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2020 Toyota RAV4 Shoppers with Android Phones Will be Thrilled

The country’s most popular SUV already includes Apple CarPlay as part of its multimedia package. Find out what other application will be added to the 2020 Toyota RAV4.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited Ruby Flare Pearl Profile View

Toyota is on a hot streak. Already known for its incredible reputation for long-term quality and reliability, the giant auto manufacturing machine is adding many key updates and upgrades to its most popular models this fall.

Recently I wrote about changes to the 2020 Tacoma, 2020 Tundra, 2020 Sequoia and 2020 4Runner that will help drivers and passengers in the areas of safety, convenience and multimedia excellence.

Now it is 2020 RAV4’s turn.

Android Auto – welcome to 2020 RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is expected to begin retail shipments sometime in October. That is at least a month away. However, it is not too soon to begin thinking about your next purchase of the country’s best-selling SUV.

Android Auto will make its way into all trim levels of the 2020 RAV4, which should delight the many owners of Android cell phones. This follows on the back of the announcement I wrote about in Torque News last month that all 2020 Camry models will include Android Auto as well.

Other Toyota models, including 2020 Tundra, will feature Android Auto

Toyota is working very hard to establish itself as a leader in multimedia excellence, as this has been a very important criteria to many potential vehicle purchasers in the past few years. People want to know it will be simple to make and receive phone calls and texts, to operate navigation functions, and to find and play their music.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help passengers with these capabilities extremely well.

An aggressive campaign was started this year to incorporate Android Auto into most of Toyota’s most popular vehicles. This month buyers have already begun seeing Android Auto in the 2020 Tundra and 2020 Sequoia, and they will get a taste of it in the 2020 4Runner and 2020 Tacoma later this month.

The 2019 RAV4 is special for many reasons

It was a full redesign year for 2019 Toyota RAV4. Engineers gave this already-popular SUV a more rugged, sporty exterior appearance, along with fresh and modern interior styling. Add in state-of-the-art safety packages like Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and all-new technology and you have an even more appealing option to purchase.

2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road Interior

This redesign is proving successful already. August sales for the 2019 RAV4 were up 17.2 percent over last August, marking the best-ever August for RAV4. Oh, and by the way, sales for 2019 RAV4 Hybrid were up 174.4 percent. Wow.

You may also enjoy learning about the upcoming 2020 Camry TRD. Please subscribe to Torque News YouTube channel for the latest Toyota news.

Speaking of the RAV4 Hybrid

The entire nation is embracing the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid and giving it an overwhelming popularity not often enjoyed ever by many brands and models. The benefits of buying a RAV4 Hybrid are many.

Drivers pay less at the pump with the RAV4 Hybrid, due to getting 40 mpg combined fuel economy. Also, the 2.5-liter engine, when combined with its electric motors, produces 219 net Hybrid horsepower, compared with 203 horsepower in its gasoline RAV4 version. Plus it is a very good value, costing under $1000 more than the 2019 RAV4 AWD gas equivalent.

Compare all 2019 RAV4 Hybrid trim levels in my video review

Time for your thoughts on the Toyota RAV4

I am wondering if you own a Toyota RAV4, or if you plan on researching one soon. What features appeal to you most about RAV4? If you own one, especially the RAV4 Hybrid, how is your mpg and what are you seeing at the pump?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. Please subscribe to Jeff’s “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for Toyota news, reviews and how-to’s. Follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter him @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.

Automotive News
Toyota

Comments

Digitaldoc (not verified)    September 12, 2019 - 12:21PM

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And what is Toyota doing for the 2019 RAV4, and Corolla owners that bought their vehicles Android "Auto-less?" Should offer a retrofit for the most popular smartphone platform, no?

Daniel Irvin (not verified)    September 12, 2019 - 10:56PM

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I own a 2019 RAV4 le.i bought it in september.i love this vehicle it's a very good SUV. I I'm an Android phone guy and think it would be great if Toyota offered a retofit Android Auto.. for the 2019 RAV4.

Al Rivera (not verified)    November 8, 2019 - 3:18PM

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I agree with the comments on retro-fitting Android Auto on the 2019 RAV4. I have one it would be better with Android Auto. I've used Apple Car Play since my wife's phone is an Apple. I'm not an Apple user (not willing to discuss this) and would like to see a retrofit for the 2019 RAV4 to be able to use Android Auto.

Tom (not verified)    September 13, 2019 - 5:17AM

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Bought my 2019 RAV last month, going to be livid if it's the same head unit with a patch and they don't offer a "retrofit." The absence of Auto has been my biggest concern as I have no way of getting GPS on my RAV (won't/can't install) and I'm constantly looking down at my phone instead of my nice new display on my dash...

Fingers crossed a retrofit is offered soon.

Jeff Pigott (not verified)    September 12, 2019 - 9:57PM

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Are you stating that you have 100% confirmation that the 2020 Rav4 Hybrid will have Android Auto. That is a must for me to purchase a new car, and we want to buy a Rav4 Hybrid ASAP. Thank you for your article!

Dan (not verified)    September 12, 2019 - 11:59PM

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Fantastic,

Do you have any idea when Toyota will officially announce this?

How about some insight as to when the 20 can be ordered?

Thanks!

Kathleen Fueger (not verified)    September 23, 2019 - 1:06AM

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I’d love to know what changes, besides availability of Android Auto, will be made to the 2020 hybrid. I ordered an XSE in May and canceled it last week- dealer couldn’t find blueprint w pano for me. I decided to wait for the 2020s since it’s already mid-September. Would really appreciate any info you have on changes in trim, color, features for the hybrid. Thanks! Really appreciate your posts.

Ravhybridowner (not verified)    September 13, 2019 - 12:17AM

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Bought the Hybrid LE and love it! After 6500 miles I'm averaging 42.1 mpg in the mountains of Western Montana. With hypermiling I got 54 mpg with one tank and I didn't ever drop below 60mph so I'm sure you could do better if you were willing to sacrifice more speed. My only complaints are the lack of Android auto (an update would be killer) and the terrible factory tires.

Deborah Smith (not verified)    September 13, 2019 - 1:50AM

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The 2019 rav4 needs lights for opening the windows and where the tray in front is. Also needs a brighter light for opening window on top.

Jeff (not verified)    September 13, 2019 - 12:49PM

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I recently bought a 2019 RAV4 AWD, ltd. I have all but one package. There can such a thing as be too many gizmos. The steering wheel is covered wirh buttons, The dash below the wheel is covered with buttons. I have all kinds of optional spedometer module displays. The infotainment system is complex beyond belief. There are a whole bunch of independenly sold subscription services like a nav. assist operator, emergency help, wifi, and Sirus/XM. There are three ways to externally operate the tail gate and one inside. There are two types of cruise control and several modes of headlight control. That is just the tip of the iceburg. Like any microprocessor based system it sometimes spontantaneously changes settings, which is very annoying. To get a few things l really wanted, like Sirus/XM and a stand alone nav., I ended up with a car that can hardly be driven without somebody reading the owners manual to you. I am not technically inept but it will take a long time to commit so much to memory and find a lot of the buttons, while driving at night, which are not illuminated.

Randy Williams (not verified)    September 13, 2019 - 1:59PM

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I was going to buy a 2019 RAV4, took it for a test drive and it was very noisy. Road and engine. I looked under the hood and there's no sound insulation anywhere. No where …. hood,firewall,wheel wells, doors, cargo. I'm hoping Toyota adds some in the 2020's models. Does anybody know?.

Errick Chiasson (not verified)    September 13, 2019 - 3:04PM

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Purchased a 2019 Limited 2019 RAV4 Hybrid. I'm 6'2" and it's a very comfortable ride. Drivers assist and Adaptive Cruise Control make highway driving feel like Autopilot. I have had 2 4Runners, a 2017 Highlander and love them but this is a great smaller SUV! Got about 2k miles so far and averaging about 40 MPG. Wouldn't have a problem having one of these for my wife and one for me.

Daniel (not verified)    September 13, 2019 - 3:57PM

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After delving into the authors possible sources I think his take on this is probably correct. Hey Jeff I'm counting on you and suspending my search on different brands.

Jeff Pigott (not verified)    September 13, 2019 - 6:28PM

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I have talked to 2 dealers today and they confirmed this on the 2020, but said they have a wink wink on the 2019. That would need to be a bit more solid for me before I buy one. Is it worth the wait for the 2020, does anyone know other new features it will have over the 2019?

Vlad (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 8:20AM

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We now have just over 4000mi. on our xle hybrid and have averaged 48.5 mpg cruising the foothills of NC.
Looking forward to a much needed software update and getting Android on board.

Lorissa (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 1:21PM

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This is great news! I've been considering either the Rav4 Hybrid or the Kona EV. The only reason I am not 100% settled on Rav4 is the lack of Android Auto. I commute 2 hours per day and can't see driving without it. I'm officially in the market to buy, so I hope this news of Android Auto being available in the Rav4 in just a few weeks is true!

Lorissa (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 1:21PM

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This is great news! I've been considering either the Rav4 Hybrid or the Kona EV. The only reason I am not 100% settled on Rav4 is the lack of Android Auto. I commute 2 hours per day and can't see driving without it. I'm officially in the market to buy, so I hope this news of Android Auto being available in the Rav4 in just a few weeks is true!

Gingerbread (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 1:40PM

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The official toyota site for Android Auto doesn't list it. I would take this information with a mountain of salt.

Jeff Pigott (not verified)    September 17, 2019 - 11:20PM

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I am curious if it is correct that they will add it to the 2020 and then also add it to the 2019, will this be only the trim levels that have Entune 3.0 or also the base radio. I have had another dealer confirm that it is coming to the 2020 as an update. Has anyone else heard more information? I'm ready to buy and just trying to decide if I want the new floating radio in the 2020 or stick with the 2019?

Jeff Pigott (not verified)    September 18, 2019 - 2:03PM

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That was the term was used for the radio on top of the dash vs in the dash console. I saw this on a 2020 rav4 review. It was from Europe so who knows if that is a term they use. But the radio looks odd on the 2020 I think.

uto (not verified)    September 18, 2019 - 3:03PM

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Great Video, very Informative and lots of fun to watch. When will tehy 2020 will come out and would it have Android Auto?

Dan (not verified)    September 18, 2019 - 7:41PM

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Thank you.

Can someone please put up a link to the video?

Thanks again,

Dan