Toyota continues to grow its hybrid line-up with the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid. The new sport-ute arrives at dealers early next year.
Over the years, Toyota has invested an enormous amount of resources in developing its diverse line-up of hybrid vehicles, which continues to expand in new directions.
One of the newest additions to the hybrid line-up is the 2016 RAV4 hybrid, which Toyota expects will be able to be the most fuel-efficient compact sport-utility vehicle in the hyper-competitive segment, which has drawn a flock of technically sophisticated competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue in the past couple of years.
The RAV4 is already a formidable competitor in the growing segment.
Nonetheless, even though gasoline prices are low and expected to remain so, the first hybrid version of the RAV4, which is being added to the refreshed RAV4 model line, is expected to account for between 10% or 15% of the popular utility vehicle’s total sales in the future.
Despite low gas prices, Toyota officials expect the new RAV4 hybrid to comprise 15% of sales.
For starters, new styling cues in the front and rear give the RAV4 hybrid a new, more contemporary appearance. The update styling is anchored by the addition of new headlights and LED taillights. Hi-Lo LED headlights are also now available on the RAV4 hybrids and silver skid plates front and rear complete the changes to the appearance of the vehicle.
The interior styling of the RAV4 Hybrid also has upgraded to make it more pleasing to the eye if not more comfortable.
But Toyota isn’t counting only on the styling and the efficiency of the hybrid power train to attract buyers. The hybrid RAV 4 is also been improved so its cabin is very quiet – much quieter than the Honda CR-V – and the driving dynamics are improved.
The steering, brakes and overall ride quality is very solid and provides the driver a sense security and confidence out on the road, while the hybrid powertrain is virtually invisible to the driver in both city and highway driving as is the regenerative braking that charges the electric motor through a generator that captures energy from the wheels.
Toyota expects to receive a rating of 34 miles per gallon in the city, 31 mpg highway for a combined rating of 33 mpg.
(Toyota expanding next-gen RAV4 production. For more, Click Here.)
Toyota expects to receive a rating of 34 miles per gallon in the city, 31 mpg highway for a combined rating of 33 mpg from the Environmental Protection Agency. Both grades of the RAV4 come equipped with an electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive system with intelligence, which uses an independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels to maintain optimal traction.
The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid combines output from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor through its unique transaxle. The RAV4 Hybrid delivers a jolt of performance from a combined 194 system horsepower and it can go from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is nearly one second quicker than its gas counterparts thanks to the 206 foot pounds of total system torque in everyday driving. When the brake is applied, storing it in the nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery pack.
Pricing is also aggressive with the hybrid powertrain costing only $700 more than a comparably equipped RAV4 with a gas engine.
The RAV4 hybrid also comes with a full complement of features such a selector for chose different operating modes such as standard or ECO, which optimizes throttle response and air conditioning output to help prioritize fuel economy.
(Click Here for details about the demand for new safety, autonomous driving features.)
In EV mode, the RAV4 Hybrid, under certain conditions, will run solely on the electric motor for up to 0.6 miles at lower speeds (below approximately 25 mph). A Hybrid System Indicator and fuel consumption indicator, located in a 4.2-inch TFT screen, helps coach the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.
The 2016 RAV4 is one the first vehicles on which the Toyota Safety Sense is available. The system, which is standard on 2016 RAV4 Limited Hybrid) and available on XLE and SE grades, includes an automated pre-collision braking.
The TSS also includes forward collision warning, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, pedestrian pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control and standard blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert. The 2016 RAV4 hybrid also comes with convenience, entertainment and information features such as Smart Key that add convenience and security. Front and rear parking sonar helps make parking easier.
The RAV4 is available with a new Bird’s Eye View Camera with “Perimeter Scan.” Which uses four cameras that are mounted on the front, the side mirrors and rear of the vehicle to project a panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the central seven-inch touch display and offers a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping the driver to see potential obstacles?
(To see more about Ford’s plans for the new Escape, Click Here.)
Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid isn’t exactly a perfect vehicle, the seats could be improved, but it is a quiet, has ample power, and delivers a very solid ride along with plenty of versatility for motorists with diverse interests.