2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure A Quick Look Off-Road
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
Stephen Hendricks
Its not news that crossovers have invaded practically every existing automotive category wreaking havoc and taking names. Nissan even tried to push the Murano into the almost empty traditional full size convertible category a few years back. That Frankenstein monster vehicle thankfully disappeared but someone will probably try it again in the future. What used to be the compact family vehicle category is now mostly populated with compact crossovers (179 - 182 in length) Its so crowded that the category has fractured into sub-segments. Theres no single best choice for the huge group of compact crossover consumers so its not surprising to see Toyota with the biggest slice of the market offering multiple trims of the RAV4 that appeal to distinct sets of customers rather than hoping they can dominate sales with a single all around product with a strong reputation for reliability. As the various manufacturers battle it out in the marketplace theres a question of what utility means in a CUV. For some its serious off-roading, even off-trailing in the wild. I doubt the Adventure version of the RAV4 will convince many such folks to abandon their Jeeps for the Toyota but theyre a small slice of the overall market. Those who have dreams of rugged adventuring and want something other some plastic cladding but need a capable a daily driver 99% of the time may well be tempted. It even looks like a little brother to the well regarded if dated 4Runner. (And surprisingly, the 4Runner set a sales record for itself in 2018) For others utility means cargo and passenger space in a vehicle that takes them TO that off-road adventure where its unloaded and left at a campsite after a trip over a gravel road or less challenging trail. For those folks the RAV4 is up against several rivals, most notably the Subaru Forester with more overall space and a more cube-like interior space. Stylish it aint but for those who value function over form love their Subarus. In any event, the RAV4 provides less overall interior space than the Forester but more than most other rivals. Subar-ites are a loyal bunch that grows every year but Toyotas reputation aint chopped liver, either. And some consumers may prefer the 8 speed geared transmission over the Foresters CVT. Then there is the largest group of consumers in the segment; those who in a previous era might have opted for a family station wagon. Lots of choices for those who value off-road capability only slightly more than a vehicle that can fly. Some consumers (and many automotive journalists) care most about straight line acceleration and and handling. Those folks have the Mazda CX-5 (with an optional 2. 5L turbo motor) but have to pay a significant price in terms of interior space where the CX-5 has an overall cargo capacity only six cubic feet more than a VW GTI, (59. 6 vs 53. 6) a vehicle thats a foot shorter and handles and performs better than the CX-5. In fact, the CX-5s interior space is dwarfed by virtually every rival in the category. In short, if utility means neither off-road prowess nor interior space, the CX-5 is a player. Otherwise, the market is full of alternatives to the RAV4. The most important, of course, is the Honda CR-V, second only to the RAV4 as a perennial favorite in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V has an awesome amount of cargo space for its size, about the same as the Forester in a slightly shorter package. The RAV4 trails on that score but not by a huge amount. Further, Hondas problems with their 1. 5L turbo engine are well known. And the RAV4 counters the CR-Vs turbo and CVT with a larger naturally aspirated engine with somewhat more power (at least at sea level) and an eight speed geared transmission, choices that Toyota dealers will stress as superior to their customers. All in all, the RAV4 looks like it will maintain its edge among the largest group of consumers in the compact SUV category with its multiple model choices.
