The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has been spotted testing in public for the first time and in the process has shown a more aggressive and rugged appearance.
Though the next-generation compact crossover was spotted still heavily camouflaged, some exterior design cues can still be gleaned from the spy shots. Most noticeably, the upcoming RAV4 has seemingly ditched the car-like appearance of the current generation in favor of a more rugged, truck-like design language.
The 2019 RAV4's front nose and grille look similar to the Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks. It also appears to have a flat roofline and a boxier shape. At the rear, there are horizontal taillights and twin exhaust pipes.
Based on these design cues, it seems that the 2019 RAV4 shares a lot of similarities with the FT-AC Concept. Introduced at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show last November, the concept vehicle is roughly the same size as the RAV4. At the time, Toyota also said that the FT-AC's design language was inspired by the automaker's existing SUVs and trucks.
The 2019 RAV4 will be underpinned by the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform — the same one used by the Camry, Prius, C-HR and the recently unveiled 2019 Avalon. This will translate to better handling and a more comfortable ride.
The upcoming compact crossover is expected to be offered with four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains that have increased fuel efficiency and deliver more power than the current-generation RAV4. To note, the 2018 RAV4 is capable of 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque.
The base model may be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that is mated to an eight-speed transmission. This combination delivers 203 horsepower in the 2018 Camry.
An all-wheel-drive system may also be offered for off-road capabilities — which would be expected given the 2019 RAV4's more rugged appearance.
There's no preview of the interior yet but the cabin will most likely feature advanced technologies, similar to the ones seen in the 2018 Camry and the 2019 Avalon. A suite of safety systems could also be offered as standard.
The 2019 RAV4 is highly anticipated, considering that the compact crossover is Toyota's best-selling vehicle in the United States. More than that, it was also the best-selling SUV in 2017. The current-generation RAV4 was the fourth best-selling vehicle last year and its sales were only eclipsed by Ram, Chevrolet and Ford's pickup trucks.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 will make its official debut later this year.
