2019 Toyota RAV4 LimitedDerek McNaughton OVERVIEW AWD Compact Utility Vehicle with good practicality, but annoying quirks PROSSmooth ride, durability and dependability CONSNoises, lack of refinement VALUE FOR MONEYGood WHAT TO CHANGE?Make it quieter, especially the engine and cabin HOW TO SPEC IT?Trail Edition The last generation Toyota RAV4 was so good it received one of the higher scores handed out during a Driving.ca test drive. Sadly, the fifth-generation replacement isnt quite as excellent, at least not yet, suffering from a malady of quirks that detract from its sharp new looks.Oh, to be clear, I wanted to love the 2019 RAV4, which has undergone a complete makeover and borrowed design elements from one of our favourite vehicles of all time, the Toyota 4Runner. But a number of things about the new RAV4 came across as irritations. First and foremost was the growl from the engine any time throttle was applied.It sounds like my grandmothers Scamp, blurted my wife, who is never one to criticize. But she is not alone. Driving writer Brian Harper concluded the same thing twice, although he is far more sophisticated than me, pointing out the RAVs 2.5-litre engine had a rather discordant note. I suspect much of the growl of this engine comes from the high-compression nature of the Dynamic Force four-cylinder. The engine produces 203 horsepower (up from 179) and is paired with an eight-speed automatic that shifts well. Its odd, too, that it would sound so loud when its blissfully quiet during any kind of steady-state throttle. It was also highly efficient, registering 6.8 L/100 km during a 350-km highway drive at a steady 100 km/h. Our last best in the old model was 7.4. But applying throttle became a game of you go first: Perhaps our press unit was in need of some ECU tuning, or something, but every time I took off from a stop, even when trying to be gentle, the engine torque grabbed the front tires and pushed the CUV ahead, making smooth takeoffs difficult. Even when I anticipated the rush, and tried to counteract, the engine was still too eager, prematurely rushing the throttle too early most of the time. Overall, the amount of power is good. Passing is easy; but throttle mapping needs to be smoothed out, or perhaps its something drivers will get used to over time.The brake pedal also had a dishevelled feel notchy from rest, too much travel before initial bite, then only moderate bite for the amount of foot force applied. Sure Im being picky, but thats the point here, to underline the things that arent perfect for a brand with such a high reputation, for a model at the top of its game, for quality in a segment with so much competition. So, not enjoying the braking or acceleration didnt get us off to a good start. But the electric steering, too, didnt erase those initial gripes. Nothing is technically wrong with the steering, it just doesnt give much feedback or track as well as many other Toyotas. And then an inconsistent buzzing like an incoming text message on a phone set to silent mode (it wasnt anyones phone) came every now and then from somewhere under the drivers seat, as though some module or some switch was sending current somewhere it shouldnt. Either that or it could be part of the driveline. When AWD isnt required, the RAV4 disconnects the rear driveline, sending power only to the front wheels, and the ratchet-type dog clutches on both the front and rear wheel-shafts stop the driveshafts rotations. Maybe that was what we heard. All I know is that the sound occurred with irregular frequency. This Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Rear Driveline Disconnect (a Toyota first) comes standard on non-hybrid Limited and Trail models. It can direct up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the rear wheels, as well as distribute it to the left or right rear wheel to enhance handling on- or off-pavement. Tire and road noise in the cabin was high too.Far more pleasing was the new rigidity of the unibody structure, making the RAV4 feel vastly more sound thanks to a 57 per cent improvement over the old. This tighter structure also helps absorb impacts to the suspension, which delivered a highly satisfying ride, exhibiting little lean in the corners. Selectable drive modes (including normal, eco, snow, mud and sand, rock, and sport) can tailor the experience, but Sport seemed to bring out the best of the compact utility. With excellent visibility due to small A-pillars and side-mirrors placed onto the doors, the RAV4 soaked in some coily country roads with a vigour that helped quell those early distractions with the pedals. Our Limited model also came with a camera-based rear-view mirror, which might be of use when the inside is so full of cargo you cant see out back, but looking into the camera mirror can be disorientating. A birds-eye monitor along with a backup and forward camera is useful, but the screen resolution could be better.While the new RAV4
Origin: SUV Review: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited