Toyota RAV4 2019 review: GXL 2WD

Our schedule for the day included my son's soccer game in the morning, followed by lunch, and then we were booked into a dance competition for my daughters in the afternoon.

I think this fifth-generation RAV4 is the best looking to date, with a more muscular and sturdier design than its predecessors. Unlike previous generations, it conveys more off-road promise. The key exterior additions to the GXL over the lower grade GX are roof rails, tinted windows at the rear and 18-inch alloy wheels.

With a more muscular design compared to previous generations, the current RAV4 is a looker.

There's been a big step up in the cabin, too, with a high quality fit and finish used throughout. The dash design is clean with a number of large and well laid out buttons down the centre console and on the steering wheel.

The display protruding from the top of the dash takes up a large amount of real state and looks like an afterthought, though. And while the 8.0-inch touchscreen was easy enough for my kids to use, the interface graphics were fairly basic and largely unimpressive. On the plus side, the touchscreen comes with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and sat nav with SUNA live traffic.

At the centre of the cabin is a 8.0-inch touchscreen.

As of writing this review there is no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with both to be made available from the last quarter of 2019. Those who purchase before then need not worry as this tech can be added for free once available.

Passenger space was plentiful regardless of where we sat, with the kids in the back making good use of all the room available. Sitting behind my driving position (I'm 180cm), there was a hand-width of space in front of my knees and more again above my head.

Practicality in the rear seats is well suited for kids, with rear air vents, two USBs ports, two cup holders in the centre arm rest and bottle holders in each of the doors. Behind the rear seats sits a decent 580-litre boot that easily swallowed the assorted gear and shopping bags lobbed into it over the course of the weekend.

With the rear seats in place, boot space is rated at 580-litres.

There's more storage up front, with a shelf above the glovebox to house odds and ends, a deep centre console, a large area in front of the shifter, and two cupholders. 

Easing the RAV4 around the small local Woolies' car park was easy thanks to front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. It may look larger, but this latest RAV4 GXL is actually 5mm shorter than the previous version.