2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

All RAV4 Hybrid models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor with a continuously variable automatic transmission. And an additional electric motor is used to power the rear wheels in low-traction situations. Total system output is 219 horsepower.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard on all RAV4 Hybrid models and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, auto high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control.

The base LE trim comes relatively well equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a rearview camera, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats with adjustable recline, and dual-zone climate control.

Infotainment is handled by a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration (Android Auto isn't available), Toyota Connected Services (includes onboard Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, one USB port, and a six-speaker sound system.

The XLE trim adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlights, integrated foglights, proximity entry with push-button start, a sunroof, upgraded fabric upholstery, sliding sun visor extensions, and additional USB ports (five total, including two for the rear seats).

Options for the XLE include the Weather package, which adds a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel and automatic wipers with a de-icer function. The XLE Convenience package equips a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and a power liftgate. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite radio can also be added to the XLE.

Moving up to the XSE gets you the 8-inch touchscreen system and the contents of the Convenience package. You also get black-painted 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, two-tone exterior paint, simulated-leather upholstery (SofTex), upgraded interior trim materials, a digital speedometer, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dynamic guidelines for the rearview camera, and additional interior ambient lighting.

Optional for the XLE and the XSE is a Technology package with front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear cross-traffic braking, an auto-dimming rearview mirror (XLE), and a wireless charging pad (XSE only).

At the top of the range is the Limited. It arrives with 18-inch chrome-finished wheels, the parking sensors and automatic rear cross-traffic braking, an integrated navigation system, and two-position memory for the driver's seat.

But wait, there's more! The Limited Grade Weather package adds a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear passenger seats, and the de-icing and automatic wipers. You can also get the Limited Grade Advanced Technology package with proximity-entry sensors on all four doors, foot activation for the power liftgate, the wireless charging pad, and a surround-view parking camera system.

Finally, the XSE and the Limited can be upgraded with an 11-speaker JBL stereo system (bundled with navigation for XSE) and a panoramic sunroof. Adaptive headlights are available as a stand-alone option for the Limited.