How do you improve upon the best-selling family vehicle in America? That was the question Toyota grappled with when redesigning the wildly popular RAV4 crossover. After the new model was unveiled in March, the automaker’s answer became clear: more power, better performance, more personality.

Yet that formula could only work for Toyota if RAV4 reliability and safety ratings held firm (the same goes for pricing). In short, it was a tall order no matter how you consider it.

So we jumped at the chance to test the various RAV4 models in the second week of November. Here are the impressions we had from our first drives of the 2019 model that starts at $25,500.

1. A welcome power boost

While the outgoing RAV4 had decent-enough acceleration, no one would describe 176 horses (172 pound-feet of torque) as especially powerful. Toyota changed that with a new engine capable of 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It works with an eight-speed transmission that’s an update from the previous six-speed system.

Driving north from Carmel toward Monterey Bay, we had no trouble merging onto the highway or otherwise maneuvering in an Adventure model. In this setting, the all-wheel-drive system mostly relies on the front wheels to conserve fuel. Even in this top trim, the EPA estimate for the 2019 RAV4 is 32 mpg in highway driving.

2. Taking in the new style

Toyota team said designers went for more SUV in the 2019 RAV4. As a result, you’ll find a bit more lift and styling that reaches for the brand’s truck-based utility vehicles. (There’s also a bit of Tacoma in the grille.)

At the curb, it has a more rugged appearance, especially in the Adventure trim, though we’re not crazy about the overall look on this model. Limited editions display a tasteful amount of chrome in the grille and project more refinement overall.

3. Fuel economy of 29 mpg in most trims

We cover the RAV4 Hybrid in another first-drive review, but we’d like to mention its 39 mpg combined here anyway. That’s an impressive gain over the previous model. Meanwhile, every RAV4 got a big fuel economy bump for 2019.

• LE/Limited/XLE/XLE Premium trims with front-wheel drive (FWD): 29 mpg combined (34 highway mpg)
• LE/XLE/XLE Premium with all-wheel drive (AWD): 29 mpg combined (33 mpg highway)
• Adventure/Limited (AWD standard): 27 mpg combined

The best the previous-gen RAV4 could do was 25 mpg with all-wheel drive and 26 mpg with front-wheel drive.

4. Well-equipped for the trail

With dynamic torque-vectoring in the all-wheel-drive system on Adventure and Limited models, the new RAV4 proved capable on rugged terrain. This system can recognize spinning wheels and send power to the other wheels with traction to get the vehicle through rough patches.

Meanwhile, the Multi-Terrain Select system allows you to shift into different modes depending on the challenge (mud, dirt, snow, etc.). RAV4 Adventure acquitted itself well in the off-road part of our drive.

5. Interior feel and tech

The new RAV4’s cabin is not very cluttered, and controls are easy enough to operate. (In the Adventure trim, you’ll find all the terrain selection to the left of the gear shifter.) WiFi and Apple CarPlay come standard, though Android Auto doesn’t.

A digital rear-view mirror (the sort you find on the ’19 GMC Sierra) and 360-degree view are available if you’re in the habit of loading up the cabin ir need a hand parking in tight spots.

6. Pricing and release dates

After the base LE, the XLE ($27,300), XLE Premium ($29,500), and Limited models ($33,500) with front-wheel drive have slight price hikes with the added content for 2019.

With all-wheel drive, the LE ($26,900), XLE ($28,700), XLE Premium ($30,900), Adventure ($32,900), and Limited ($34,900) also have reasonable price bumps compared to the outgoing generation.

Gas-powered RAV4 models will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships by December. Hybrid models will follow beginning in March.

If you’re talking about fuel economy and operating costs, you won’t be able to do better than a hybrid or otherwise electrified vehicle. These cars post exceptional mpg and, in the case of all-electric models, don’t need the oil changes and fuel system work that a gas-powered model will.

However, depreciation is a different story. Because of the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit, owners have to automatically deduct that amount from the valuation after buying an EV. It’s good for used-car shoppers, but bad for sellers.

Technology also plays a role in higher-than-average depreciation for plug-in models. After a few years, battery technology improves so much it can make previous range figures obsolete.

On the other hand, some conventional hybrids and EVs retain their value just fine. In a study by auto search engine iSeeCars, you will see many green cars doing better than gas-powered models after five years in the original owner’s hands. These seven electrified models had the lowest depreciation of any in the class for transactions made in 2018.

