Toyota is looking to rewrite the compact crossover segment with a radical new RAV4.
The compact crossover segment might not be what it is today if not for the Toyota RAV4, and this red-hot segment is getting an all-new benchmark. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 will debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show later this month, and Toyota just dropped a teaser for the fifth-gen RAV4.
Although we can't tell much by the shadowy silhouette and no additional information was released, expect the new RAV4 to get a design similar to the 2017 Toyota FT-AC Concept. This concept vehicle was introduced at last year's L.A. Auto Show featuring an SUV-like front end and diamond-shaped taillights.
The teaser image does suggest that the new RAV4 will have a more squared-off rear end and plenty of room behind the rear wheels, which means that the RAV4 could offer three rows of seating like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan Rogue. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 will probably ride on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform as well as benefit from the latest powertrains including an eight-speed automatic transmission and the continued offering of a hybrid model.
Toyota's latest Entune infotainment system and driver assistance safety technologies will be available as well.
Even though the current model is going on six years old, the RAV4 was the best-selling crossover and it was the fourth best-selling vehicle overall in the U.S. last year.
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