New Toyota Electric Car 2019 Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2019 Toyota electric car marks a bold leap into the future with its cutting-edge battery technology and an impressive 220-mile range. Designed for eco-conscious drivers, it blends Toyota’s legendary reliability with rapid charging, responsive handling, and a sleek, aerodynamic design that turns heads.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: 250-mile range meets daily driving needs confidently.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in 30 minutes with DC fast charging.
• Smooth acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, responsive handling.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin with premium eco-friendly materials.
• Advanced safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models.
• Smart infotainment: 12-inch touchscreen with seamless smartphone integration.
• Competitive pricing: Priced below rivals with strong warranty coverage.

The Dawn of a New Era: Toyota’s 2019 Electric Vehicle Ambition

The automotive industry stood at a crossroads in 2019, with electric vehicles (EVs) transitioning from niche curiosities to mainstream contenders. While Tesla dominated headlines and legacy automakers scrambled to adapt, Toyota—a brand synonymous with reliability and innovation—took a measured but decisive step into the electric future. The new Toyota electric car 2019 lineup wasn’t just another EV entry; it represented a strategic pivot toward sustainable mobility, blending the company’s century of engineering expertise with cutting-edge battery technology. For years, Toyota had championed hybrid vehicles like the Prius, but 2019 marked its most aggressive push into pure electric propulsion, signaling a commitment to carbon neutrality and a vision for a zero-emission future.

This review dives deep into Toyota’s 2019 electric vehicle offerings, exploring how the brand balanced its reputation for practicality with the demands of a rapidly evolving EV market. From the sleek Toyota C-HR Electric to the groundbreaking Toyota RAV4 EV revival and the futuristic Concept-i series, Toyota’s approach was both cautious and ambitious. We’ll dissect the technology, performance metrics, design philosophy, and real-world usability of these vehicles, while also examining how they compared to rivals like the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and early Tesla models. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast, a Toyota loyalist, or a pragmatic buyer weighing long-term value, this analysis will provide the insights you need to understand Toyota’s electric evolution.

Design and Aesthetics: Where Form Meets Function

Exterior Styling: Bold Yet Practical

The new Toyota electric car 2019 models shared a design language that prioritized aerodynamics without sacrificing Toyota’s signature ruggedness. The C-HR Electric, for example, retained the gas-powered C-HR’s coupe-like silhouette but added EV-specific tweaks: a sealed grille (eliminating airflow needs), flush door handles, and a rear spoiler optimized to reduce drag. The RAV4 EV, resurrected after a decade-long hiatus, featured a more upright stance with LED lighting strips and a “floating roof” effect, while the Concept-i vehicles (like the Concept-i RIDE) showcased a radical, bubble-shaped design with suicide doors—a nod to Toyota’s futuristic vision.

• Tip: Look for the “Electric” badging on the C-HR and RAV4 EV, which glows blue when charging—a small but satisfying detail for EV owners.
• Real-world example: The C-HR Electric’s 0.31 drag coefficient (Cd) outperformed the Nissan Leaf (0.32 Cd), contributing to its 120-mile range despite a smaller battery.

Interior Innovation: Space, Tech, and Comfort

Inside, Toyota’s 2019 EVs blended minimalism with intuitive tech. The C-HR Electric’s cabin featured recycled materials, including seat upholstery made from 30% plant-based fabric—a sustainability win. The RAV4 EV’s interior prioritized family-friendly space, with fold-flat rear seats and a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system. Notably, all 2019 EVs included:

• A 7-inch digital gauge cluster with real-time energy consumption graphs.
• Heated steering wheels and seats (standard on RAV4 EV, optional on C-HR).
• Wireless charging pads and USB-C ports—ahead of many competitors at the time.

However, the Concept-i series took interior design to extremes. The Concept-i RIDE’s cabin had no traditional dashboard; instead, AI-powered “Agent” technology projected navigation and safety alerts onto the windshield, while seats adjusted automatically based on driver biometrics.

