2019 Toyota RAV4

https://www.carscoops.com/2018/03/future-cars-2019-toyota-rav4-muscles-next-generation/
Basically FT-AC concept mixed with elements from the Jeep Compass



I can see someone making a Pro grille for it, just to complete the poser look.

 

I like it but that's just their concept art I think, not Toyota's.

 

Need a hood scoop

 

The CarScoops render was pretty close! Best-looking SUV in the segment:

 

Looks like Toyota might be starting to bring back two-tone paint jobs, like the optional paint on the C-HR.

 

I really like it!

 

Too bad you can't get it with the 6...

 

First video?



There's Multi-Terrain Select

 

With the unveiling of the Rav-4 Off Road, I'm suspecting Toyota is testing the waters to see how many 4Runner buyers are there because it's a ladder-on-frame SUV. Hear me out 'cause I realize them might be fightin' words on these here forums...

*puts on his over-thinking cap*

So SUV's are it right now. But trends can come and go, and I think Toyota might be future-proofing their model lineup against potential bloat by testing out what consumers are really in the market for from their SUV. I think their logic is that there might be a chunk of 4Runner buyers (especially SR5/RWD buyers) who are probably better served and more willing to get into a rugged RAV-4 (If you're reading this, you're not in that group). There's also the niche of rugged unibody SUV/CUV's that is pretty much solely filled by Jeep that they might be going after.

Best case scenario, current RAV-4 Owners get an option that fits their lifestyle better, owners of rival products move to Toyota to get a more rugged SUV. 4Runner sales are unaffected and continue bounding along.

Worst case scenario, the SUV bubble pops, gas prices go up, 4Runner sales tank but Toyota still offers a competent option for those who were never gonna bash their SUV on the rocks anyways. One SUV serves multiple purposes

I think it's a fairly savvy move in the long run and I hope that the Adventure and Off-Road models take off. .

 

A "Rugged" RAV-4 was the reason I went out of my way to find a V-6 Sport when I bought my RAV in 2009.

 

My wife has the 2017 hybrid AWD model. The AWD system is amazing, never gotten close to any trouble on snow or ice with no thought other than driving sanely involved. Plenty of torque from the electric motors.

 

I went to the stealership the other day for a test drive . I found the Rav4 seating to be just as tight as my Matrix seating . Its a good car for groceries and soccar games , but in no way would I consider taking it on a trip .
For the first time in my life , I went with a different car

 

reminds me of the Subaru cross treck

 

I drove my 09 from Kentucky to San Francisco, then came back via. Sacramento, Reno, Cheyenne, Denver, St. Louis and Indy. and was perfectly comfortable the entire trip. BTW, I'm 6'1 and about #320. Just sayin'...

 

My mom just bought an XLE Premium, it is indeed a very nice little crossover.

 

SWMBO and I took her '16 on a trip through Utah, Colorado and New Mexico (about 2000 miles) with no problems (and pretty good MPGs).

 

Looks like they stole the grille from the 2018 - 2019 Tacoma.

 

^Probably the same stylists at work. I'm surprised there's no Pro grille available yet for $500+...

It's supposed to compete with the Forester, which IMO has a better 4WD system that is unfortunately hamstrung by the standard CVT.

 

Or the simpler explanation is Toyota seeing the Jeep Compass and Cherokee selling well. With some graphics and cheap spring/shock tuning, Toyota comes up with its own "trail rated" trim that most buyers in the segment won't know any better.

2018 saw the highest 4Runner sales in the US in the past 24 years: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_4Runner#Sales

 

And it's those sales that suggest to me why Toyota expanded the RAV4 line with a more "ruggedized" version. They've been content to let Subaru and Jeep do their thing for decades.