The 2019 RAV4 is equipped with a 2.5-Litre inline-four engine which produces about 203 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and is available as FWD as standard. You can also opt for an AWD configuration, which is optimized well for off-road conditions, and reworked axle ratios ensure better fuel efficiency.
The transmission fitted is not very active in selecting the perfect gear for acceleration. It is smooth but doesn’t make use of the 203 HP power output from the engine as we would expect. It isn’t a slouch, but compared with the rivals, the power delivery could have been better. Also, at higher speeds on the highways, the engine becomes a bit noisy and feels stressed if pushed too hard.
|
Models
|
2019 Toyota RAV4
|
2019 Nissan Rogue
|
2019 Honda CR-V
|
2019 Mazda CX-5
|
|
MSRP
|
$26,770
|
$25,020
|
$24,450
|
$24,350
|
|
Engine
|
2.5L Inline-4
|
2.5L Inline-4
|
2.4L Inline-4
|
2.5L Inline-4
|
|
Drivetrain
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
|
Transmission
|
8-speed automatic transmission
|
CVT
|
CVT
|
6-Speed automatic
|
|
Power
|
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
|
170 hp @ 6,000 rpm
|
184 hp @ 6,400 rpm
|
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
|
|
Torque
|
184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
|
175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
|
180 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm
|
186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
|
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
7.5
|
9.3
|
8.6
|
8.7
|
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
15.6
|
17.1
|
16.8
|
16.7
|
|
Top-Speed (MPH)
|
130
|
120
|
130
|
130
|
The RAV4 offers better acceleration than its rivals, but the way it accelerates on the highways is what could have been better. The drivetrain offers a decent mid-range but suffers in the top range. It does a 0-60 mph sprint in just 7.5 seconds and a quarter-mile drag is completed in 15.6 seconds. The Honda CR-V is a second slower than the RAV4. The Nissan Rogue offers the least output and is slower than the competition.
How well does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 handle?
The 2019 RAV4 is redesigned by Toyota from the bottom up, and it is now based on Toyota’s TNGA platform, which is claimed to be lighter and offer better stiffness than its predecessor. It is very stable on highway speeds and won’t scare you on a twisty section of the road. However, the steering doesn’t inspire the same level of confidence as some of the other cars in the segment.
The lower center of gravity has aided in handling, but it's still behind some better handling SUVs like the CX-5. It is paired with a good set of tires, and a well-tuned suspension will take care of potholes and other road undulations with ease. However, owing to a taller stance, there is the prevalence of slight body roll around the corners. The driver aids like electronic stability control help in keeping things on track while cornering hard.
Braking Performance
The 2019 RAV4 is equipped with larger size rotors upfront and comparable size rotors at the rear. It gets 12.0-inch rotors and 11.1-inch rotors at the front and rear, respectively. The rotors work hard and bring this SUV to a complete stop from 60 mph speed within 143 feet. Looking at the spec sheet, we expected it to offer better braking performance, but unfortunately, it needs an improvement in the braking department. The brake pedal feel is firm and affirmative, but it lacks the initial bite.
|
Models
|
2019 Toyota RAV4
|
2019 Nissan Rogue
|
2019 Honda CR-V
|
2019 Mazda CX-5
|
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
12.0
|
11.7
|
11.1
|
11.7
|
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
11.1
|
11.5
|
10.2
|
11.9
|
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3370
|
3454
|
3307
|
3541
|
|
60-0 MPH (feet)
|
143
|
137
|
129
|
136
|
The Honda CR-V is the star of the braking game, and despite having smaller rotors at both ends, it performs exceptionally well and comes to a complete halt from 60 mph within 129 feet, which is quite commendable. The Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 are very closely matched with respect to their braking performance. When comparing the curb weight, Mazda is the heaviest option in the competition at 3,541 lbs.
