In the sprawling, hyper-competitive landscape of the compact SUV market, few names carry the weight and legacy of the Toyota RAV4. For decades, it has been a benchmark for reliability, practicality, and sensible motoring. But in 2019, Toyota decided that “sensible” was no longer enough. The launch of the fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4 was not just an update; it was a seismic shift, a bold reinvention that aimed to inject a heavy dose of personality and capability into its best-selling vehicle.
The question, however, remains for prospective buyers, automotive enthusiasts, and even current owners: looking back, was 2019 a good year for the Toyota RAV4? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It was a landmark year, a year of daring transformation and record-breaking sales. But as the first model year of a completely new generation, it was also a year that carried the inherent risks of new technology, new designs, and the unforeseen “bugs” that often accompany them. To truly evaluate the 2019 RAV4, we must dissect its triumphs, its innovations, and its notable shortcomings.
A Radical Redesign: Shedding the Suburban Skin
To understand the 2019 RAV4, one must first look at what came before it. The fourth-generation model was competent, efficient, and utterly anodyne. It blended into the suburban landscape so effectively it was nearly invisible. Toyota, observing a market increasingly drawn to rugged, off-road aesthetics, knew a change was needed. The 2019 model was the answer, and it was a loud one.
Built on the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform, the 2019 RAV4 was structurally a different beast. This platform, shared with the larger Camry and Avalon, provided a lower center of gravity, a 57% increase in chassis rigidity, and a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. The immediate benefits for the driver were tangible: a more composed ride, sharper handling, and a feeling of solidity that the previous generation lacked.
Aesthetically, the transformation was even more dramatic. The soft, rounded curves were chiseled away, replaced by sharp creases, a bold, trapezoidal grille, and a muscular stance clearly inspired by its tougher siblings, the 4Runner and Tacoma. The design was polarizing; some missed the understated look, but most applauded the newfound character. It was a vehicle that now looked the part of a “Recreational Activity Vehicle.” This was particularly true for the new Adventure trim, which featured a more aggressive front bumper, larger fender flares, and an exclusive roof rack, cementing its image as an SUV ready for more than just a trip to the grocery store.
The interior received an equally thorough and much-needed overhaul. The outgoing model’s cabin was a sea of hard plastics and dated design. The 2019 RAV4’s interior, while still prioritizing function, felt substantially more modern and upscale. Soft-touch materials were strategically placed on the dashboard and door panels. The design was clean and driver-focused, highlighted by a “floating” 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Critically, Toyota listened to customer feedback and included large, rubberized physical knobs for volume, tuning, and climate control, a welcome tactile touch in an increasingly screen-dependent world.
Performance and Powertrains: The Tale of Two Engines
The story of the 2019 RAV4’s performance is a tale of two distinct powertrains, each with its own character and set of compromises.
The Standard “Dynamic Force” Engine
The standard engine across the gasoline-powered trims was Toyota’s new 2.5-liter four-cylinder, dubbed the “Dynamic Force” engine. Paired with a new Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission, it produced a healthy 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. On paper, these were strong numbers for the class, and in practice, the engine provided perfectly adequate acceleration for daily driving and highway merging. Fuel economy was also a strong point, with impressive ratings from the EPA.
However, this powertrain was also the source of one of the 2019 model’s most common critiques. Under hard acceleration, the engine could sound coarse and unrefined, transmitting a significant amount of noise into the cabin. Furthermore, the new 8-speed transmission, while generally smooth, was the subject of numerous owner complaints. Some drivers reported experiencing hesitation, lurching, or jerky shifts, particularly at low speeds. Toyota later issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to address some of these software-related issues, but for early adopters, it was a frustrating quirk in an otherwise well-engineered vehicle.
The Reimagined and Dominant Hybrid
While the gas model was competent, the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid was a masterpiece. It wasn’t just the most efficient RAV4; for many, it was the best RAV4, period. It paired a specially tuned version of the 2.5-liter engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined system output of 219 horsepower. This not only made the Hybrid quicker than its gas-only counterpart but also significantly smoother and quieter during city driving, where it could rely more on its electric power.
