2019 was a big year for the Toyota RAV4, when Toyota totally revamped the popular crossover SUV. It was a full-refresh, too, with an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Key Points
- Toyota’s 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine was new for the 2019 RAV4 and included a hybrid version.
- The RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid share similar versions of same engine.
- RAV4 Hybrid boasts highest power and best efficiency.
- Battery drain issue on 2019 RAV4 Hybrid seems to affect small amount of vehicles.
- Though the 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine and 2.5L hybrid engine share a similar architecture, they are fundamentally different.
Toyota’s 2.5L Four-cylinder Engine Gives the 2019 RAV4 203 Horsepower, Which is an Increase of 27 hp Over Previous Year
The engine option offered for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine that was new for the 2019 model and included a hybrid version.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was available in virtually all trim levels. It powered the front wheels on all models, with all-wheel drive an option on all but the Adventure trim, where it was standard.
Output is rated at 203 horsepower–an increase of 27 hp over the previous model. Mileage improved too. City mpg was up three to 26 mpg, and highway mileage increased by an impressive five, to 35 mpg highway.
Octane fuel needed for the engine is regular 87. Still, performance is acceptable, with 60 miles per hour attainable in eight seconds flat. Car and Driver notes that the driving experience is buzzy, but quiets down after steady speed is attained.
2019 RAV4 Hybrid’s Output from the Gas Engine is 176 hp, With Two Electric Motors Generating an Extra 43 Horsepower
Hybrid technology has been available for the Toyota RAV4 since 2016, and with the 2019 refresh, power output rose to 219 horsepower, thanks to two electric motors.
The 2.5L engine is actually tuned for less horsepower, and as expected, economy also increased. The EPA estimates are 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. All-wheel drive is standard in the hybrid models.
This engine is related to the non-hybrid 2.5L but offers greater fuel economy. Output from just the gas engine is 176 horsepower. The two extra electric motors generate an additional 43 horsepower.
The RAV4 Hybrid has 238 lb.-ft. of torque, and the hybrid’s extra power gives the SUV a zero to 60 acceleration time of 7.5 seconds.
2019 RAV4 Hybrid’s Unique Nickel-metal-hydride Battery May Suffer from Parasitic Drain
Toyota’s Hybrid battery is of the nickel-metal-hydride type, which is different from the usual lithium-ion battery used in many hybrid vehicles. It is similar to a car’s starter battery in that if it goes flat, it can go bad.
Motor Biscuit reports that owners of 2019 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrids hadn’t used their vehicles for several days, only to return to a car that won’t start. They can be jump-started, but the SUVs quickly lose battery power again.
Parasitic drain seems to be the issue, which essentially means the car doesn’t completely “fall asleep” after being turned off.
Two of 2019 RAV4’s Seven Recalls Address Engine Problems That Can Lead to Stalling and Risk of Fire
Although Toyota’s engines are reliable overall, there is some important recall information to be aware of when it comes to the 2019 RAV4’s engine.
Two of the 2019 model year’s seven recalls are over engine problems, including a faulty fuel pump that may cause the engine to stall while driving.
The other engine recall is over a potential coolant leak that can cause the engine to overheat and the SUV to stall. Also, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Photos: Toyota
