Review: 2019 Toyota RAV4 (Gas + Hybrid) - Better than Ever!

I review the all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 in both the gas and hybrid variants. From the $25,500 base trim to the off-road oriented Adventure trim, it seems there's a RAV4 to suit just about anyone. And for only $800 more, you can make it a Hybrid and get 41 mpg in the city, 37 on the highway and 39 combined. What do you think about the new RAV4? Huge thanks to Toyota for providing me with this opportunity to review the new RAV4 and thanks to Sofyan Bey of Redline Reviews for making an appearance as well!
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[@boomb1302]

I would have never paid any attention to this car if you hadn't reviewed it. I'm really interested in the hybrid version now. Thanks Matt. 👍

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I'm glad it helped, thanks for watching!

[@BobThe9534]

i am more interested in the gas version than the hybrid version

[@boomb1302]

@@BobThe9534 I would prefer the gas version over hybrid since i really dislike CVTs, but I need the better fuel economy that the hybrid provides.

[@BobThe9534]

@@boomb1302 but you need to change the hybrid battery ever 8 yrs. or so

[@boomb1302]

@@BobThe9534 I know and its a con, but I see gas prices rising exponentially over the next 5 yrs and I would trade the car before I needed to change out the battery.

[@Daniel-tv9tb]

Will pick one up used in 2-3 yrs.... The color is fantastic.

[@stevethea5250]

No sirree. I liked the 2016 design better (big lights) but that's conversation for another day. Edit ::: EVERYBODY PLEASE JUST HELP DECIDE FROM MY ORIGINAL LIST ABOVE. I'd appreciate to SHORTEN the list further only!

[@kbol92.1fm7]

So, did you buy?

[@Toyota4Life]

THAT BLUE 😍. This Looks so good like a Beefed up Highlander. These things are gonna fly out the showroom ‼️ Best in class

[@kyukyoku_]

They already are! I was lucky enough to find a fully-loaded Adventure model in Blue Flame. I absolutely love it!

[@SkinnyPorkBelly]

Matt Maran Motoring and Redline, two of my favorite YT reviewers in the same vid! Sweet!

[@CrialCrial]

I love that it looks like a mini 4 runner and that adventure interior trim is gorgeous.

[@eddieJDM100]

Matt the man Moran , that intro is gorgeous. Amazing review !

[@CarsAndZebras]

Matt is loving that bolstering at 2:45 I know that's what you all are looking for.

[@piob9801]

I love the rugged look. Thanks for reviewing this Matt. I will buy this car in this Blue.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

I swear all of the big KZbinrs upload the same csr review at the same time lol. More content to watch with breakfast!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

It's because of the embargos the manufacturers often use. We can't post our reviews till a certain time.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

@@MattMaranMotoring ahh gotcha. It's all good Matt, no issue with my favorite yiu tubers uploading tons of videos to watch haha

[@BobThe9534]

it's b/c of the embargos that manufacturers sometimes use

[@stevethea5250]

@@MattMaranMotoring please advise what function does plugging the USB drive does? Does it function like a direct CD-player sort of thing or what else? Thnx

[@TaijiArban]

I like how the front end looks like a mini 4runner.

[@edgarh252]

Crap783851 not even tf

[@Electricalwav]

My boss was considering getting a new car for his wife and he was torn between the RAV4 and a Prius. Now he can have best of both!

[@Photologistic]

Eduardo Boquin RAV4 has had hybrid option since 2016.

[@Electricalwav]

@@Photologistic I know. But he didn't like the styling of that generation. That's why he was considering the Prius, but with this new generation, he really likes the look.

[@TheVictor799]

I actually love the new style of the Rav4. Glad they changed it to a new style. Great review!

[@tsav6952]

Look at you Toyota sending you to Carmel to review their cars. You hit the big time Matt. The RAV is a big improvement.

[@BobThe9534]

not w/ styling in my opinion though

[@klasseact6663]

Hey Matt, how much wood did you chop out there, LOL. Great review as always, GREAT ride and nice departure for Toyota!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha good one! Thanks for watching!

