At the New York Auto Show the freshly updated 2016 Toyota RAV4 was unveiled and as many have been asking for, a fuel-efficient RAV4 Hybrid model was added to the line.
To keep it fresh in the showroom, the 2016 RAV4 gets new styling which includes a more dominant front fascia with available LED headlights and daytime running lights. New lower rocker trims and a rear fascia freshen up the look of the RAV4 as well.
New exterior color choices and more sporty wheel designs will be available across the lineup which add an extra dose of character to the different trim levels which continue to be offered starting with LE all the way through Limited.
For those wanting a more sporting RAV4, this year an SE trim grade joins the line which has a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch wheels, unique SofTex interior trims, paddle shifters, and a unique front fascia design.
Inside, the already well received interior gets upgraded materials across the line, new infotainment system options, and an available highline instrument cluster with digital TFT information display. A leather wrapped steering wheel now comes down to the XLE model too.
New interior colors will be offered including Tan, Beige and on the SE a vivid black and tan combination. Other interior updates include a lot of little details like new materials for the shifter controls and bezel, new cup holder designs, storage bins, and additional USB connector ports.
A new available feature buyers have been demanding is a Bird’s Eye View Monitor with four cameras that give a 360 degree view surrounding the RAV4. It even has what’s called perimeter scan which rotates the view in a panoramic motion.
A new Toyota Safety Sense package will be available which includes a suite of the latest driver-assistance features like Forward Collision and Pedestrian Warning with braking, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control – all for an affordable price of $500.
It’s expected that the RAV4’s engine will carry over, a 2.5 liter four-cylinder with 176 horsepower which flows through a constantly variable transmission. It’s the new RAV4 Hybrid that will offer something new.
And when buyers start looking at the stats, they will be happy to note that the new RAV4 Hybrid not only offers better fuel-efficiency but even has more power and performance than the standard RAV4.
The RAV4 Hybrid comes with a 2.5 liter Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive eCVT drive system. In addition, standard is all-wheel-drive, with an additional electric motor exclusively powering the rear axle for on-demand traction and power.
While numbers haven’t been released we can expect power and mpg to be similar to the Lexus NX300h Hybrid which utilizes the same powertrain. That vehicle offers up 194 system horsepower, and a combined 33 mpg.
Available only in two top level trim grades XLE and Limited, the RAV4 Hybrid will be fully equipped with interior feature content and with the Limited, the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-aids.
The new 2016 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid will be available late this year. We’ll bring you a more detailed review when we get behind the wheel very soon.