(Note: Because the study covers five-year depreciation, any model that debuted after 2014 would not be included.)

7. Toyota Avalon Hybrid

• Depreciation over 5 years: 59%

While 59% depreciation is higher than you’ll find in the average vehicle, that’s typical for plug-in and conventional hybrid models. Owners of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid likely welcomed that news when they went to sell used models in 2018.

After six years, this economical large sedan has not become dated. The 2013 model had an EPA estimate of 40 mpg combined. A 2019 model only does slightly better (43 mpg) and starts at $36,500.

6. Lexus ES 300h

• Depreciation over 5 years: 58.6%

With the redesign for 2019, the Lexus ES 300h has to rank among the sharpest hybrid sedans on the market. As the upmarket version of the Toyota Avalon, used models also get close to 40 mpg combined and depreciate less than 59% after five years.

Looking at nationwide listings, most ES 300h owners ask under $20,000 models after five years. For consumers who want a premium large sedan with great mpg, it’s about the best you can do on the used market.

5. Lexus RX 450h

• Depreciation over 5 years: 57.4%

While 29 mpg don’t sound like stellar fuel economy, it’s about as good as consumers have been able to get in an SUV in recent years. The Lexus RX 450h did exactly that back in 2013 and now achieves 30 mpg combined, according to EPA ratings.

Meanwhile, this luxury crossover has been able to hold its value better than most luxury vehicles. As the BMW X1 (63%) and X5 (66%) had severe depreciation over five years, this hybrid Lexus SUV easily beat those numbers when owners went to sell.

4. Toyota Camry Hybrid

• Depreciation over 5 years: 55.9%

When you look at the package Camry Hybrid buyers got in 2013, it’s hard to call it a bad deal. This model was capable of 39 mpg combined and started around $28,000. Five years later, iSeeCars data showed buyers were able to recoup about 45% on the used market.

Because of available tax credits, five-year depreciation for plug-in hybrid sedans in the midsize sedan segment was worse. Ford Fusion Energi (69%) had the steepest of the bunch, while the compact Chevrolet Volt (71%) posted the most loss among plug-in hybrids.

3. Tesla Model S

• Depreciation over 5 years: 57.3%

While this EV had yet to go “ludicrous,” Tesla Model S offered impressive power specs and segment-leading range (265 miles in the 85 kWh) back in 2013. Six years later, only a handful of EVs — all by Tesla, including a more recent Model S — have topped that mark.

That staying power meant lower depreciation for early Model S adopters. When iSeeCars looked at sales from 2018, owners were recouping an average of 43% of their money. Considering a range-topping Model S costs close to $100,000, every percentage point is meaningful.

Compared to the 2013 Nissan Leaf, which could only cover 75 miles and the had the highest depreciation after five years (72%), Model S 85 owners have much more bargaining power on the used market.

2. Toyota Prius

• Depreciation over 5 years: 54.1%

Is there a more practical car than the Toyota Prius on the U.S. market? Year after year, the hybrid ranks among the most economical and reliable cars you can buy. (Back in 2013, it was getting an impressive 49 mpg combined.)

It turns out the Prius can also hold its value. After five years, the standard model had lost just 54% of its value. That’s 5% better than the average electrified model.

1. Toyota Prius c

• Depreciation over 5 years: 51.5%

Only one hybrid car could get 50 mpg combined in 2013: Toyota Prius c. After five years of economical operation, buyers were getting the highest return of any electrified vehicle on the market.

That return was nearly half for the Prius c, which ranked among the most reliable vehicles again for 2019. Though it’s not the most fun or spacious car (by a long shot), Prius c sits in a class of its own for practicality.

In the past few years, we’ve seen the Dodge Dart and Ford Focus get axed as automakers forge ahead with more profitable, SUV-heavy lineups. At least, that’s how manufacturers framed these decisions in the press. Another way to look at it: They cut objectively bad cars out of their future plans.

But you won’t hear similar rumblings about the Honda Civic. Likewise, no one is predicting the demise of the Toyota Corolla, one of the most reliable cars of the decade. In fact, Toyota confidently unveiled an all-new Corolla on November 15, marking the 12th generation of the compact sedan.

Following the debut of a hatchback on the same platform for 2019, the Corolla sedan will hit the U.S. market for the 2020 model year. Here’s everything you need to know about the redesign.

