The 2019 Toyota RAV4 introduced the fifth generation of Toyota’s compact crossover, known internally as the XA50. It moved to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-K platform, went on sale in the United States in December 2018, and added hybrid versions in late March 2019. Buyers searching for an “SE” trim should know one fact first: Toyota did not build an SE-grade 2019 RAV4. The US lineup was made up of five gasoline trims — LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure and Limited — plus a hybrid range of LE, XLE, XSE and Limited, with the XSE introduced as a hybrid-only sporty grade.
Why the 2019 RAV4 Had No SE Grade
The SE name was part of the RAV4 range during the previous, fourth generation, where it served as a sportier step above the LE and XLE with dark exterior trim and a firmer suspension tune. When Toyota redesigned the RAV4 for 2019 it restructured the range: the gasoline line was standardized around LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure and Limited, and the sporty role was handed to the new hybrid XSE. CarMax’s model history records that the SE trim was discontinued for 2019, and Motor Trend’s 2019 RAV4 review lists five trims with the XSE exclusive to the hybrid. A “2019 RAV4 SE” is therefore not a factory configuration, and any listing that carries that label should be checked against the actual trim.
The Fifth-Generation RAV4 at a Glance
The redesign was more than cosmetic. The 2019 RAV4 was fractionally shorter than the outgoing model but rode on a wheelbase stretched by about 1.2 inches, and ground clearance grew by roughly 2.3 inches to 8.4 inches on lower trims (8.6 inches on versions with larger wheels). The boxier body, wider track and stiffer GA-K structure were the foundation for the whole fifth generation, which continued in production through 2025. A sister article, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Review, covers the model more broadly.
Powertrains: Gas and Hybrid
Gasoline models used a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder (A25A-FKS) rated at 203 hp at 6,600 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard and all-wheel drive was optional on every gas trim except the Adventure, which came with AWD only. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds with a 2019 RAV4 Adventure AWD.
Hybrid models combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors and a rear-mounted motor that drove the rear wheels, for a total system output of 219 hp and standard all-wheel drive through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). Despite weighing about 156 pounds more than the gas cars, the hybrid was quicker: Car and Driver measured 7.4 seconds to 60 mph. Towing was rated at 1,500 pounds for most gas models and 1,750 pounds for the hybrid, while the Adventure was rated to pull up to 3,500 pounds.
Trim Levels and Prices
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the 2019 RAV4 started at $25,650 for the front-drive LE. Adding all-wheel drive cost $1,400 on gas models, and choosing a hybrid added $800 over an AWD gas model.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| LE | FWD / AWD | $25,650 / $27,050 |
| XLE | FWD / AWD | $27,450 / $28,850 |
| XLE Premium | FWD / AWD | $29,650 / $31,050 |
| Adventure | AWD only | $33,050 |
| Limited | FWD / AWD | $33,650 / $35,050 |
| Hybrid LE | AWD | $27,850 |
| Hybrid XLE | AWD | $29,650 |
| Hybrid XSE | AWD | $33,850 |
| Hybrid Limited | AWD | $35,850 |
Equipment rose with the price. The LE included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and the full Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite. The XLE added 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, dual-zone climate control, keyless start and blind-spot monitoring. The XLE Premium brought larger alloy wheels, a power liftgate, SofTex upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited topped the range with heated front seats, navigation, a rearview-camera mirror and ambient interior lighting.
Safety and Technology
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) came standard on every 2019 RAV4. The package bundled forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and daytime pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-keep assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and road-sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on the LE and standard on higher trims.
Infotainment used Toyota’s Entune 3.0 system with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE and an 8-inch screen with available navigation on upper trims, plus Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and Wi-Fi Connect. Available across the range were a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, a JBL audio system, a 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
Fuel Economy and Dimensions
EPA ratings reflected the efficiency focus of the redesign. Front-drive gas models were rated at 26 mpg city, 35 highway and 30 combined; all-wheel drive dropped that to 25/33/28 (the LE AWD was rated 27/34/30). The hybrid was the standout at 41 mpg city, 38 highway and 40 combined.
| Specification | 2019 RAV4 (gas, base) |
|---|---|
| Length | 180.9 in |
| Width | 73.0 in |
| Height | 67.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.4 in |
| Cargo volume (rear seats up) | 37.6 cu ft |
| Curb weight (LE FWD) | 3,370 lb |
| EPA combined (FWD) | 30 mpg |
On-Sale Dates and Buying Advice
Gasoline 2019 RAV4 models reached US dealers in December 2018, and hybrid models followed in late March 2019. Because the SE grade did not exist for 2019, a shopper who wants the sporty end of the lineup should look for the hybrid XSE, or step up to the XLE Premium or Limited on the gas side. The related 2019 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 Double Cab Review covers a very different kind of Toyota for buyers who need a truck.
Sources
- Toyota RAV4 — Wikipedia
- 2019 Toyota RAV4 review — Motor Trend
- 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid trim history — CarMax
- 2019 Toyota RAV4 specs — Kelley Blue Book
- 2019 Toyota RAV4 trims and prices — Cars.com
- 2019 Toyota RAV4 fuel economy — fueleconomy.gov
- 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid tested — Car and Driver
- 2019 Toyota RAV4 review — Car and Driver
- First Spin: 2019 Toyota RAV4 — Consumer Guide