[@BobThe9534]

lol

[@stevethea5250]

@@BobThe9534 1 Jul 2014 • 2 min read The day has finally arrived for you take ownership of your new car. You’ve hunted, haggled and closed the deal. The car is yours. The keys have been handed over. The last thing you need to do before you drive away from the dealership is sign a document saying you’re happy with the vehicle. Here’s what you do before you put your name anywhere. A visual inspection of the paintwork -- no scratches, no swirls, no patchy patches. Ensure the panels are all aligned and blemish-free. Inspect the windshield and window glass for cracks or chips. Check all the lights - interior and exterior. Check all the controls work - like windscreen wipers, demisters, radio, air-con etc. Check under the bonnet and ensure all fluids are topped up. If you come across any problems, note them on the document. These are issues that can be resolved under warranty. If there are any major issues with the car, you don’t have to sign the at all. The car will stay with the dealer to be looked at, and the process will be repeated once the dealer deems the problems solved. If the car is problem-free, your transaction is done and it is time to drive off into the sunset. Congratulations! ‘Run in’ your new car There are a lot of ideas out there about running in new engines. The hundreds of components that make up a car need time to settle and ‘running in’ is believed to be the best way to do this. Sometimes the running in process will be described in your owner’s manual, but the basic idea is to put your new car through its paces with varying loads in different driving conditions (for example, stop-start city driving and freeway driving), using all gears at changing speeds. Just don’t abuse the engine for the first 1,500km or so. That means: Don’t over-rev the engine. Try to keep engine speed somewhere between 2000 rpm and 4000 rpm. Don’t keep a constant speed, though, accelerate and decelerate often. Don’t idle for more than a few minutes at a time. Please, don’t tow a trailer.

[@RobertAlvarez70]

One of my friends just recently picked up the non-hybrid version of this vehicle and they do like it however they said there is quite a bit of road noise and the engine is very very loud

[@Jennifer-me7mu]

YOUR FRIEND SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE HYBRID..THEY ARE QUIET

[@natecurrier]

Excellent review as always! Keep it up, Matt!!

[@BobThe9534]

course he'll keep it up

[@lyndahammel9502]

I was considering a Prius but based on your review I'm now interested in the hybrid Rave 4. Thanks!

[@davidchoy9560]

Great review. Its interesting and fun to see you and Sofyan giving your opinions on the car. I've watched both videos and it's great to see your observations.

[@xanth987]

I will take the RAV4 adventure gas one in red. Go for the 3500 lbs tow capable with Awd and car play and I will be happy for years. Looks perfect for gear and friends for a Vegas road trip

[@basithph8958]

Watching this while I am having breakfast

[@Tom-qb2dg]

Nice review Matt. Its kinda weird seeing you in a Hybrid but I think you nailed it. I bought my Rav4 Hybrid in January of 2016 (older model) and still love it today. They are very easy to drive and comfy. Super practical car and I was able to beat the mpg rating most of the year, winters are hard on hybrids. Anyone interested should check out my videos on the current model. Don't be scared of the cvt, its actually really nice and easy to live with. I might have to upgrade next year.

[@androiduberalles]

From the back/side it looks almost exactly like a Jeep Cherokee.

[@whitemailprivilege2830]

James Golen “almost exactly”, which one is it?

[@edgarh252]

Yea it’s like a wagon type of vehicle

[@zackeryjones2314]

Awesome review Matt I've been waiting for this review great work and that Rav 4 is better than ever

[@naveenkrishnamurthy7576]

Loving the new rav4 Matt!

[@Housee01]

he drove the hybrid so long b4 revealing someone was sitting next 2 him....LOL

[@davidchristian2858]

Olof Olofersond hahaha!

[@LearnitAllCentral]

Matt, first, amazing review. You have a new subscriber. Now, concerning your comments about the hybrid transmission; I'm fairly certain that there's not a traditional CVT in the "Hybrid Synergy Drive" system. The Synergy Drive itself take the place of the transmission by combining the power of the ICE and the Electric Motor. It's more akin to a differential and doesn't use a belt like a traditional CVT. I'm pretty sure that's the difference between the CVT Corolla and the Hybrid RAV4 and I'm sure it affected the effectiveness of the shift mode for the XSE.

[@valdius85]

Also higher weight of the vehicle might be the reasoning behind using this system. I am not sure though.

[@Vlican]

weight has nothing to do with it. toyota has always used a power-split device in their hybrid vehicles and called it eCVT. The new corolla uses a more traditional CVT (with the addition of a real first gear) that's driven with pulleys and belt.