Performance and Powertrain: The Heart of Toyota’s EVs

Battery and Range: Real-World Expectations

Range anxiety was a key concern for 2019 EV buyers, and Toyota’s approach was pragmatic. The C-HR Electric used a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, delivering an EPA-estimated 120 miles on a full charge—ideal for urban commuting but lagging behind the Bolt’s 238 miles. The RAV4 EV, with its 42 kWh battery, achieved 149 miles, a modest upgrade from its 2012 predecessor. While these figures seem limited today, they reflected Toyota’s focus on real-world usability over headline-grabbing specs. For example:

• A 2019 C-HR Electric owner in Los Angeles reported 115 miles of range in mixed city/highway driving, with 80% of trips under 30 miles.
• The RAV4 EV’s range dropped to 125 miles in winter conditions (below 20°F), but its battery preconditioning feature mitigated some loss.

Acceleration and Handling: Balanced Dynamics

Toyota prioritized smooth, predictable driving over neck-snapping speed. The C-HR Electric’s 148-hp motor delivered 0–60 mph in 7.5 seconds (comparable to the Leaf), while the RAV4 EV’s 154-hp system hit 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Both vehicles featured:

• Regenerative braking with three levels (via paddle shifters), allowing one-pedal driving in stop-and-go traffic.
• MacPherson strut front suspension tuned for comfort, though the RAV4 EV’s higher weight (4,350 lbs vs. C-HR’s 3,500 lbs) made it feel less agile in corners.
• Tip: Use “Eco” mode to maximize range; it softens throttle response and limits HVAC output, adding ~10 miles of range in city driving.

Notably, the Concept-i RIDE introduced self-driving capabilities (Level 3 autonomy in 2019), using LiDAR and cameras to handle highway driving—a feature years ahead of its time.

Technology and Infotainment: Smarter Than Ever

Connectivity and User Experience

Toyota’s 2019 EVs debuted the Entune 3.0 system, a significant upgrade from previous iterations. Key features included:

• Apple CarPlay (Android Auto arrived later via update).
• Wi-Fi hotspot (up to 4G LTE speeds, with 3GB free monthly data).
• Remote climate control via smartphone app, allowing pre-heating/cooling while plugged in.

The RAV4 EV’s 12.3-inch touchscreen offered split-screen functionality (e.g., navigation and music side-by-side), while the C-HR’s 8-inch screen was more basic but responsive. A standout was the Energy Flow Monitor, which showed real-time power draw, battery charge status, and regenerative braking efficiency—a tool for optimizing driving habits.

Safety and Driver Assistance

All 2019 Toyota EVs came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including:

• Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection (up to 40 mph).
• Lane Departure Alert with steering assist.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (full-speed range for traffic jams).
• Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Recognition.

The Concept-i series pushed further with AI-driven safety. Its “Agent” system analyzed driver fatigue, distraction, and even emotional state, adjusting cabin lighting and alerts accordingly.

Charging and Practicality: Daily Usability

Charging Options and Times

Toyota’s 2019 EVs supported three charging levels:

Charging Level	Voltage/Amperage	C-HR Electric (35.5 kWh)	RAV4 EV (42 kWh)
Level 1 (120V)	120V/8A	14 hours	18 hours
Level 2 (240V)	240V/32A	4 hours	5 hours
DC Fast Charging (50 kW)	400V/125A	30 min (80%)	35 min (80%)

Tip: The RAV4 EV’s larger battery made Level 2 charging essential for daily use. Toyota partnered with ChargePoint and EVgo to offer free fast charging for 30 minutes at select stations—a perk for early adopters.

Cargo Space and Family-Friendly Features

The RAV4 EV’s SUV layout shone here, offering 36.4 cu. ft. of cargo space (expandable to 73.4 cu. ft. with seats folded). The C-HR Electric managed 19.1 cu. ft., sufficient for groceries but not large items. Both included:

• Power liftgate (standard on RAV4 EV, optional on C-HR).
• Rear-seat HVAC vents (critical for family comfort).
• 120V outlet in the cargo area (RAV4 EV only).

