveways Than The CR-V, Escape, Equinox, CX-5 And Rogue?

The last-gen Toyota RAV4 drove me insane. While it looked great on paper and had plenty of space, I wound up hating it.

From its bargain basement interior to its awful suspension, I made it loud and clear to all who would ask to steer clear of the RAV4. Did I mention that its exterior design also left a lot to be desired?

Well, it did.

For 2019 though there's an all-new RAV4. This time around Toyota has spent a lot of time making its exterior a bit more masculine and, additionally, made sure its interior got a much-needed upgrade.

That said, is it enough to get more attention from buyers over the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue? Check out the video review from our friends at Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to see their first impressions.



Toyota's RAV4 has been completely redesigned for 2019. From the dimensions, to powertrains, both exterior and interior styling and safety and tech features, there's a lot to talk about. Good thing Kelley Blue Book's Micah Muzio is good at talking. Follow along and he'll let you in on what's new about the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

TomM - 11/26/2018 6:30:22 AM

0 Boost

The Cr-v and the Rav4 will end up at or near the top of the charts simply because of the companies that sell them. Ever the decades - Toyota and Gm have produced some of the least awe inspiring high volume cars - yet their dealer network and their marketing has managed to keep them near the top in sales around the world. As long as Toyota maintains its reputation for reliability - lots of previous Camry and Corolla buyers will line up for the next Rav4. Since most of those drivers use a car as a transportation device - instead of one of pleasure - they likely will not even shop at any other dealership.

HoustonMidtown - 11/26/2018 7:17:41 AM

+8 Boost

It looks like a Subaru

dumpsty - 11/26/2018 12:13:00 PM

+3 Boost

interesting. does nobody see a cheaper, slightly higher-riding Lexus NX? Although, I'm sure both the NX & Rav4 share a platform with a similarly sized Subaru.

PUGPROUD - 11/26/2018 7:52:16 AM

+6 Boost

It does look like a Subaru...both are sticking their noses out, awkward.

MDarringer - 11/26/2018 8:26:34 AM

+1 Boost

It will easily outsell the Rogue, Equinox, and Escape because those vehicles are not in it to win it. The only competition is the CRV and this is much nicer looking.

xjug1987a - 11/26/2018 10:18:05 AM

+1 Boost

Agreed, I thought the previous edition was ugly, this is much better. The previous model had a very nice chocolate brown interior that I was surprised Toyota would put in this level of car, it was very impressive. They'll sell everyone they make. Completely agree about the competition as well. The Rogue sells in big numbers and looks good but its basic transportation at best, the Escape is a rough rider and the Equinox (who came up with THAT name?) is typical GM, give "just enough" but not more value.

ilovecar2015 - 11/26/2018 10:01:43 AM

-2 Boost

It's a runaway hit for Toyota. Rugged look of a 4Runner, ride like a car, reasonably priced, Toyota's reliability, the only close competition is CR-V but Honda can't redesign their CR-V soon enough.

cidflekken - 11/26/2018 12:35:29 PM

+3 Boost

Well, first the positive. It looks better inside and out than the previous model. On initial view, it looks like a value-priced XC40. But for some reason the more I see it, the less I like it. It already looks dated whereas the CR-V and CX-5 still have a pretty fresh look about them.

Truthy - 11/26/2018 1:17:53 PM

+1 Boost

Not bad, it looks more rugged, angular and this is a good direction. It does look a bit like a Subaru, but hard to discern from pictures. The C pillar looks a bit awkward.

valhallakey - 11/27/2018 2:06:02 AM

+2 Boost

Pretty generic looking to me and I am sure the performance will be similar. However having driven a Rogue extensively for a few weeks it would be hard for the Rav4 to drive worse than the Rogue, thus it deserves at least market share away from the Rogue.

mini22 - 11/27/2018 11:45:01 AM

+2 Boost

OK a little bit Subaruish in the front grill. Otherwise I thin it does have 4-Runner overtones. It will be the top selling semi compact SUV on the market. It will out sell the CRV and anything down the list this market. No I personally like the CX5 and CRV better. However this will still be around when Toyota eventually stops selling the Camry and Corolla within the next 5 years. By then the Rav 4 model line up will be almost fully electric.

MrEE - 11/27/2018 7:31:30 PM

+1 Boost

Given its substancial upgrade, it will be difficult to build enough. Hybrid version will become the top selling hybrid. GM and Ford could end up dropping their small SUVs next.

Davidkirby - 1/25/2019 7:29:41 AM

+1 Boost

Basically, all SUV’s are competitive or they wouldn’t survive in the market. The elephant in the room are the SUV’S from GM & Ford products that are more price competitive (discounts) with equal or greater reliability, and a larger dealer network.