[@valdius85]

@@Vlican After doing more research I would say it has something to do. I would not say nothing to do. Most new bigger hybrids from Toyota uses an eCVT, that doesn`t have a belt. Similar belts wears off in most some other bigger vehicles of other brands that are famous now for breaking... hmm.... These belts are design to deal with force coming from one direction - push belts. They amazingly weak when engine breaking - when the force comes from other direction and the belt is stretched. I have seen the HSD system taken out to bits and it is robust enough to work on a Highlander without failure.

[@Ebacherville]

its not a CVT its a traditional one gear ratio hybrid system, it has a "fake gear" system that revs the gas motor up some to allow instant power generation or power pushed to the wheels.. but its the traditional synergy single gear ratio direcct drive syste,, these reviewers are clues to how hybrids work..

[@garyveneziano3337]

Thanks Matt for the thorough review. I am seriously considering the XLE Premium AWD.

[@stevethea5250]

from build date to landing/compliance and to dealership usually around the 3 month range so if you want a "build" that's from this month, that's the standard time frame (or there abouts)

[@JayYourch]

There is no separate transmission, it's integrated into Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, which has two electric motors and an internal combustion engine all connected to each other and the drive wheels via a power split device. It makes no sense to ask why Toyota didn't use the same CVT used in the Corolla.

[@Ebacherville]

yeah these reviewers are clueless.. one gear electric dive with powersplit to direcct gas engine power into that system... not a CVT..

[@BobThe9534]

hi Matt. nice vid. liked b4 watching b/c i knew it was goin to be good

[@penvon]

So with this reveal we’ll see what’s really at play next year if AutoGuide or the other culprits hand the Honda CRV best in class.

[@boyyouareagenius1681]

Probably your most picturesque Intro ever! Your the best KZbinr on Earth!!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha thanks! Always trying to improve.

[@boyyouareagenius1681]

Matt Maran Motoring Can I interview you over FaceTime using FaceTime Recorder? You have never been interviewed before!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I prefer to answer questions in livestreams so that more people can see them. It's been a while since I've done one but I'm planning to do one in January once the busyness of the holidays is done.

[@boyyouareagenius1681]

Matt Maran Motoring One more question! I believe the driving age should be lowered to about 12 and I in detail discuss the reasons why on my channel I am still working on. The video is only 5 minutes long and has a thumbnail “Why Should Children Drive” perhaps can you watch it and leave me a comment on what you think?!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I'll check it out :)

[@jackhamilton3705]

I like the silver and black one 👏

[@pbentsonable]

Needs a pwr passenger seat especially when almost $40k fully loaded.

[@basithph8958]

I dig the styling

[@DucatiDiaries]

That's pretty cool to have an affordable hybrid 'option' for only $800. Like the way the industry is going. I like the shirt Matt! The best upgrade to this car though is the Toyota water!! XD

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha thanks man!

[@gipsyavenger9829]

Nice work Matt. I like the panda look on the hybrid (much nicer than that Focus RS blue). I like the rear roof line and that floating roof look. Has a raked profile look to it giving it a more aggressive stance. Needs wider beefier tires (maybe a sport version). Overall nice work by Toyota. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Never been a Toyota fan. Just a personal preference. No questions, however, that Toyota is gonna sell boatload after boatload of the new RAV4. Especially noteworthy, I think, is the decision to price the hybrid at such a small premium over comparable AWD gas models. Kudos for that. When gas prices hit $5+ a gallon again (as they certainly will) those models will fly off dealer lots. Also interesting is Toyota's decision to broaden the already wide appeal of the RAV4. Its primary mission remains urban/suburban traffic and parking lots but the somewhat more "rugged" looking Adventure trim will pull in some buyers who otherwise might opt for a Forester or a Cherokee. I'm not in the market for this class of vehicle. Though I prefer the smaller SUV's, a third row of seating for occasional use is a priority for my family. But if I were, I'd give the RAV4 a serious look along with the 2019 (somewhat larger) Hyundai Santa Fe.

