Toyota today announced pricing for its 2019 RAV4 Hybrid compact SUV, whose $32,090 starting MSRP is $2,700 lower than that of the outgoing 2018 model's.
In addition, the company says it has narrowed the price gap between the RAV4 Hybrid LE and its equivalent gas-powered models to $1,400. That's down from a $4,775 hybrid premium at the car's entry level in 2018.
The RAV4 Hybrid combines a 2.5L gas engine with an electric motor for a total of 219 hp, an improvement of 25 hp compared to the outgoing model. As before, all RAV4 Hybrid trims come with standard AWD, with rear-wheel traction provided by an electric motor at the rear axle. This time, though, Toyota says the system can direct 30 percent more power to the rear wheels.
Toyota says the RAV4 hybrid's fuel consumption is estimated at 5.8/6.3 L/100 km (city/highway), an improvement over the last one's ratings of 6.9/7.8.
RAV4 Hybrid pricing starts at $32,090 for the LE, which includes a 7.0-inch display audio system with Toyota's Entune infotainment system, 17-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, 4.2-inch multi-information display and LED daytime running lights. Standard safety gear includes the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which bundles forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicycle detection and automatic braking, radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and road edge detection, lane tracing assist and automatic high beams. Also included are automatic high beam headlights and blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
The XLE trim ($35,090, down from $36,460) adds a sunroof, eight-way power driver's seat, power tailgate, LED headlights, passive keyless entry, heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, five (!) USB outlets in the cabin and LED taillights.
New this year is a Hybrid XSE trim ($38,390), which Toyota calls the "sportiest, quickest RAV4." It gets a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, black roof, exterior trim kit, 8.0-inch display audio system, satellite radio, 7.0-inch multi-information display, Softex seating surfaces, digital rearview mirror and a leather-trimmed shifter. Optional here is a Technology package ($40,890) that brings a nine-speaker sound system, navigation, garage door opener, parking sonar with intelligent parking assist, rear cross traffic braking and wireless smartphone charging.
RAV4 Hybrid Limited trim ($42,090, down from $42,145) builds on the XSE Tech model with the standard suspension setup, chrome door handles and side mirrors with puddle lights, hands-free tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Softex upholstery and driver's seat memory.
Toyota says the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid goes on sale across Canada this spring.