A practical example: A family of four could fit two strollers, a cooler, and luggage in the RAV4 EV’s trunk—a key advantage over hatchback EVs.

Market Position and Value: Toyota’s EV Strategy

Pricing and Incentives

The new Toyota electric car 2019 lineup targeted different budgets:

• C-HR Electric: $32,500 (before federal tax credit).
• RAV4 EV: $49,800 (after a $7,500 federal credit, net $42,300).

While the C-HR was competitively priced against the Leaf ($29,990), the RAV4 EV’s cost raised eyebrows. However, Toyota justified this with free maintenance (2 years/25,000 miles) and 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty—matching industry standards. In states like California, additional rebates (e.g., $2,000 Clean Vehicle Rebate) made the RAV4 EV more attractive.

Competition and Differentiation

Toyota’s 2019 EVs faced stiff competition:

• Nissan Leaf: Longer range (150 miles for Leaf S, 226 miles for Leaf Plus) but less refined interior.

Chevrolet Bolt: Superior range (238 miles) and lower price ($36,620), but polarizing design.

Hyundai Kona Electric: 258-mile range and $37,190 price, though smaller cargo space.

Toyota’s edge lay in brand trust and reliability. J.D. Power’s 2019 Initial Quality Study ranked Toyota #2 in overall dependability, and early EV owners reported fewer battery issues than Tesla or Chevy counterparts.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Step Into the Electric Future

The new Toyota electric car 2019 lineup wasn’t about breaking records or chasing hype—it was about laying a foundation. By focusing on practicality, reliability, and incremental innovation, Toyota addressed the core concerns of mainstream buyers: range, charging convenience, and long-term value. The C-HR Electric proved that EVs could be affordable and fun, while the RAV4 EV offered a family-friendly alternative to gas-powered SUVs. Meanwhile, the Concept-i series hinted at a future where AI and autonomy redefine transportation.

For Toyota loyalists, the 2019 EVs were a reassuring entry point into electrification. For skeptics, they demonstrated that EVs needn’t sacrifice Toyota’s hallmark durability or comfort. Looking back, 2019 was a transitional year for Toyota’s EV strategy, but the seeds planted then—modular battery platforms, AI integration, and charging partnerships—flourished in later models like the bZ4X. Whether you’re considering a used 2019 C-HR Electric or simply curious about Toyota’s electric journey, one thing is clear: the brand’s approach was less about disruption and more about evolution—one thoughtful, reliable step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the new Toyota electric car 2019?

The 2019 Toyota electric car boasts a modern design, advanced safety tech (like Toyota Safety Sense 2.0), and a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. It also offers fast-charging capability and an estimated 150-mile range, making it ideal for urban commuting.

How does the performance of the new Toyota electric car 2019 compare to competitors?

The 2019 model delivers smooth acceleration and responsive handling, though its range is slightly below rivals like the Nissan Leaf. However, Toyota’s reputation for reliability and regenerative braking efficiency gives it a competitive edge in daily usability.

Is the 2019 Toyota electric car available nationwide?

Initially, the new Toyota electric car 2019 was offered in select states with high EV adoption, such as California, due to infrastructure readiness. Toyota has since expanded availability, but buyers should check local dealerships for stock.

What is the charging time for the 2019 Toyota electric car?

Using a Level 2 charger (240V), the battery reaches full charge in about 6-8 hours. DC fast charging (available on higher trims) can replenish 80% in roughly 30 minutes, ideal for longer trips.

Does the 2019 Toyota electric car qualify for tax credits?

Yes, the new Toyota electric car 2019 is eligible for the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on battery capacity. State-specific incentives may further reduce ownership costs—check local regulations for details.

What warranty coverage does Toyota offer for its 2019 electric car?

Toyota provides a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, ensuring peace of mind for long-term ownership. Additional perks include complimentary maintenance for the first two years.