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Its not news that crossovers have invaded practically every existing automotive category wreaking havoc and taking names. Nissan even tried to push the Murano into the almost empty traditional full size convertible category a few years back. That Frankenstein monster vehicle thankfully disappeared but someone will probably try it again in the future. What used to be the compact family vehicle category is now mostly populated with compact crossovers (179 - 182 in length) Its so crowded that the category has fractured into sub-segments. Theres no single best choice for the huge group of compact crossover consumers so its not surprising to see Toyota with the biggest slice of the market offering multiple trims of the RAV4 that appeal to distinct sets of customers rather than hoping they can dominate sales with a single all around product with a strong reputation for reliability. As the various manufacturers battle it out in the marketplace theres a question of what utility means in a CUV. For some its serious off-roading, even off-trailing in the wild. I doubt the Adventure version of the RAV4 will convince many such folks to abandon their Jeeps for the Toyota but theyre a small slice of the overall market. Those who have dreams of rugged adventuring and want something other some plastic cladding but need a capable a daily driver 99% of the time may well be tempted. It even looks like a little brother to the well regarded if dated 4Runner. (And surprisingly, the 4Runner set a sales record for itself in 2018) For others utility means cargo and passenger space in a vehicle that takes them TO that off-road adventure where its unloaded and left at a campsite after a trip over a gravel road or less challenging trail. For those folks the RAV4 is up against several rivals, most notably the Subaru Forester with more overall space and a more cube-like interior space. Stylish it aint but for those who value function over form love their Subarus. In any event, the RAV4 provides less overall interior space than the Forester but more than most other rivals. Subar-ites are a loyal bunch that grows every year but Toyotas reputation aint chopped liver, either. And some consumers may prefer the 8 speed geared transmission over the Foresters CVT. Then there is the largest group of consumers in the segment; those who in a previous era might have opted for a family station wagon. Lots of choices for those who value off-road capability only slightly more than a vehicle that can fly. Some consumers (and many automotive journalists) care most about straight line acceleration and and handling. Those folks have the Mazda CX-5 (with an optional 2. 5L turbo motor) but have to pay a significant price in terms of interior space where the CX-5 has an overall cargo capacity only six cubic feet more than a VW GTI, (59. 6 vs 53. 6) a vehicle thats a foot shorter and handles and performs better than the CX-5. In fact, the CX-5s interior space is dwarfed by virtually every rival in the category. In short, if utility means neither off-road prowess nor interior space, the CX-5 is a player. Otherwise, the market is full of alternatives to the RAV4. The most important, of course, is the Honda CR-V, second only to the RAV4 as a perennial favorite in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V has an awesome amount of cargo space for its size, about the same as the Forester in a slightly shorter package. The RAV4 trails on that score but not by a huge amount. Further, Hondas problems with their 1. 5L turbo engine are well known. And the RAV4 counters the CR-Vs turbo and CVT with a larger naturally aspirated engine with somewhat more power (at least at sea level) and an eight speed geared transmission, choices that Toyota dealers will stress as superior to their customers. All in all, the RAV4 looks like it will maintain its edge among the largest group of consumers in the compact SUV category with its multiple model choices.
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Jon Jon
I generally like your reviews and find them highly detailed and informative. Thank you. This review not so much. After reading quite a bit on the AWD systems being used on the new RAV4, then seeing another reviewer doing an actual test of the 4 wheel drive and how in worked in some different modes and situations where he showed the wheel movement during those situations - you could clearly see the rear wheels were either slow, only slightly responsive or unresponsive through the challenges - leaving one to surmise that this has an average, front biased AWD system. Though he was more diplomatic in his response, leaving viewers to evaluate for themselves. Rather than address only the Jeep Cherokee, you should have addressed the Subaru Crosstrek, Outback and Forester which will all be cross shopped and are obvious competitors. The Subarus still have the best AWD system in their price range and are significantly more effective than any other brand. I dont believe that Toyota has achieved Subarus effectiveness as of yet. Having said that, I have an open mind and would welcome an actual head to head offroad review, and wont mind if I am proven wrong - if you would like to put one together. Also, why pay 33K for an Adventure Rav4 for this when you can get something like a Crosstrek for 22k, Forester for 24K or Outback for a 26K starting price point? Lastly, Im very disappointed with the not so articulate and knowledgable Toyota representative. Toyota makes great vehicles but they sure seem to have become complacent, lazy and unimaginative over the last decade. I think they now take their customers for granted and just dont care. A real pity.
