Why settle for just one 2019 Toyota RAV4 review when we have collected all of the UK motoring publications reviews into one handy place? After being invited to test-drive our new Toyota RAV4 in Barcelona, the national motoring press has had its say. Scroll below to see who said what about our latest car.
Toyota RAV4: Autocar
“That hybrid powertrain is usefully potent and more than capable of dispatching overtakes with little bother… Around town, it makes for smooth progress, particularly when running on electricity alone.”
Click here to read the full Autocar review
Toyota RAV4: Auto Express
“There’s much to like about the new Toyota RAV4 – an excellent chassis, decent practicality, impressive efficiency and strong BiK figures… As comfortable family transport, it should find plenty of customers, particularly among those choosing their next company car.
“We also tried a four-wheel drive edition on some pretty badly rutted and muddy terrain. It acquitted itself well – enough to persuade us that this RAV4 has more than enough ability off-road… There’s no discernible pay-off in on-road performance either.”
Click here to read the full Auto Express review
Toyota RAV4: CAR
“Producing a medium-sized SUV that’s somehow new and different from the rest may seem like an impossible task in today’s market, but Toyota has had a damn good go.
“There’s plenty to like about the RAV4, from its economical low CO2 hybrid powertrain to the impressive practicality, standard-fit safety kit and near-faultless reliability record.”
Click here to read the full CAR review
Toyota RAV4: Motoring Research
“The steering has a meaty directness and the car turns in keenly, gripping hard and cornering with composure, particularly if you chose the 4WD version. Double wishbone rear suspension, a lower centre of gravity and a 57% stiffer chassis all help here. Crucially, such relative dynamism doesn’t come at the expense of ride quality. Supple, measured damping smoothes out all but the largest potholes and ruts.
“The new, fifth-generation RAV4 is faster, roomier, quieter, more efficient and better-equipped than the car it replaces… Its triple-whammy of bold styling, a satisfying drive and hybrid tech makes a compelling argument for choosing [one].”
Click here to read the full Motoring Research review
Toyota RAV4: MSN
“This new RAV4… [has] been the recipient of a serious rebirth, aimed at making it a true alternative to the most popular petrol and diesel SUVs in driving dynamics, interior ambience and cost of ownership.
“We tested the all-wheel-drive RAV4 on a short off-road course, more challenging than anything most owners will put it through. It should be able to cope perfectly well with the occasional muddy lane or steep driveway. As for road handling… it’s up there with some of the best competitors. The RAV4 handles directly, without too much body roll. Decent grip levels and a late-acting ESP system actually make it quite fun in the corners.”
Click here to read the full MSN review
Toyota RAV4: Top Gear
“Its design is all about facets and creased octagons… No one’s going to be scared by it, yet you’ll find interest and distinctiveness if you look.
“Actually it’s more of an SUV than a crossover… The black lower-body cladding and wheel arches are all part of SUV semiotics. A ‘Trail Mode’ button in the centre console activates a brake differential and different ESP strategy. It might just get you out of a slightly more challenging off-road hole than before.
“As a family wagon, it is… appealing. It’s roomy, comfortable and nice to be in. And as a financial and fuel-saving choice, it really does take some beating.”
Click here to read the full Top Gear review
2019 Toyota RAV4 review: What Car?
“The RAV4’s trump card is the potential for exceedingly low running costs. Company car users will find the benefit-in-kind rates very enticing, with CO2 emissions as low as 102g/km – far better than anything in the class.
“Private buyers are looked after, too, with what are predicted to be gold standard resale values. And while overall fuel economy is unlikely to match the best diesels, we managed a respectable touring figure of around 48mpg; and if you live in the city, that’s where hybrids are notoriously frugal. More than ever, that’s why the new Toyota RAV4 shouldn’t be overlooked.”
Click here to read the full What Car? review
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
Hi. As CarPlay has found its way into the CHR is there any word on integration for the RAV4?
I have just ordered a Corolla Excel and have been told that it will have CarPlay, all leather seats and foot waving tailgate opening. However, I cannot get any written details anywhere, do any of you know anything about this?
Hi Ian,
Congratulations on your new car.
Yes, Excel Corollas ordered from 1/11/19 will have Apple CarPlay and leather seats. Power tailgate with kick sensor is only available on the Touring Sport, not the Hatchback.
The website will be updated on Monday with this information.
Thanks
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for getting in touch. We currently have no new information regarding smartphone integration on other models in our UK range. As soon as we have updates, they will be shared across our blog and social channels.
Thanks.
Hi, on previous cars I’ve connected a float charger to the battery if I have to leave the vehicle unattended in the garage for a couple of months. Essentially, to maintain the battery condition and also to ensure that any unintended voltage drop does not result in memory loss to the various computers. Can you please tell me if that would be prudent with my new RAV4 under similar circumstances? If the answer is yes, what would the most appropriate way to connect? I’ve been shown the positive connection post in the fuse box and the battery housing in the boot. Neither seems particularly easy so I’m wondering if the diagnostics port under the steering wheel may be more appropriate?
Hi Keith,
Thanks for getting in touch. If you could please provide us with the reg or VIN we will be able to look into this further for you.
Thanks.
Hi,
Many thanks indeed for your most prompt response. Is there any way I can convey the necessary vehicle details to you without putting them in the public domain? I’ll keep an eye on my email account if you can get in touch directly. Thanks again.
Hi Keith,
Thanks for getting in touch. We have seen your additional comment with these details and will keep it private. We will look into this query further for you and will be back in touch.
