November 15, 2018

The 2019 RAV4: Why You Should Buy an SUV Instead of a Sports Car


Look on the road these days and you’ll see a lot of one thing and not a lot of another – SUVs vs. sports cars. Buyers have driven away from small, cramped, and low and toward spacious seating with a view from a higher vantage point. At least for the traditional consumer, having room for the family and all their things, or perhaps the crew of friends and all their dogs, has made SUVs more popular than ever before. Toyota’s recent release of the C-HR and its upcoming release of the 2019 RAV4 are strong contenders in a crowded market.

Toyota has long earned love and loyalty for its RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander, Landcruiser, and Sequoia models. This year brought the introduction of the crossover C-HR, which was designed to fit a particular niche missing from the traditional Toyota lineup: something to bridge the gap between the SUVs, sedans, and compact cars. Edmunds named the C-HR as one of the Best Small SUVs for 2018.

Those who remember the Toyota FJ Cruiser will recognize the signature white roof available on the C-HR with a Radiant Green Mica, Ruby Flare Pearl, or Blue Eclipse Metallic body. Its body styling is edgier than typically seen from Toyota, in part because the C-HR carried over from the maker’s now defunct Scion brand.

The C-HR’s comes with push-button start, a 7-inch touch screen, 4.2-inch information display for the driver, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric parking brake, and folding mirrors. Walk up to your C-HR with smart key technology and once you touch the door handle, the mirrors will unfold and display an illuminated logo on the ground. These lights complement the car’s halogen headlines, LED daytime running lights, and sculpted taillights.

However, Toyota shoppers will have noticed a lack in connectivity across the line. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto currently available, but this tech is expected to be added in 2019.

What else is coming from Toyota in 2019? The fifth-generation RAV4. The RAV4 was the bestselling non-pickup in the US in 2017. It was last redesigned in 2013. The new model will feature Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with rear Driveline Disconnect, meaning that the engine can not only direct available power to the rear wheel, it can pick the wheel that has the most traction. When all-wheel drive no longer is needed, the system disconnects and reverts to front-wheel drive. Partnered with the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, which Toyota started using 2015 with the Prius, the result is a vehicle built to go further and do more.

“The implementation of the TNGA platform allows RAV4 to adopt the charisma of a bolder and tougher SUV, but in a package that is lower and wider,” writes Toyota. “The longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks provide a stable, confident driving platform. For off-road prowess, the shorter front and rear overhangs will aid in RAV4’s ability to overcome rugged terrain.”

To be released in winter 2018 (soon!), the RAV4 will come in three versions: the premium Limited, rugged Adventure grade, or stylish XSE Hybrid that will be available spring 2019. On the Limited edition, standard features include a front-row moonroof and 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory and 2-way lumbar support, plus a newly-designed 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and, for the first time in a Toyota vehicle in North America, a Digital Display Rearview Mirror. Options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic moonroof, and hands-free liftgate.

With the expected arrival of the 2019 RAV4, our specials at Mount Airy Toyota on the 2018 RAV4 are better than ever. From the XLE to the LE to the SE, you’ll find saving of up to $3,799 on select models. In fact, there’s savings to be had on every Toyota model now through the end of the year. Plus our pre-owned vehicles also are marked down.

Toyotathon is on at Mount Airy Toyota. Come visit us at 508 N. Andy Griffith Pkwy. in Mount Airy, NC, visit us online at mountairytoyota.com, or give us a call at 336.786.2118.

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