2019 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 comes in five different trim levels. These start with the LE, which has 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, and low-profile roof rails. The XLE adds LED headlights, heated side door mirrors, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Bump up to the XLE Premium for larger 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and a raised suspension to give 8.6 inches of ground clearance. For drivers who want more equipment, the Adventure trim has taller roof rails, 19-inch alloy wheels, fender flares, along with all the features of the XLE Premium.

The top-level Limited has chrome exterior trim, and some added features inside along with the option for a hands-free liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof.

All five of the RAV4 models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard along with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an available option for all models.

The RAV4 is very easy to drive and features an accurate steering system. You'll feel very little body lean when heading around tight corners, and it provides a smooth ride even when going over bumpy roads. The Adventure model, when equipped, can tow up to 3,500 pounds and the rest of the trims can handle up to 1,500 pounds. The 2.5-liter will get the RAV4 up to 60 miles per hour in just over nine seconds, and if you want to head off-road, the Adventure trim is once again a good choice.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin has plenty of head and legroom for both the front and rear seat passengers, and everyone gets to sit on comfortable seats covered in high-quality cloth or simulated leather, depending on the trim level. The Limited adds driver-seat memory functions, and some trims offer the option for a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

The technology includes a 7-inch touch screen display, Apple CarPlay, a USB port, and Bluetooth in the base trim. Stepping up to a higher trim adds an extra USB port, and in the Adventure and Limited you get an 8-inch touch screen display, satellite radio, and in the Limited you'll also get a Toyota navigation system.

Standard safety features for the 2019 RAV4 include a rearview camera, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. You also get adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition as part of the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite. A 360-degree surround-view camera is an available option along with front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.