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Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD SUV 2019 Review

Rob Fraser

2019 Toyota RAV 4 AWD Edge bonnet grill 2 Toyota first launched the RAV4 in 1994 and has now gone through 5 generations to arrive at the latest model launched in May 2019.

In line with changing market trends the 5th generation line-up includes a Hybrid model and 2WD models. The diesel engine has disappeared though.

The all-new Toyota RAV4 shows improvements over the model it replaces in SUV performance, safety, technology, style and refinement.

Toyota RAV4 Edge Exterior

The RAV4 Edge looks good, much better than its predecessor. Its built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, allowing the SUV’s designers the freedom to not only deliver significantly improved driving characteristics, but a completely new and imposing visual presence.

Compared with its predecessor, the new RAV4’s roofline is up to 30mm lower and its body is 10mm wider on a wider track that has been extended by up to 35mm at the front and up to 55mm at the rear depending on the variant.

The frontal treatment is proud and regal with integrated frontal skid plate, fog lights, and auto self-levelling parabolic LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights. The exterior mirrors are folding and heated for added safety. The sunroof is optional.

From the side there are definite hints from the C-HR but the lines are more subtle and feel integrated. The rear is wide and bold that adds to the more rugged appeal. The roof rails and shark fin antenna add to the sleek look.

The Edge has unique 5 sectional alloy wheels with 19 x 7J alloy, 235/55R19 tyres and a temporary 18 inch spare as well as heated and folding electric exterior mirrors, automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

Toyota RAV4 Edge Interior

The Edge is definitely up market and a little edgy (pardon the pun) the first thing you notice is the two tone colour scheme with a predominantly grey interior with orange highlights on storage areas. There are clever design clues from the grill in the instrument binnacle and air vents. Apart form the central tablet style screen the whole interior feels integrated.

The seats are a “Softex” synthetic leather-look which is actually very soft. It doesn’t matter that they aren’t leather at all. The driver’s seat is multi electronically adjustable with lumbar support. They are really comfortable and have plenty of seat slide for taller drivers.

One thing I noticed was the driver ergonomics. Everything is well laid out and integrated and user friendly. Even the central screen that looks like it stuck on is easy to use.

In front of the driver is a trapezoidal shaped instrument binnacle with two large outer dials and a 7 inch configurable MFD between, framed by a reach and height adjustable leather steering wheel that features switches for all cruise control, audio, vehicle and infotainment functions. The central MFD is where the change for the selection for AWD shows.

There is a decent sized centre console box with USB ports inside, a dual cup holder then a well laid out transmission area. This houses the controls for the AWD system as well as the electronic brake and hill holder. In front is a tray phone charger and a USB port as well as 12v plug. Above is the heated seat buttons and A/C controls topped off with the Central screen. There is an auto-dimming rear view mirror as well.

Storage is excellent, in addition to the centre console and cup holders, there are large door pockets with a bottle holder, flat tray for phone, large glove box and rear door pockets.

Rear seats with two recline positions and a large fold-down centre armrest with integrated cupholders, are OK for three at a squeeze with good all-around room, even when the front seats are all the way back. There are twin air vents and power ports for occupants.

The 60/40 rear seats fold flat for a large normal 580L boot area that is practical and features a clever two-level reversible floor for added functionality (not available with full-size spare wheel option). Boot is accessed by an auto rear door.

Toyota RAV4 Edge Features

A new advanced multimedia system is standard and features satellite navigation with SUNA™ live traffic alerts, AM/FM/DAB+ radio, USB and Aux inputs, full Bluetooth® connectivity, voice recognition, and Toyota Link apps including weather, fuel finder and travel times.

A number of functions have been improved with voice recognition now offering a broader range of commands along with the addition of new functions including Siri® eyes-free mode for compatible iPhones® and Miracast™, which can allow smartphone screens to be duplicated onto the touchscreen.

The all-new Toyota RAV4 will be the first vehicle in the company’s Australian lineup to feature Apple CarPlay® and Android® Auto compatibility as a standard feature of its latest generation multimedia system. Available for retro-fit from the fourth quarter of this year, the two systems will give owners easy access to their smartphone apps directly through the vehicle’s multimedia system.

Toyota RAV4 Edge Engine and Drivetrain

As a single standalone variant, the new RAV4 Edge is available exclusively with a new “Dynamic Force” 2.5-litre petrol engine, mechanical AWD system and new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Sharing the intelligent dual variable valve timing and D-4S direct and port fuel injection with the hybrid 2.5-litre engine, the petrol engine generates a maximum power of 152kW at 6600rpm and peak torque of 243Nm from 4000-5000rpm.

