The 2019 Toyota RAV4 underwent a significant redesign, making it a popular choice for SUV buyers. But how safe is it? This article dives deep into the crash test ratings and safety features of the 2019 Toyota RAV4, using data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and highlighting its performance in various crashworthiness and crash avoidance tests.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings for the 2019 RAV4
The IIHS rigorously evaluates vehicles through a series of crash tests, awarding ratings from Poor to Good. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 earned top marks in most categories, showcasing its robust safety design. Let’s break down the specific tests:
Small Overlap Front Crash Test
This challenging test simulates a frontal collision with a narrow object, like a tree or utility pole. The 2019 RAV4 received a Good rating in both the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests. This indicates that the vehicle’s structure and safety cage effectively protected occupants, minimizing intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Action shot of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 during the IIHS passenger-side small overlap front crash test.
Post-crash image showing minimal passenger compartment intrusion in the 2019 Toyota RAV4.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
The moderate overlap front test simulates a head-on collision with another vehicle. The 2019 RAV4 earned a Good rating in this test as well, indicating strong performance in a more common type of crash scenario.
Side Crash Test
The IIHS conducts two side impact tests: the original side test and an updated test with a heavier barrier traveling at a higher speed. The 2019 RAV4 scored a Good rating in the original side test and an Acceptable rating in the updated side test. While the structure held up well in both, the updated test revealed a marginal risk of head injury for the rear passenger due to contact with the C-pillar.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 immediately after the updated side impact crash test.
Evidence of rear passenger dummy head contact with the C-pillar in the updated side impact test.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test evaluates a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a rollover crash. The 2019 RAV4 achieved a Good rating, demonstrating sufficient roof strength to withstand the forces of a rollover.
Head Restraints and Seats
The 2019 RAV4 received a Good rating for its head restraints and seats, indicating a low risk of whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.
Crash Avoidance and Mitigation
Beyond crashworthiness, the 2019 RAV4 boasts advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents altogether.
Front Crash Prevention
The standard Toyota Safety Sense system includes features like automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. The IIHS awarded the 2019 RAV4 a Superior rating for its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system. It also received a Superior rating for its pedestrian detection system, excelling in tests involving child and adult pedestrian scenarios.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
The 2019 RAV4 earned a Good+ rating for its child seat anchors (LATCH system). This indicates that the LATCH anchors are easy to find and use, making it simpler to install child seats correctly. The “+” designation signifies the availability of extra LATCH positions, enhancing versatility for families.
Headlight Performance
Headlight performance varies depending on the trim level of the 2019 RAV4. Models equipped with the Adaptive Front Headlight System package received a Good rating. However, other trims received ratings ranging from Marginal to Poor, highlighting the importance of considering headlight performance when choosing a specific RAV4 model.
Conclusion
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 stands out as a safe and reliable SUV, achieving impressive results in various crash tests conducted by the IIHS. Its strong performance in crashworthiness categories, coupled with advanced crash avoidance technology, makes it a solid choice for safety-conscious drivers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the varying headlight ratings across different trim levels. This comprehensive overview of the 2019 Toyota RAV4’s safety features and crash test results provides valuable insights for informed decision-making.