Thanks.
Hi Keith,
Thanks for your patience. Page 566 in your owner’s manual will show you have to access the terminals you would need, you can access this via this link: https://www.toyota.co.uk/tme#/my-toyota/eManual
You will need to connect the positive lead to terminal A and the negative lead to terminal D.
Thanks.
How do you cancel the sat nav destination. It is really confusing and frustrating on the new RAV4.
Hi Darren,
Thanks for getting in touch. Could you please provide us with the reg or VIN?
Thanks.
If the SatNav has been updated to the latest firmware it’s possible by going to route where you will find a delete option. This was not on the stock firmware when I got my RAV4 in June and had to be updated by the dealer. There’s three different parts that are updated individually. Next time I’m in the car I’ll get the version’s I have.
I’m in the same boat. Ordered in May for an October delivery. Was then told 7 November it would be at the dealership. Was told today it’s delayed until 23 December. Not good enough Toyota.
Hi Darryl,
Thanks for your message. We’re sorry to hear about this and have contacted you directly, if you would like to discuss this further with our customer relations team.
Thanks.
Well I got my new Rav4 Excel AWD on 28 November I known the wasvsatvatvtgecdeaker for over a month but that was the earliest date i could. On the day of collection it was pouring down with rain and the car was out side so I did not do an inspection .( mistake on my part) I did not inspect under the bonnet for a week and only then I did it to put screen wash into tge bottle . At this point i notice bits of black plastic on the header tank and what looked like abrasions marks in the polyeurothaon foam engine cover. .
When I was passing the dealer next I called in to ask about as I was concerned that as the coolant system is pressurized abd i was nit sure if the bkack plastic nipple over the pressure was important to the system .
The mechanics said it was rodent damage he lift the engine cover there was a small nest consisting if plant material consisting of sycamore seed ( the tree under which the dealer had my car parked for a month) staight away they said I hadvavrodent problem at home funny I said my Lexus hybrids never been touch it parked inn the garage with it and tgere no sign of rodents at my home plus my cat kill anything that moves .the mechanic then became sheepish and trued to remive tge nesting materials which I kept. Because there are no sycamore trees local to me but the dealer has plenty. They argued that thus woukd have been see no the Pdi but they refused to say what date DPI was done on my service book has no details or stamps in fact it was still factory sealed in plastic when I got the car..
They dealer then went on to tell that Toyota where well aware that rodents where attracted to the soya based plastics used on the car say it smells like food to them.
At no point did I ask them to replace or pay for the damage but went to grest length to say it was my fault that I had rodents at my house. They suggest I get traps put down and that I could buy an anti rodent spray for the engine bay and plastic and anti rodent tape..
Any I got the vermin peopke they have Checked my property no sign of rodents after 2 week no bait has been taken no rodents caught and tgere been no more damage to the car since I first noticed about 24days ago.
The vermin man looked at the nesting material and said it’s not local as there is non 8f the trees local
I am not worried about the engine as it only cosmetic damage but you woukd think they would replace the plastic nipple out of good will afterall we Toyota products
But you would think Toyota and Lexus would inform customers if this rodent issue and advise how to limit rodent damage. It’s poor show on Toyota.
There little good will from the dealer . I have now been waiting two weeks plus for the part which I will pay for. But there behaviour of not telling the pdi date not completing the service book and wanting to dispose of the nesting and the reaction of the mechanic why I told him my other which has the same engine point to a car damaged at the dealer my home has no rodents.
But people need to know they need the cars protecting as you coukd park up for your holiday and your car could be eaten.
After going on the internet thus problem us wide spread on hybrids phev and electric car as manufactures turn to food based plastics and insulators in a bid to be greener.
My ex colleges at university in the small mammal and rodent department confirmed that these plastics and plasts based on nuts and soya smell like food to rodents.
The antifreeze in your coolant sweet and sugary to rodents
So people need to be made aware so they can take action
Hi Keith,
Thanks for getting back in touch. It’s incredibly unfortunate that this has happened and we are incredibly sorry to hear you have been experiencing this with your RAV4. We would like to investigate this further by putting you in touch with our customer relations team. We will email you directly to discuss this in more detail.
Thanks
LED bulbs. My new rav4 is fitted with full Led head lights rear brake lights. I am going to several European countries which by law requires you to carry the correct replacement bulb. I cannot find out any information on replacements LED bulb kits for the new Rav4.
Some suggested that you cannot replace the bulbs in the head lights, I cannot see this being right as do many nations require you to carry spare bulbs.
Can someone advise me about the bulb situation there is nothing inn the owner hand book about replaced blind apart from indicators fog lights front and reversing lights.
I cannot travel without a bulb kit to cover all my car bulbs it’s law.
Hi Keith,
Thanks for your message. Could you please provide us with your reg? This will allow us to look into this further for you.
Thanks
Hi … I recently took delivery of a Rav4 Excel (AWD) with the premium pack. Can you please confirm that the kick sensor (for the power boot) is included in the specification.
Thanks
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comment and patience.
The RAV4 Excel does have a power boot, but a kick sensor is not present in the specification.
Thanks.
Thanks … is the kick sensor an option in the UK ?
Hi Paul,
Thanks for getting back in touch.
Unfortunately the kick sensor is not an option for the UK specification RAV4.
Thanks.
Hi, any idea about the launch of MY21 Camry in UK?
Hi Ravi,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
We don’t currently have any information to share, but we’d recommend keeping an eye on our blog and social channels for the latest!
Thanks.