[@valdius85]

Both Subaru (CVT and head gaskets) and Honda (1.5turbo) struggle with reliability lately. Now RAV4 offers everything I am looking for with no obvious downsides - no traditional belt driven CVT, port + direct injection, 4WD, hybrid, spare wheel in the trunk, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel... I don`t like most of the vehicles from Toyota`s lineup but I might buy RAV4 ;)

[@JJustinXu]

You should compare the Santa Fe to the Highlander. That has third row not the RAV4 and besides the Highlander is the best.

[@omegabeta3305]

Baby 4Runner!!! I love it!

[@sprague49]

20:08 A little noise?? I don't know how much is picked up by your ears, Matt, but the amount picked by your microphone is deafening! May I at least suggest trying noise gate software inserted in post production?

[@stevethea5250]

I have to admit that I'm not the easiest person to negotiate with and I didn't exactly make friends in the process. Someone wise once said something about successful negotiation and leaving money on the table, but I tend to go the other extreme and have quite a nice table collection as a result. If you're trying to go lower still - good luck, but you'll need to do your research on what incentives corporate are doing that month as you can't expect the dealership to cover the costs of everything (for me - tinting and insurance was covered by corporate). Start with getting to a price for the car itself, then try and see how many add-ons you can get at cost (or close to it) and be prepared to get the rest after-market (I'm still waiting on seat covers and roof racks to arrive). For reference, I was offered a demo with 6 months rego for $34k which if I hadn't found someone desperate to make quota on my deal I would have taken and been happy with.

[@Intrepid175a]

Matt, if that non hybrid car is like my 2013 Rav4, the sport mode on the shifter only limits the upper gear. If the display says "4," then you'll be driving a fully automatic four speed auto. You can bump the number up or down from there but all you'll be changing is the top most gear the transmission will use. That's why when you were stomping on it and bumping the shifter such as to provoke an upshift, it's not going to do it until it's ready according to whatever algorithms that Toyota has programmed the thing with. It's not a "manual" mode. It only locks out whatever upper gears you choose to lock out depending on what you're doing.

[@klausmadsen3639]

yes the same in mine from 1997 :) It is like a Overdrive.

[@tommygun6028]

Great video Matt 😎👍

[@OldDood]

We have the 'Manual-Automatic' in our 2007 Camry XLE. (78K miles). What we use it for is Downshifting on Ice and/or Slippery Roads. I never use it for Up Shifting but Downshifting on Ice works pretty good.

[@MrGrahamMillward]

Very good video, although at times it seems more like a commercial than a review. The biggest negative is that the cabin noise seems unbearably loud. I am not sold on CVT's so I wouldn't get the Hybrid version.

[@otxoawolf9054]

Whats your concern about cvts?

[@Vayetsii]

Love the boots Matt!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@BobThe9534]

@@MattMaranMotoring i think @Vayetsii is asking u what are those in a nicer way

[@juliussmith4001]

Great review.

[@tlicious121]

Thanks for the review. I'm all excited to see these! Is it just the Adventure Gas that comes in the two-tone? I want the grey with the white roof but I also want a hybrid....

[@Alexander_Of_Pines]

Car review people , can you please learn finally that toyota hybrid "cvt" is not a cvt, it technically is as it has unlimited amount of gears but there is no belt or "gears" , nothing "shifts" there, its just different rotation speed and direction of 2 main electric motors ... Its compact and robust unit, it has no reverse gear as well, electric motor just rotates backwards. Thats why they cant install regular cvt. Good review overall, just learn a bit about the car next time. PS I tested previous rav4 hybrid and yeah, Im not sure what "manual" mode should do as this system is incapable of holding one "gear" even if it try, it will still wobble a bit, but it gives tons of variety modes because of it (gas/electric , electric, gas, regenerative braking, reverse gear, neutral - all in one package of like 6 moving parts, shit is amazing, thats why it never fails)

[@Vlican]

exactly why i watch engineering explained, savagegeese, and alex on autos... they get into much more technical stuff.

[@Alexander_Of_Pines]

@@Vlican Yeah , absolutely, I think Alex on autos is the best in terms of useful information about car as whole. I think 0-60 is not as important as for example 10-30 40-60, this hybrid will feel more quick to response and sound better then some other cars as it doesnt need to downshift in any way. There are cars that may sound "great" but be laggy as hell if you want to overtake someone. I wanted to get more info about new rav4 but yeah, info is not here at all. Just some dudes that got used to some bmw m5 or some other crap and laugh about how this one is not "great"

[@RangerRickTV]

what car has better visibility? forester or rav 4?