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I generally like your reviews and find them highly detailed and informative. Thank you. This review not so much. After reading quite a bit on the AWD systems being used on the new RAV4, then seeing another reviewer doing an actual test of the 4 wheel drive and how in worked in some different modes and situations where he showed the wheel movement during those situations - you could clearly see the rear wheels were either slow, only slightly responsive or unresponsive through the challenges - leaving one to surmise that this has an average, front biased AWD system. Though he was more diplomatic in his response, leaving viewers to evaluate for themselves. Rather than address only the Jeep Cherokee, you should have addressed the Subaru Crosstrek, Outback and Forester which will all be cross shopped and are obvious competitors. The Subarus still have the best AWD system in their price range and are significantly more effective than any other brand. I dont believe that Toyota has achieved Subarus effectiveness as of yet. Having said that, I have an open mind and would welcome an actual head to head offroad review, and wont mind if I am proven wrong - if you would like to put one together. Also, why pay 33K for an Adventure Rav4 for this when you can get something like a Crosstrek for 22k, Forester for 24K or Outback for a 26K starting price point? Lastly, Im very disappointed with the not so articulate and knowledgable Toyota representative. Toyota makes great vehicles but they sure seem to have become complacent, lazy and unimaginative over the last decade. I think they now take their customers for granted and just dont care. A real pity.
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Waldemar Ishibashi
I would love to see the limits of the RAV4 hybrid AWD system. I am seriously comparing hybrid SUVs right now. They make sense for my personal situation. For now 2019 Outlander PHEV leads - I do a lot of hill climbs and live in hot climate (Japan. Spearing breaks while engine breaking and having AC while doing shopping or service area break is important for me. 1. How good is the trail mode? 2. How good is the vehicle for engine breaking / regen breaking? Especially in comparison to Outlander PHEV. 3. Does it still spins the front tires before engaging the rear? There is a new CR-V with mechanical AWD and hybrid on my market, but I do not like the looks, it doesnt offer heated steering wheel and the visibility is poor. All that while being more expensive than RAV4 and only slightly cheaper than Outlander PHEV. It is comfortable though.
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I would love to see the limits of the RAV4 hybrid AWD system. I am seriously comparing hybrid SUVs right now. They make sense for my personal situation. For now 2019 Outlander PHEV leads - I do a lot of hill climbs and live in hot climate (Japan. Spearing breaks while engine breaking and having AC while doing shopping or service area break is important for me. 1. How good is the trail mode? 2. How good is the vehicle for engine breaking / regen breaking? Especially in comparison to Outlander PHEV. 3. Does it still spins the front tires before engaging the rear? There is a new CR-V with mechanical AWD and hybrid on my market, but I do not like the looks, it doesnt offer heated steering wheel and the visibility is poor. All that while being more expensive than RAV4 and only slightly cheaper than Outlander PHEV. It is comfortable though.
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Joseph Schatz
My dad just bought one of these in almost same configuration. The car is excellent, although at higher RPMs the cars engine is rather loud and wind noise was louder than I expected. The 8 speed transmission also results in good fuel economy when going on level highway roads(from what I remember the engine was at near idle RPM at 60 mph) In his 130 mile a day commute the car averaged between 35-39 MPG on a mostly level commute. Also he chose this over the Forster as this may be more reliable. Good overall package. Although I would also drive the Forster Sport back to back with this to see which one you prefer.
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My dad just bought one of these in almost same configuration. The car is excellent, although at higher RPMs the cars engine is rather loud and wind noise was louder than I expected. The 8 speed transmission also results in good fuel economy when going on level highway roads(from what I remember the engine was at near idle RPM at 60 mph) In his 130 mile a day commute the car averaged between 35-39 MPG on a mostly level commute. Also he chose this over the Forster as this may be more reliable. Good overall package. Although I would also drive the Forster Sport back to back with this to see which one you prefer.
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Chris Christian
Alex is almost as tall as me doesnt that huge wide center console dig into your knee? The center console intrudes into legroom it is a deal-breaker for me. My second complaint and you can see it at 1: 03 is much worse approach angle than the last Model why did they go backwards on this? Looks like a curb scraper. And the rear seat recline lever is now hard to reach behind the shoulder when it used to be down by your hip where it should be. I finally drove the hybrid and the engine transmission performance was so amazing I would not even bother with the ICE at this point.
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Alex is almost as tall as me doesnt that huge wide center console dig into your knee? The center console intrudes into legroom it is a deal-breaker for me. My second complaint and you can see it at 1: 03 is much worse approach angle than the last Model why did they go backwards on this? Looks like a curb scraper. And the rear seat recline lever is now hard to reach behind the shoulder when it used to be down by your hip where it should be. I finally drove the hybrid and the engine transmission performance was so amazing I would not even bother with the ICE at this point.
