With the unveiling of Toyota's 2016 RAV4 Hybrid, the automotive giant has added another popular car to its expanding hybrid portfolio. The compact crossover now joins the company's lineup of gasoline-electric vehicles, which includes the Avalon, Camry, Highlander, Prius, Prius V and Prius C.
Since its debut in the United States in 1996, Toyota's RAV4 has enjoyed widespread success and earned numerous awards courtesy of its unique design that combines the powerful engine of an SUV with the fuel economy and maneuverability of a compact car.
The massive success has resulted in the creation of three more RAV4 generations, with the second gen having been released in 2001, the third gen in 2006 and the fourth gen in 2013. The fifth generation of Toyota's RAV4 is set to be released in 2016, and it is considered to be a "mid-cycle refresh" of the well-known vehicle.
Updated Design
The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid brings a fresh new look to the compact crossover's design, featuring an updated front and rear fascia as well as other tweaks to the car's interior. Hybrid versions of the RAV4, however, are only available in Limited and XLE trims.
The Limited and SE RAV4 have daytime running lights (DRL) and LED headlamps, while other trims have halogen lights. Limited and SE trims also feature rear LED taillights while XLE and LE trims have light tube taillights.
LE RAV4s have standard 17-inch wheels made of steel with painted covers, while XLEs have 17-inch alloy wheels. SE and Limited vehicles are fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels. All versions of the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid come with Toyota's Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).
The RAV4's front door panels have been given a new scooped design to provide more room for the driver and front passenger's arms and create a more spacious feel for the front cabin. Overall, the cockpit of the vehicle has a simpler and cleaner look compared to earlier designs.
Cargo and Gasoline Capacity
The addition of a 244-volt sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery located under the vehicle's rear seat has slightly reduced the RAV4 Hybrid's cargo capacity. Its second row can accommodate as much as 35.6 cubic feet of luggage, as well as up to 70.6 cubic feet of cargo with the car's 60/40 split rear seat folded.
The hybrid model's gasoline capacity (14.8 gallons) is marginally reduced compared to the gas-only version (15.9 gallons).
Hybrid Engine
Toyota's newest RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors located in the front and rear. The gasoline engine makes use of the Atkinson cycle, and it has been tuned to generate up to 112 horsepower.
When using both the gas engine and electric motors, the system output of the compact crossover can reach up to 194 horsepower and produce up to 206 pound-feet of torque.
Power is sent to all of the vehicle's four wheels through the help of an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (ECVT).
The Hybrid RAV4 is capable of towing up to 1,750 pounds, which is a slight improvement compared to most other vehicles. The regular version of Toyota's compact crossover can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Road Performance
During a recent test drive, Steve Purdy of The Auto Channel commented on the RAV4 Hybrid's steering system.
"It felt almost like the effortless Buicks of old," Purdy wrote.
"As we get going, though, the steering effort felt more conventional with decent feedback and varying firmness depending on speed."
Purdy added that the new RAV4 received an updated suspension as well as other improvements such as the shock calibration, sound insulation and spring rates. This made the hybrid SUV quiet to handle on the road.
When it comes to overall performance, the handling of the RAV4 Hybrid did not differ much from its gasoline-only version despite being 300 pounds heavier, according to Jason Fogelson of Forbes.
"Handling is good but not great — the MacPherson strut front/double wishbone rear independent suspension can feel a little floaty in curves, but RAV4 delivers an overall quiet, serene ride," Fogelson said.
Price Tag
For buyers looking to purchase a 2016 RAV4, the gasoline-only LE trim is priced at $24,350, while the hybrid XLE trim is at $28,370 and the hybrid Limited trim is at $33,610.