[@thorwhitegod]

It’s been a while since Toyota came up with something cool the back need a little bit of work but it still a cool car hopefully the sport is not too expensive

[@faredino]

me & my father have two 2009 RAV4...2.2 Turbodiesel 136KW... both Very reliable rugged but handly sporty cars

[@dustinford18]

Standing next to one right now. It’s really nice. That what made me KZbin the review. It’s a very sexy car. I was like damn this a Toyota?? Wow..

[@wendywalter3705]

Looks like a 2019 Forester/ 4 Runner love child! . It's going to be a good year for some KZbin battles!

[@staticmunk7777]

the hybrid is one I want and that stereo too I want that skyblue it is so beautiful

[@niklow99]

fantastic review. thank you

[@Iegend17]

sofian is in the back yay

[@hohowan360]

@1:11 Sofyan Bey sighting

[@gregbphotography]

Matt I love your videos and enjoy your detailed reviews all the time. I had a question: Will you be upgrading your camera gear anytime soon? The T3i definitely gets the job done but compared to other car KZbinrs, I do notice the lesser camera quality. Just a suggestion!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for your support! I definitely would love to upgrade my cameras, especially the interior car camera which is the one that I think could use the most improvement. It's just thousands of dollars for new stuff and with guys like Doug getting huge numbers while filming with iPhones and GoPros, it discourages me from investing in expensive stuff. But I'll have to do it eventually.

[@johnpeterson99]

Yes. All us KZbin and Doug junkies are quite observant these days!

[@darek3561]

What is real fuel consumption on highway? What is cabin soundproofing in comparison to Honda CRV Hybrid?

[@lyndahammel9502]

I'm really considering the hybrid Rave 4 based on your review. Lol that's whenever I decide to sell my Mustang. Or perhaps it will be a second car for when I need more cargo area. It would be hard to not have a Mustang as a daily driver.

[@TheLtrain85]

Oooooh! I like the white with the black roof :O

[@tomastylecek7209]

its crazy on how much tech they pack in standard for the price that 2005 crv ex went for back then

[@frankj2318]

Does it have Auto Brake ??? Brake at stop light/stop sign... Love that feature

[@njackson3148]

I dont know why so many people hate on the cvt. to me its a much smoother comfortable drive, especially if you are in any type of hilly/mountanous environment

[@tonychau1983]

It's boring and it's doesn't feel engaging

[@Ebacherville]

the hybrid doesn't have a CVT... these guys are uneducated on hybrid systems.. its called a "eCVT" but its not a CVT in any any way, it is direct drive to the tires with no gears, no gear changes and no clutches to wear out etc.

[@tinhinnh]

I would’ve never imagined this would overtake the camry in sales

[@valdius85]

Check this a year after the sales. Sedans market is shrinking :)

[@tinhinnh]

At least they’re buying the right car...suv ;)

[@hdoan7167]

Matt nice detailed review! One question however, can a full size spare tire fit in the place of the space saver? It looks like it may, with the cargo floor level having a two level setup. Regards

[@Joe-ip2ky]

Just made my own road test with the XLE 2019. I think I’m just not a SUV's guy. I’ve tried 2019 Forester too and 2018 CX5 GT and none of them gave me fun to drive. I’ll stick with my old car ;).

[@skyrunr]

What is your old car? Going from a car to an SUV will always feel less sporty. How about a Stelvio?

[@Joe-ip2ky]

Honda Accord sport 2014. I never thought about Stelvio, in fact where I live there’s no alpha Romeo dealer around. I took a look on the web and I like the way it looks but what about the reliability and maintenance ?

[@skyrunr]

@@Joe-ip2ky Sporty and reliable go against each other., but I'd ONLY recommend leasing one. Few could justify the Quadrifoglio, but check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqO4YWOupLqsbqM

[@Joe-ip2ky]

You’re absolutely right talking about sporty and reliability, thanks for sharing that video !

[@Jrbettis]

Nice Review, road noise seemed minimal without actual dB numbers.