The star of the show was its astounding fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined. This figure didn’t just lead the class; it created a new benchmark that competitors struggled to match for years. For 2019, all Hybrid models came standard with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system, which used a dedicated electric motor to power the rear wheels when slip was detected. This provided drivers with the confidence of AWD without the fuel economy penalty of a traditional mechanical system. The Hybrid was a runaway success, proving that buyers were more than willing to choose an electrified powertrain when it offered superior performance, refinement, and economy.
Technology and Safety: A New Standard for the Segment
Perhaps the most compelling argument for 2019 being a “good year” lies in the RAV4’s massive leap forward in standard technology and safety. Every single 2019 RAV4, from the base LE to the top-tier Limited, came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). This was a game-changer in a segment where such features were often locked away in expensive optional packages.
This comprehensive suite of active safety features included a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which could warn the driver and even apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision. It also featured Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, allowing the RAV4 to maintain a set distance from the car ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and the new Lane Tracing Assist worked to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. Finally, Road Sign Assist used a forward-facing camera to recognize and display certain road signs, like speed limits, on the instrument panel. Making this level of safety standard across the board was a significant and commendable move by Toyota.
On the infotainment front, the standard Entune 3.0 system with its 7-inch or available 8-inch touchscreen was a major improvement. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay as a standard feature was a huge win for iPhone users. However, in a notable misstep, Android Auto was not available on the 2019 model, a frustrating omission for a large portion of the smartphone market. Toyota would rectify this in the 2020 model year, but for 2019 buyers, it was a significant drawback.
First-Year Flaws: The Inevitable Growing Pains
No first-year model is without its faults, and the radically redesigned 2019 RAV4 was no exception. While built on a foundation of Toyota’s legendary reliability, several notable issues surfaced that are crucial to consider when evaluating if it was a “good year.”
| Aspect | The Good (The “Yes”) | The Bad (The “No”) |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Platform | Bold, rugged, and modern styling. The TNGA-K platform provided a vastly superior ride and handling experience compared to the previous generation. | The aggressive styling was not universally loved. Some reports of wind noise from the new roof rack design and potential water leak issues surfaced. |
| Performance & Drivetrain | The RAV4 Hybrid was a triumph: powerful, exceptionally fuel-efficient, and refined. It set a new benchmark for the entire industry. | The standard 2.5L engine could be noisy and unrefined. More significantly, the 8-speed automatic transmission in gas models was prone to hesitation and jerky shifts, leading to owner frustration and TSBs. The Hybrid model suffered from a well-documented fuel tank issue where it could not be filled to its advertised capacity. |
| Technology & Safety | Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 on every trim was a class-leading move, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features to all buyers. | The glaring omission of Android Auto was a major flaw in an otherwise modern infotainment system. Some users also reported system sluggishness or glitches. |
The two most significant and widely reported problems were the aforementioned transmission behavior in the gas models and a peculiar issue with the Hybrid’s fuel tank. Many Hybrid owners discovered they could only pump 9-11 gallons of fuel into the 14.5-gallon tank before the nozzle would click off, severely limiting the vehicle’s otherwise excellent driving range. This became known as the “fuel tank issue” and was a source of major frustration. Toyota eventually acknowledged the problem, related to the fuel tank’s shape and the fuel sender’s design, and initiated a fix for affected vehicles, but it took time, casting a shadow over the early ownership experience for many.
The Final Verdict: A Flawed Masterpiece
So, was 2019 a good year for the Toyota RAV4? The answer is a resounding, yet qualified, yes.
It was a transformative year that redefined what the RAV4 could be. Toyota took a massive gamble by abandoning its safe, conservative formula, and the gamble paid off spectacularly. The 2019 model’s bold design, vastly improved driving dynamics, and the sheer excellence of the Hybrid powertrain propelled it to the top of the sales charts, making it the best-selling SUV—and the best-selling non-pickup truck vehicle—in America. The decision to standardize the TSS 2.0 safety suite was a monumental step forward for consumer safety in the mainstream market.
