The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is all new just like its gasoline-powered sibling, kicking off the model's fifth generation. The RAV4 Hybrid is the efficiency leader of the lineup, but as refined and adventurous as the standard model.
The RAV4 Hybrid has been completely redesigned, with a new truck-inspired exterior design, a new platform, and improved ground clearance. The infotainment system is more comprehensive than ever, while the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active safety features comes standard on every model.
Every Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce 219 horsepower in tandem. All hybrids come with all-wheel drive and use an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission. The system returns an EPA-estimated 41 miles per gallon city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 combined.
A new Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) system is able to analyze roads and driver behavior and adjust the powertrain operation accordingly to maximize efficiency.
Safety is impressive across the RAV4 Hybrid range. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and lane keeping assist. Every model also has eight airbags, a backup camera, and brake-force distribution.
The RAV4 Hybrid is available in four trims:
The RAV4 Hybrid LE costs $28,795 (all prices include the $1,095 destination fee) to start. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, with LED daytime running lights and matching taillights. The outside mirrors are powered and folding, while privacy glass enhances the car’s appearance. Remote keyless entry unlocks the cabin, which is cooled by dual-zone climate control and enhanced by impressive storage including eight cup holders.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available in a package for $590, while the pair can be had with a rear cargo area cover for $680.
The XLE Hybrid starts at $30,990, which includes a $395 charge for Ruby Flare Pearl exterior paint. Inexplicably, this is the only exterior color available without the XLE Convenience Package selected, which costs $1,295. XLE Hybrid models add a number of upgrades over LE trim. There are five USB ports scattered throughout the interior, connecting to the Entune Audio system’s 7-inch touchscreen. A Smart Key entry system covers the front doors and liftgate, in tandem with a push button start. Externally, the XLE is distinguished by a panoramic tilt/slide moonroof and color-keyed outside mirrors with turn signals, plus LED projector headlights and integrated fog lights.
Toyota offers five packages on the XLE. The XLE Convenience Package ($1,295) combines heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support. The next package bundles the Convenience Package and the Weather Package (heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a windshield wiper de-icer) for $1,780.
Next in line is a package that bundles the XLE Convenience Package and an upgraded Entune 3.0 audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen for $2,335. For $3,200, buyers get the equipment from the XLE Convenience Package, the upgraded Entune audio system, and the XLE Technology Package (auto-dimming rearview mirror, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking). Finally, the full gamut of the Technology Package, Convenience Package, Weather Package, and upgraded audio system are bundled together for $3,685.
There’s a significant price jump to RAV4 Hybrid XSE models, which cost $34,795 to start. They ride on larger 18-inch wheels with two-tone exterior paintwork, while a height-adjustable power liftgate incorporates a panoramic backup camera. The biggest improvements are inside the cabin, where the driver’s seat gains eight-way power adjustment and lumbar support, while both front seats are heated and given blue stitched fabric inserts to match the blue ambient cabin lighting. The steering wheel and shift lever are wrapped in leather, and the central touchscreen increases to eight inches.
The XSE Cold Weather Package costs $375 for the heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Entune 3.0 Premium audio system upgrade is $1,620, introducing an 11-speaker JBL stereo with a subwoofer, navigation, and Apple CarPlay. The two can be bundled together for $1,995, or for $2,460 with a panoramic roof with a front power moonroof. The Weather Package, upgraded audio system, and XSE Technology Package (parking sensors, rear automatic emergency braking, and wireless charging) are available in a $2,635 package, or $2,835 with the moonroof also included.
Costing $36,795, Limited versions of the RAV4 Hybrid are distinguished by their chrome-finished alloy wheels and outside door handles. There are puddle lights in the outside mirrors, Softex in the heated front bucket seats, and navigation in the 8-inch infotainment system.
The upgraded Entune 3.0 audio system costs $580, whereas the Limited Cold Weather Package is $1,015 for the heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and windshield wiper de-icer. These two are also available together for $1,595.
For $1,805, the Entune system and a dual panoramic moonroof come with the Limited Grated Advanced Technology Package, which includes keyless entry on all doors and the liftgate, a hands-free liftgate, a surround-view camera system, and wireless charging. The Technology Package, Weather Package, and upgraded audio system run $2,620, while those three plus the panoramic moonroof costs $2,820. Finally, all of these packages plus adaptive headlights are available for $3,035.
Most 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid buyers will probably start their search with the XLE trim, as it offers better specifications than the rather sparse LE without the large price hike to the XSE. Buyers can also add one of five packages, to improve the XLE’s equipment.