[@jimjimgl3]

I want to love this hybrid RAV4 (put down a deposit on an XSE Hybrid but not sure). It does drive pretty well and the fuel economy is great for SUV but it is not a quiet ride. I've done 3 test-drives. The hybrid suspension a bit firm I think. And the road noise might be a killer for me. We are just ending our lease for a 2017 Outback. We did a test drive in an Outback yesterday and it was night and day in terms of noise. The Outback is SO much more quiet than the RAV4. And because the 2020 Outback is a re-design it seems Subaru is offering pretty good deals on the 2019 Outbacks.

[@WAN2TREE4]

Your last sentence gave you away.

[@rabbitruck]

The Outback is a nice car if you're not worried about power or MPG. Definitely quieter and more comfortable than a RAV hybrid. That being said, the RAV hybrid's MPG will blow away that of any Outback, and the RAV is a lot quicker 0-60. The non turbo Outbacks are really lethargic.

[@xdunejunkiex]

I bet Matt was the top after they filmed this

[@jxmar_]

Ron Ulysses Swanson 🤦‍♂️😅

[@shunsato6621]

Love that white black two tones!! Is it available on all trims or hybrid only? Thanks for sharing!!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

The white/black two tone isn't available on all trims but I believe it is available on some of the non-hybrid ones.

[@caseyhickman2870]

@@MattMaranMotoring Fingers crossed that the two tone will be available for the Limited! Awesome review as always Matt!

[@newchannel1231]

Nice review

[@lyndahammel9502]

Would Beth consider a Rave 4? It seems like a nice family car.

[@stevene2812]

Great review. Really love the look of the hybrid! Hybrid awd sounds a little weaker than gas? Does that sound correct to you? I live in Chicago... snowy winters. Would the hybrid awd give me problems getting through? Thank you

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I think it should still get you through. They had a Hybrid model doing the off-road course which included climbing steep hills with loose dirt and it was doing great through it.

[@623loverboy]

Call me crazy but I love the road noise! Question: don’t know much about hybrids, would I have to charge the battery constantly?

[@Maxwell1989]

Nope you don't need to

[@Ebacherville]

nope, the battery just stores reserve power.. the gas engine generates power to power the car.. and top of the reserve battery, and these reviewers know nothing about the hybrids "transmission" its one gear, with no gear changes, no clutches to wear out.. the hybrid is the one to get, its faster, 40+mpg and no wear items in the trans-axle.

[@otxoawolf9054]

@@Ebacherville Im not very familiar with the cvt transmission how durable are they? Are they expensive to rebuild/replace relative to standard transmissions?

[@Ebacherville]

@@otxoawolf9054 the hybrid "eCVT" is NOT a cvt in any way shape of form.. there is one gear ratio.. it doesn't change ever, one gear ratio no clutches or wear parts.. "eCVT " is the most misguided name ever created.. its not a CVT at all.. a CVT is like a snowmobile or some quad transmissions, two variable pullies or drive surfaces that can change with speed.. they have wear parts, belts usually or mental chain like belts.. they rely on friction to grip the belt.. they wear out.. hybrid drive systems are nothing like that.. its direct drive directly to the tires from the traction motor..all gears and bearings in a cooled oil bath... very bullet proof. the 2nd motor in the hybrid systems acts as a secondary motor and generator.. the gas engine runs to turn the second electric motor/generator and generate electric power and or the 2nd eletric motor puts counter torque on the differential and causes the gas motor to direct the gas engines rotational power into the 1 single gear ratio in the transaxle via a power split devise ( a differential) ever lift the back of a pick up or front of a car so both drive wheels are off the ground and spin one wheel and the other spins the opposite direction.. or you get on ice and one wheel spins and the one with traction doesn't.... thats the diferential at work.. thats the power split device.. that allows the gas engine to run without driving the wheels by putting the rotation into the electric motor.. its essentially a clutch but with no wear parts to wear out but it also is as a generator and also a 2nd electric motor.. .. there is a great tear down video on a chevy volt trans axle that really explains how this all works.. I was curious how hybrids in general worked and why they always have 2 electric motors in the transaxle.. how the gas engine could run and stop and not effect the driving part of the car.. figured some sort of clutch in there.. figured it would be a part to wear out.. nope .. found this video (Chevrolet Volt 4ET50 Transaxle Components and Operation) and it makes total sense now and that is why I'll never buy anything that is a traditional transmission or CVT and will only buy somthing with the hybrid design.. all hybrids work with the same basic design 1 gear ratio with the gas engine on a powersplit differential with the 2nd motor generator, its so elegant and simple of a design with no common wear parts.. if you want to learn and have a some free time search on YT "Chevrolet Volt 4ET50 Transaxle Components and Operation" its a tear down video of the transaxle and explains how it functions.. The Rav4 hybrd has 3 electric motors, an extra one in the rear transaxle for AWD.. We have the rav4 hybrid, and I'm already on the waiting list for the upcoming 2021 Plug in electric hybrid Rav4, comming out this summer.. that wil replace my Volt.. also a PEHV.

