Toyota RAV4 GX 2019 review: snapshot

The entry-level model in the 2019 Toyota RAV4 range is the GX model, which can be had with a choice of different power options.

The opening drivetrain for the GX is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is only available in front-wheel drive layout, but can be had with either a six-speed manual or CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic. The 2.0-litre is good for 127kW of power and 203Nm of torque, with fuel consumption rated at 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual, and 6.5L/100km for the auto.

The GX can also be had with a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid, which teams a four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine (with 131kW and 221Nm) to an 88kW/202Nm electric motor. The total combined power output is 160kW for the 2WD. The figure jumps to 163kW for the AWD, which gets an additional on-demand 40kW/121Nm electric motor at the rear axle. As is Toyota’s way, there’s no combined torque figure. All hybrid models run a CVT automatic transmission as standard. 

Fuel use for the 2WD hybrid is 4.7L/100km, while the AWD uses a claimed 4.8L/100km - a new benchmark for the segment.

The price you’ll pay for the GX model depends on the drivetrain: the 2.0L manual 2WD has a list price of $30,640, while the 2.0L CVT 2WD is $32,640. The 2.5L Hybrid 2WD will cost you $35,140, and the 2.5L Hybrid AWD version is $38,140. All prices are before on-road costs.

Standard equipment levels for the GX are generous.

The list includes auto LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights, front fog lamps, heated and folding electric exterior mirrors, auto wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels with temporary spare (optional full-size wheel available), fabric seat trim, a urethane steering wheel, air conditioning with rear vents, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a six-speaker stereo, AM/FM/DAB radio, one USB port, plus sat nav with SUNA live traffic is standard. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto - yet! The brand has announced it will be fitting the tech to all models from the fourth quarter of this year, and every version sold before then can be retrofitted with the smartphone integration. 

Hybrid GX models add dual-zone climate control and push-button start. All GX models get an electric park brake and rear mudflaps.

The safety on offer is also solid, with all grades getting auto emergency braking with day/night pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection, lane keeping assist (manual models with a slightly lower-grade system), adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go for auto models, high-speed only for manuals), auto high beam lights, road sign recognition and alerts, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, and seven airbags (dual front, front side, side curtain and driver’s knee).