However, it cannot be called a perfect year. The first-year growing pains were real and impacted a significant number of owners. The transmission issues, the fuel tank flaw, and the lack of Android Auto were notable blemishes on an otherwise stellar vehicle.
For a potential buyer on the used market, a 2019 Toyota RAV4 can be an excellent purchase, offering modern style and technology at a lower price point than a new model. However, due diligence is paramount. It is crucial to check the vehicle’s service history for any TSBs performed on the transmission and to confirm whether the fuel tank fix has been completed on a Hybrid model. For the most risk-averse buyer, opting for a 2020 or 2021 model might be the wiser choice, as these later years benefited from the refinements and fixes that addressed the 2019 model’s most prominent issues.
Ultimately, 2019 was the year the RAV4 grew up. It shed its utilitarian image and emerged as a confident, stylish, and technologically advanced leader. While it may have stumbled slightly out of the gate with some first-year flaws, its immense strengths and market-shattering impact make 2019 not just a good year, but arguably one of the most important years in the history of the Toyota RAV4.
What was new and significant about the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 model year marked a complete, ground-up redesign for the Toyota RAV4, launching its fifth generation. This was a pivotal change, moving the popular compact SUV from a softer, more car-like design to a rugged, truck-inspired aesthetic heavily influenced by Toyota’s larger 4Runner and Tacoma models. The new RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform, which provided a lower center of gravity, a more rigid chassis, and a longer wheelbase. This new foundation aimed to dramatically improve ride comfort, handling dynamics, and overall interior space compared to the outgoing generation.
Beyond the structural and visual overhaul, the 2019 RAV4 introduced significant powertrain and technology upgrades. A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission became standard, boosting horsepower to a competitive 203. The Hybrid model also received a major update, offering more power at 219 combined horsepower and class-leading fuel efficiency. Critically, every 2019 RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of advanced safety features including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class right out of the box.
How reliable is the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 upholds the brand’s long-standing reputation for excellent reliability and durability. Reputable consumer advocacy groups and vehicle quality surveyors consistently award the 2019 model high marks for dependability. Its robust build quality, stemming from the stiff TNGA-K platform, and proven powertrain components contribute to its strong performance in long-term ownership surveys. Owners frequently report minimal unscheduled repairs and praise the vehicle’s resilience, making it a trusted choice for those seeking a low-maintenance and dependable used SUV that can withstand daily use for many years.
While its overall reliability is a key strength, it is important to note that as the first model year of a new generation, the 2019 RAV4 was not entirely without initial teething issues. Some owners reported concerns that were later addressed through service bulletins or recalls, such as a jerky transmission at low speeds and a fuel pump issue. However, these problems did not affect a majority of vehicles and were not indicative of systemic failure. For most owners, the 2019 RAV4 has proven to be an exceptionally reliable vehicle, living up to the high standards expected of a Toyota.
Were there any major recalls or common problems with the 2019 RAV4?
Yes, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 was subject to a few notable recalls and had some widely reported owner complaints. The most significant recall involved a faulty low-pressure fuel pump, which could fail and cause the engine to stall while driving. This was part of a massive recall campaign that affected millions of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, not just the RAV4. Another recall concerned a potential crack in the engine block of some 2.5-liter engines due to a manufacturing error, though this affected a much smaller number of vehicles. Additionally, some owners reported a “hesitation” or “jerky” shifting sensation from the 8-speed automatic transmission, particularly at low speeds, which Toyota later addressed with a software update for some vehicles.
Beyond official recalls, a common complaint logged by early adopters involved water leaks into the cabin originating from the roof rack or roof ditch moldings. This issue was traced to improperly installed or sealed gaskets from the factory and was typically fixed under warranty. Some owners also experienced initial glitches with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, such as freezing or connectivity problems with Apple CarPlay. While these issues can be frustrating, they are well-documented, meaning a prospective buyer of a used 2019 model can have a technician specifically check for signs of these problems during a pre-purchase inspection.