[@otxoawolf9054]

@@Ebacherville thank you very much for clarifying that for me.

[@markknox5633]

Matt, how does the new RAV4 compare with the current Subaru Forester and which one do you like the best?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I definitely prefer the RAV4 simply because it uses a regular transmission in the gas version. I still don't enjoy 99% of the CVTs out there. To the Forester's credit, it has Android Auto and the ride is quieter inside, but that's about all it has over the RAV4.

[@markknox5633]

Thank you very much!

[@stevene2812]

Hey Matt. Great review. I have literally been waiting to purchase a car until I see and drive this car. It's between this and the Subaru forester. So the hybrid vs gas, you would go with gas?

[@kendallalston504]

Does this come with an automatic starter whether via app or key ring?

[@aaronhurley1720]

Will the new 2019 "Hybrid" Rav4 have back seats that will fold down flat? You said they would, but I believe you were talking about the Gas Rav4. Will the Battery keep the back seat from folding down flat?

[@tinhinnh]

Seems like blue is the new silver

[@dqharvey6347]

Hi Matt. I'm a viewer from Jamaica i watched jus about all your reviews. I'm dying to have a new car but that sh@t is so expensive in Jamaica i can only dream...😔. My birthday is coming up Dec 7th so if anyone wanna make that dream a reality y'all let me know lol 🙈

[@klausmadsen3639]

Great video. I really like your genuine joy with this car :) One question. The Hybrid version, does the Petrol engine actually stops and starts when you eg. are holding for a red light?

[@Spyro333777]

I'm sure it will, just like ALL hybrids, but will kick-in again is the hybrid battery is going low (Battery Management, aka BM). Rechargeable batteries could die if it goes down below it's safe voltage level. During a stop, the radio, AC, lights, electronics and etc. are all getting it's power from the 12V battery. To prevent the 12V battery from dying, the hybrid battery will feed some juice to it, thus, the hybrid battery level goes down during a prolonged stop. Depending on how much reserved current there is left on the hybrid battery, the GAS ENGINE WILL KICK- IN again to recharge the hybrid battery, preventing the hybrid battery to RIP.

[@klausmadsen3639]

@@Spyro333777 Great thanks for the answer.

[@skyrunr]

I REALLY appreciate your comments on the transmissions and reviewing both in one video! @16:40 However, I'd like to see a followup with more of a focus on comparing them. You even mentioned the extra shove and throttle response I notice in our Camry hybrid. Especially since the gas model's manual mode doesn't hold a gear. Toyota Hybrid's are generally .5-1 second faster than their gas models. Doesn't this make the hybrid a no brain'r? If Toyota was smart they'd offer the hybrid with the adventure trim too! I'd argue that if Toyota skipped the gas model and only offered three grade levels; the money saved on R&D and production expenses could be passed onto the consumer. As a price leader they'd dominate the crowded market. I love the stealthy quietness of our Camry Hybrid, and the garage not being stinky when you back in. Am I wrong?!

[@Ebacherville]

these guys have no understanding of how the hybrid system works .. hybrids have no gears it is direct drive to the wheels.. no gears, no gear changes..

[@adventureforesterblog]

Matt, how was the comfort at the back seats compared to driver's seat? As soft and comfy?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yeah they were very soft as well although maybe like 85% of the softness of the front seats.

[@ericdavila5695]

Does the rear seat fold equally flat between the gas and hybrid? In the previous generation the hybrid seats didn't go flat and so we had to buy a gas one.

[@tominftlthomasp3559]

Wonder if the Lexus 300 is going to use this platform now. I would love the hybrid but why is it taking so long for them to come out?