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Chris
Buyer beware. The gas model has transmission issues that Toyota is saying is acceptable. Namely shift shock when cold and coming to a stop and when coasting and then accelerating at lower speeds, also accompanied by a lurching motion. Not all have these issues, but enough do. Toyota, own your mistakes and FIX THEM. You said you learned your lesson after being charged with deceiving customers back with the 2010 unintended acceleration issues, but apparently NOT You lie and treat your customers like they are idiots.
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Buyer beware. The gas model has transmission issues that Toyota is saying is acceptable. Namely shift shock when cold and coming to a stop and when coasting and then accelerating at lower speeds, also accompanied by a lurching motion. Not all have these issues, but enough do. Toyota, own your mistakes and FIX THEM. You said you learned your lesson after being charged with deceiving customers back with the 2010 unintended acceleration issues, but apparently NOT You lie and treat your customers like they are idiots.
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Baltazar Campos Nieto
On the paper, the new AWD here sounds amazing. Unfortunately on my experience feels like Toyota one more time didnt calibrate the electronics to work as good as X-Mode on Subaru. It does well when you have two wheels of the ground, but still doesnt really stop the wheel that spin. its does move now, where the older gen was not able to move. But in some situations I felt the system struggle to find which wheel needs power. didnt inspire confidence the system when you are in complicate situations.
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On the paper, the new AWD here sounds amazing. Unfortunately on my experience feels like Toyota one more time didnt calibrate the electronics to work as good as X-Mode on Subaru. It does well when you have two wheels of the ground, but still doesnt really stop the wheel that spin. its does move now, where the older gen was not able to move. But in some situations I felt the system struggle to find which wheel needs power. didnt inspire confidence the system when you are in complicate situations.
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David Vega
Wait a minute Alex says one of the most capable compact crossover in America in terms of off-road ability outside of something like the Jeep Cherokee. Yes you heard that right, I actually think this manages to beat the Subaru Forester in off-road ability. Talking about the Cherokee but switched to the Forester in mid sentence? Which is it? And like KJ mentioned, the Forester got top honors at Mudfest and the Adventure didnt. Things that make you say hmmmm
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Wait a minute Alex says one of the most capable compact crossover in America in terms of off-road ability outside of something like the Jeep Cherokee. Yes you heard that right, I actually think this manages to beat the Subaru Forester in off-road ability. Talking about the Cherokee but switched to the Forester in mid sentence? Which is it? And like KJ mentioned, the Forester got top honors at Mudfest and the Adventure didnt. Things that make you say hmmmm
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Henry Joe
WRONG- Do a side by side comparison of the New or old outback to this on a pebbled or sand road. If you floor the car from a stop the RAV 4 back wheels will not move any sand or pebbles. The outbacks rear wheels will throw sand/etc doing the same Proving the outback puts more power to the rear when needed. WRONG again when you said it has more power than Subaru. The new outback has a turbo 4 putting out more than 250hp
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WRONG- Do a side by side comparison of the New or old outback to this on a pebbled or sand road. If you floor the car from a stop the RAV 4 back wheels will not move any sand or pebbles. The outbacks rear wheels will throw sand/etc doing the same Proving the outback puts more power to the rear when needed. WRONG again when you said it has more power than Subaru. The new outback has a turbo 4 putting out more than 250hp
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Dim Dim
On paper the new clutches on the rear axles of the highest trim RAV4 should be even better then Subarus AWD since those clutches make RAV4 a true Torque Vectoring setup (sort of like Acura, but. it seems Toyota engineers have not calibrated electronics correctly. There are several videos on youtube showing that unfortunately Toyotas system does not work as well as it potentially could.
reply
On paper the new clutches on the rear axles of the highest trim RAV4 should be even better then Subarus AWD since those clutches make RAV4 a true Torque Vectoring setup (sort of like Acura, but. it seems Toyota engineers have not calibrated electronics correctly. There are several videos on youtube showing that unfortunately Toyotas system does not work as well as it potentially could.
reply
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