How does the 2019 RAV4’s performance and fuel economy compare to its rivals?
In terms of performance, the 2019 RAV4’s standard 203-horsepower 2.5-liter engine was one of the most powerful non-turbocharged options in the compact SUV segment at the time, offering brisk acceleration for daily driving and highway merging. Its handling, improved by the new TNGA platform, is stable and predictable, though it prioritizes comfort over sporty engagement compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-5. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive gasoline model is excellent, achieving an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined, which places it near the top of its class for non-hybrid competitors like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue.
Where the 2019 RAV4 truly distinguished itself from the competition was with its hybrid powertrain. The RAV4 Hybrid not only delivered superior fuel economy, with an outstanding EPA rating of 40 MPG combined, but it also offered more horsepower (219 hp) and quicker acceleration than its gasoline-only counterpart. This combination of power and efficiency was a rare proposition in the 2019 compact SUV market, giving the RAV4 a significant advantage. The Hybrid came standard with an electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive system, making it an incredibly compelling and well-rounded package for nearly any climate.
What are the different trim levels of the 2019 RAV4, and which offers the best value?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 was available in a wide array of trim levels designed to appeal to different buyers. The lineup started with the base LE and moved up to the popular XLE and XLE Premium, which added more convenience and comfort features. For those seeking luxury, the Limited trim included premium amenities like SofTex-trimmed seats, an upgraded audio system, and more chrome accents. Uniquely, Toyota also introduced the Adventure trim, which featured a more aggressive grille, chunkier tires, and a more advanced Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced off-road capability. The Hybrid model was available in LE, XLE, XSE (a sporty trim), and Limited variants.
For most buyers, the XLE trim represents the definitive sweet spot and the best overall value in the 2019 RAV4 lineup. The LE is well-equipped with safety features but feels spartan inside. The XLE, however, adds crucial upgrades that significantly enhance the daily driving experience, including 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It provides the perfect balance of desirable features and affordability without the higher price tag of the XLE Premium or Limited trims, making it the most practical and satisfying choice for a wide range of needs.
Is the 2019 RAV4 a good family vehicle?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice for a family vehicle, particularly for small to medium-sized families. Its redesigned interior provides ample space for passengers in both the front and back seats, with generous rear legroom that can comfortably accommodate adults or bulky child safety seats. The cargo area is also spacious and practical, offering 37.6 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, which is plenty of room for strollers, sports equipment, or luggage for a family vacation. The low load floor and wide opening make it easy to lift heavy or awkward items into the back.
Furthermore, safety, a top priority for any family, is a major strength of the 2019 RAV4. The standard inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 across all trim levels means every model is equipped with advanced driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The vehicle also earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Combined with its strong reliability and excellent fuel economy (especially in the Hybrid model), the 2019 RAV4 presents a practical, safe, and cost-effective package that perfectly meets the demands of modern family life.
Is buying a used 2019 Toyota RAV4 a good idea today?
Yes, buying a used 2019 Toyota RAV4 is an excellent idea. As the first year of the fifth generation, it offers modern styling, technology, and safety features that still feel contemporary. Unlike older models, every 2019 RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and Apple CarPlay compatibility, features that are highly sought after by today’s drivers. Its strong foundation on the TNGA-K platform ensures a comfortable and composed ride, while Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability means it remains a dependable vehicle that holds its value exceptionally well, making it a smart long-term investment.
Despite its strengths, prospective buyers should be mindful of its status as a first-year redesign. It is wise to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection to check for any signs of the common issues reported for this model year, such as the jerky low-speed transmission behavior or evidence of water leaks from the roof rails. Because of its high demand and strong resale value, a used 2019 RAV4 may command a higher price than some rivals. However, its low cost of ownership, fantastic fuel efficiency, and proven durability often justify the initial premium, making it one of the most recommended used compact SUVs on the market.