The new 2019 Toyota RAV4 gets an exterior makeover that injects passion into the design.

You don’t mess with success, goes the old adage. But there’s an alternative way of looking at things: no risk is the biggest risk of all. Or, so goes the long-time mantra at Toyota.

Which is right? We’ll likely learn in the months ahead as buyers get a look at the all-new Toyota RAV4 that’s making its debut this week at the New York International Auto Show. These days, few vehicles are more important to the Japanese giant, booming sales of SUVs propelling the RAV4 at an explosive pace. Last year, it surged past the Camry to become Toyota’s best-selling model and it was fourth overall in the U.S. market, behind only three full-size domestic pickups.

Pushing the Envelope!

At a time when the overall U.S. market has been sliding, demand for the original “cute ute” rose 15% last year, topping 400,000, an almost unseen number anymore. So, any mistakes with the new model and you can just imagine the impact on the bottom line – and careers. (more…)