1. A major power boost

• Peak horsepower jumps 20% to 169 hp.

Once the Corolla hatchback hit the market with 168 horsepower, you could see the door open for a sportier version of the sedan. That’s exactly what consumers will get with the 2020 sedan in SE and XSE trims. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine runs these models with 169 horses and 151 pound-feet of torque.

The L, LE, and XLE trims will run on the 1.8-liter engine that Toyota says will get a horsepower and mpg bump in the redesigned model. If a lack of power was a sticking point for consumers with the previous generation, this update should settle things.

2. A genuine style upgrade

• It’s not earth-shattering, but the new Corolla looks much better.

We can’t think of many anyone who buys a Corolla for its exterior design. However, we can think of consumers who would pass on one for that very reason. With the redesign, Toyota should reduce the number of folks who are turned off by the famously vanilla sedan’s looks.

Looking at the 2020 model head-on, you’ll notice how designers dropped the button-style hood design of the previous generation (and ’19 hatch) in favor of a smoother, more elegant front. The newly sculpted fenders and hood work with a fascia and grille that compliment a flying-V headlight formation. (This model is also slightly lower and a touch wider.)

Meanwhile, Toyota’s compact car will offer 18-inch wheels for the first time. At least in SE and XSE trims, this Corolla’s appearance represents a marked improvement over the outgoing model.

3. Keeping the manual

• Corolla’s manual transmission will not die with the 11th generation.

In the new BMW 3 Series, everyone noticed the departure of the manual transmission, and it was only the latest one to go. The 12th-gen Corolla will continue with a manual — a six-speed, rev-matching “intelligent” system that is all-new for 2020. Hill-start Assist Control will come standard and be a help to younger drivers learning the ropes of the manual.

Meanwhile, the automatic option will be a Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT). Overall, Toyota said the shifting speeds are 20% faster in this system than in the typical CVT. Sport mode will be an option.

4. Interior comfort and design

• Along with the center of gravity, controls are lower.

Toyota engineers lowered the center of gravity in the new Corolla, and the thinking applied to the interior as well. All the controls sit lower than in models of the past, which serves to enhance visibility and reduce the feeling of a cluttered cockpit. Buyers can decide on a 4.2-inch or 7-inch digital display for gauges behind the wheel.

Around the seats, Toyota went with a mix of high-gloss and matte interior details in what is a simplified layout. Compared to the previous generation’s busy, button-heavy center stack, this model should be more pleasant to sit in and operate — provided all the tech works.

5. Infotainment tech

• Standard Entune 3.0

Every 2020 Corolla except the L gets the Entune 3.0 system standard with an 8-inch touchscreen. (L trims get a 7-inch screen.) Navigation, audio controls, and vehicle settings run through here. Climate control will run the old-fashioned way (i.e., with buttons and knobs) just below it.

A six-speaker audio system comes standard, but buyers can opt for a nine-speaker, 800-watt JBL thumper in the XSE and XLE trims. Entune Premium Audio is part of the package, as are 6.7-inch subwoofers in the doors and sealed door panels for the ultimate bass effect.

Other options include Apple CarPlay, a WiFi hotspot, and Remote Connect.

6. Standard safety equipment

• There’s plenty of standard safety tech.

Safety is as important an element of Toyota’s brand as anything else these days, so it’s no surprise every new Corolla will come with the Star Safety System and Safety Sense 2.0. Traction control, stability control, brake assist, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and smart-stop tech comprise the first chunk of the tech.

Meanwhile, the suite of advanced collision-prevention tech is extensive. A pre-collision system with auto-brake, dynamic-radar cruise control, lane-departure and lane-tracing assist, auto high beams, and road-sign assist are included. Blind-spot monitors are an option in lower trims and standard as you move up the Corolla range.

7. Pricing and mpg numbers ahead

• The new model should surpass 32 mpg.

While Toyota won’t release pricing or fuel economy specs for the 2020 Corolla until close to its launch date (i.e., in 2019), we can make a few educated guesses. For starters, the base engine would have to surpass 32 mpg to support the automaker’s claim about improved economy.

Meanwhile, the Corolla hatch got an estimated 36 mpg with the 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission, so there’s a solid chance we’ll see comparable numbers in the sedan. (The XSE hatch gets 33 mpg combined while the manual model gets 31 mpg.)

Pricing will almost certainly start below $20,000, even with the upgrades.