The Edge variant uses a mechanical AWD system controlled by the AWD Integrated Management (AIM), that is able to deliver a front/rear torque split of between 100 per cent to the front wheels and an even 50:50 split across front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. The AIM system can also disconnect power to the rear wheels when AWD is not needed, to help improve fuel efficiency.

A dynamic torque vectoring system can also independently control the amount of drive torque delivered to the left or right rear wheels depending on the road surface conditions.

The AWD system also features a multi-terrain select system that offers different modes for mud & sand, rock & dirt and snow environments in addition to the Drive Mode Select. It adapts throttle and brake control, torque distribution, and shift patterns for different surfaces to provide great traction. There is also a downhill assist feature.

With the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), RAV4 has a slightly longer wheelbase, is slightly wider and has a lower centre of gravity, all of which adds up to greatly improved ride and handling. It almost rivals the Subaru Forester.

Front suspension is upgraded MacPherson strut suspension with revised geometry and rear suspension is a new sophisticated multilink suspension with stabiliser bar that features new mounting positions, repositioned dampers, hardware, geometry and calibration.

The electrically-assisted rack and pinion steering also benefits from the new TNGA platform with a quality feel and response and with an active cornering assist system standard. The system uses the actuators and sensors of the vehicle stability control to apply brake force to the left or right wheels during high-speed cornering to supress understeer.

Toyota RAV4 Edge Driving Experience

I had the opportunity to test the RAV4 Edge around town, on the freeway, on the beach and forest trails. All situations that a buyer might reasonably expect to find themselves in. The only place I didn’t go is the snow.

In short the all new RAV4 is so much better than the previous model. The steering is well weighted and provides reasonable feedback. Ride on all surfaces is smooth and compliant on the rougher roads and tracks. Beach driving is simpler than expected. I liked the multi-terrain select system and how it manipulated the drive for various situations. Snow driving would be a breeze.

On the freeway it simply glides along without fuss and ever so smooth. Around town, even the horrible goat tracks the NSW government calls roads didn’t faze it.

As mentioned the driver ergonomics are excellent and with airconditioned seats you will find yourself comfortable no matter what the outside temperature.

It likes to be pushed a little. If you’re just pottering it feels a little sluggish and holds onto gears a bit longer than wanted. However push it and it feels much better. Sport mode also helps to skirt along. It definitely not a sport SUV though.

Overall nobody would feel disappointed with driving the RAV4 Edge.

Toyota RAV4 Edge Safety

The all-new Toyota RAV4 offers class-leading safety across the entire range with its suite of Toyota Safety Sense technologies and other active and passive safety features providing high levels of driver assistance and occupant protection.

In the RAV4, Toyota Safety Sense incorporates active cruise control (ACC); pre-collision safety system (PCS) with pedestrian detection (day and night) and cyclist detection (day only); lane departure alert; road sign assist (speed sign only); and automatic high beam.

Other safety features include: ABS with brake assist, vehicle stability control, active cornering assist, blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, Hill-start assist, brake hold, seven airbags (driver and passenger front, front side, side curtain, driver knee), front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child restraint anchors for two rear seats and reversing camera with panoramic view monitor

Toyota RAV4 Edge Other Things

Toyota is offering an extensive range of genuine accessories for the all-new RAV4 enabling customers to tailor their vehicle to suit their lifestyle, use or needs.

Inside, personalisation and protection options include fabric seat covers, carpet or all-weather rubber floor mats, rubber cargo mat, cargo net, a rear scuff guard, and dash camera.

For those with an active lifestyle, the new RAV4 is also available with roof racks (except GX) and specific carriers for bikes, kayaks or skis and snowboards.

It’s important to note that All RAV4 Toyota Genuine Accessories purchased and fitted to a RAV4 by a Toyota dealer are warranted for the vehicle’s new car warranty or 24 months, whichever is greater.

In line with shifting market trends, Toyota now offers a 5 year unlimited km warranty and road side assist.

Toyota RAV4 Edge Summary

Toyota has transformed the RAV4 from Ho-Hum to MMM Worth a good look.

The new platform underpinning the vehicle radically changes the equation. Being the range top model RAV4 Edge is packed with all the goodies you might want. It also has pretty good AWD abilities, as you might expect.

It rides and handles much better than the previous model, is reasonably economical and quiet on both freeways and around town and looks pretty good.

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Model: Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD SUV

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

Overall Rating     79/100

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