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Is the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid the Best SUV on the Market?

Dec 22, 2015

Toyota expects to sell 400,000 RAV4’s next year, of which 50,000 (12.5%) will be Hybrid models. The biggest draw of the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid model line is that it will be an AWD vehicle that gets 34 MPG. Plus, it will be backed by the incredible reputation for quality and reliability that has made the RAV4 so wildly popular. The RAV4 Hybrid is available in two trim levels: XLE AWD and Limited AWD. Both of these vehicles are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine with 194 net horsepower and 206 lb/-ft. of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid has best-in-class combined and best-in-class fuel economy. It also delivers more horsepower, faster acceleration, and better fuel economy than the conventional RAV4 lineup.

The all-new RAV4 Hybrid will feature updated exterior styling, including a new front end from the hood line down, as well as standard roof rails, and front and rear skid plates. The Hybrid Limited trim level will come standard with chrome outside door handles.

When you sit in the RAV4 Hybrid, you will notice the refined cabin, including more soft touch surfaces and improved materials throughout. Thicker padding on the lower dash provides a soft and luxurious tactile experience.

Take this RAV4 for a spin and you will notice that the cabin is quieter than ever thanks to increased sound insulation. In addition to a thicker sound insulation layer, the silencer area has been expanded by 55%. An anti-vibration rubber cushion mounting has been adopted to reduce the drivetrain noise and vibration in the cabin.

As far as technological goodies are concerned, the RAV4 Hybrid boasts such available amenities as a 7-inch touch screen (a 4.2-inch screen comes standard), Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, and Connected Navigation through Scout GPS link. A Power Tilt and Slide Moonroof comes standard on both the XLE and Limited trim levels.

Toyota Safety Sense is the latest safety technology developed by Toyota and comes standard on both the RAV4 Hybrid XLE and RAV4 Hybrid Limited. Toyota Safety Sense features a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, auto high beams, pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist. For additional safety, all RAV4 Hybrid models will come standard with Hill-Start Assist Control and Trailer Sway Control. Front and Rear Park Sonar and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert both come stand on the Hybrid Limited and are each available options on the Hybrid XLE.

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivers improved ride and handling, thanks to several adjustments to the suspension and steering. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar and hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a double-wishbone configuration with coil springs, trailing arms, stabilizer bar, and hydraulic shock absorbers. The steering feel is more direct, thanks to a tapered structure for both the suspension member and surfaces of the steering gear box, which produces more rigidity (and less play) for an enhanced driving feel.