Cars

2019 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid is green in a hurry

The biggest-selling model from Japan’s largest automaker promises both power and efficiency.

Chris Paukert

Following stints in TV news production and as a record company publicist, Chris spent most of his career in automotive publishing. Mentored by Automobile Magazine founder David E. Davis Jr., Paukert succeeded Davis as editor-in-chief of Winding Road, a pioneering e-mag, before serving as Autoblog's executive editor from 2008 to 2015. Chris is a Webby and Telly award-winning video producer and has served on the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. He joined the CNET team in 2015, bringing a small cache of odd, underappreciated cars with him.

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Sarah Tew Senior Editor / Photography

I'm a visual storyteller, working primarily in the medium of photography and photoshop. I listen to more podcasts than I can keep up with and enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, and am striving for a sustainable lifestyle. A big-picture thinker, I am always trying to put the pieces together, and though things are scary these days, I believe humanity will pull through.

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Chris Paukert

Sarah Tew

March 29, 2018 9:01 a.m. PT

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Traditionally, the RAV4 Hybrid has been the fuel-miser's play.

Toyota says this new 2019 model isn't just the most efficient model, it's also the quickest and best handling.

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Toyota says this new 2019 model isn't just the most efficient model, it's also the quickest and best handling.

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This XSE trim features a contrasting black-painted roof.

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The XSE Hybrid includes a sport-tuned suspension with firmer shocks and springs.

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Black-painted wheels and black fender overriders make the XSE.

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You can have any color interior you want in the XSE Hybrid, as long as it's black Softex with blue accents.

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The XSE is available in Blizzard Pearl, Silver Sky Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, or Blueprint (a new color).

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While gas-only models arrive earlier, if you want a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid, you'll have to wait for the first quarter of next year to find one at your local dealer.