[@BRIANBOBCHAPMAN]

COOL Review: 2019 Toyota RAV4 (Gas + Hybrid) - Better than Ever!

[@szelamor2598]

Why is CVT a bad thing versus an automatic transmission? CVT helps engine perform its maximum efficiency at all times....

[@WaheedKhan-mm3pw]

TNGA platform does not offer more legroom in my experience, even though the wheelbase have gone up.

[@jbee956]

i miss my toyota camry and toyota celica. i always wanted a corolla trd. or a tacoma trd

[@BobThe9534]

i like the Tundra more than the Tacoma

[@jbee956]

@@BobThe9534 im not at that level yet 😍... one day I dream tho i love those tundras fk yes

[@BobThe9534]

@@jbee956 if ur at the level of a Chevy Silverado, i would rather go for those than a Tacoma, just saying, but Tundra's are better than Silverado's

[@valdius85]

RAV4 HV uses planetary gears based power split. So it will be reliable and there is no power loses or noise. "Know Your Toyota Mechanical: Power Split Device " - interesting video on YT.

[@Ebacherville]

yes these reviewers are clueless on how hybrid systems work, there is a great teardown on a hybrid system transaxle here on youtube with a guy in a wheelchair...its long but once you watch it you'll never buy any other type of transmission in a car ever again if you know how other system work.. nothing to really wear out in a hybrid system.. all gears and bearings in a cooled oil bath...

[@JohnSmith-oj6xi]

This and the new Santa Fe look pretty good

[@mk4dea]

wow one thing ive always disliked is toyota interiors and this one is looking great!

[@Carpetone]

Excellent review as always Matt! Does anyone know the gas tank size? Does it differ from the hybrid and non hybrid version?

[@scottkronmiller3746]

Good question...

[@przemekklok]

Best reviev of the new Rav4. Good job! Id like to buy hybrid version, but Im living in Europe, Poland. Interesting is a hybrid version showed in Paris had a manuals shifts behind the stering wheel. I saw this on films. Don't know why your car didnt has it.

[@valdius85]

There is no gears... there is no transmission per say there as well (RAV4 doesnt have an ordinary belt driven CVT). The gears are just computerised experience of change in the acceleration. It will actually go slower.

[@Ebacherville]

fyi hybrids have no gears, the "shifers" just revs the gas engine up for added power.. hybrids all have 1 gear ratio with no shifting.. direct drive to the wheels, the "gears" are all virtual gears.. these guys dont understand hybrid drive systems at all.

[@apocalypse13]

sofyan should be sitting next to you in this review, lol

[@apocalypse13]

and there he is! too funny

[@omgitsme435]

It so loud.. can hear tons of road and tire noise

[@Piznick64]

Plug in coming next year?

[@10tenman10]

The old RAV4 desperately needed an update.

[@jed23ify]

I would love to get some input if this is a car that would be comfortable for a tall person, I heard that its the same cabin height as the older model, which the driver area was just as small as the corolla(turned me away). I was hoping that they would increase the cabin size for 2019, but it seems just as small again.

[@jesusavalentin5439]

Cvts go into instant overdrive. Use the pedal in gradual progressive way and let it do its job. What would happen to a conventional transmission? Same thing, it will kick into overdrive. I own the 2016 limited hybrid. It's quiet and refined. I can get 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. I can't see this one as an improvement. Too bad, the real Rav4 fallowers will be disappointed.

[@jesusavalentin5439]

Reviewers are complaining about the redesigned rav. Hopefully you are right. I'll keep my refined 2016. Also hate the tablet in your face design.

[@jesusavalentin5439]

@blacknester I know it, but the reviewer may not be aware of it.

[@crazybusdriver1]

Calling the hybrid a CVT. is misleading since it doesn't really have a geared transmission, its an electric motor that takes the place of the transmission, the electric motor is single speed and is more efficient than your geared transmissions and you get instant torque from the start with an electric motor. You will notice that you will not have any shifting noise because it is propelled by an electric motor, Tesla cars for example don't have any gear shifting or paddle shifting nonsense its all torque from the electric motor.

[@Ebacherville]

YEs almost all these reviewers on KZbin are clueless on how hybrid transaxles work.. its a brilliant single gear design, with no wear parts..