2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid First Drive Review

PRICE $25,250

A sensible and high-mileage AWD hybrid.

Toyota invented the compact-crossover SUV section with the 1996 RAV4. Considering that then, the RAV4 has been a sturdy supplier, even though it has handiest led the section in American income in its first two years. By using 1998, the Honda CR-V (which become introduced in 1997) took over annual sales management, a crown it has lost only 5 instances to the Ford escape, which turned into born in 2000.

Buyers, of direction, may have something to mention about that, so Toyota is giving this fourth-technology RAV4, which was delivered in 2013, an in depth mid-cycle upgrade. Similarly to several interior and outside modifications, the employer has brought a new SE model, in addition to added hybrid energy to the RAV4 line, growing Toyota’s 8th hybrid product (together with the four Prius variations). All 2016 RAV4s recreation a brand new front stop with a better hoodline, a extra unified grille, and pseudo skid plates on all fashions. The general influence is a better, wider-looking, more trucklike look, which reputedly remains attractive even to compact-crossover buyers. Within the rear, the bumper is greater wonderful and has much less black cladding in general. There are also a host of modifications internal, beginning with a brand new instrument cluster that places a 4.2-inch info show among the speedometer and tachometer. There are softer surfaces on the sprint and the door panels, as well as new indoors colours—Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
There also are a host of changes inside, starting with a new instrument cluster that puts a 4.2-inch info display between the speedometer and tachometer. There are softer surfaces on the dash and the door panels, as well as two new interior colors—Cinnamon and Nutmeg.

The price increment for the hybrid powertrain is only $700. That means $29,270 for the XLE and $34,510 for the Limited. Astute RAV4 shoppers might notice that baked into the XLE price is an increase of another $1000 or so from the nonhybrid 2015 model, but at least some of that is offset by a higher level of standard equipment for the refreshed version. For example, Toyota’s Entune Audio Plus infotainment system with a high-res LCD screen and Connected Navigation now is standard on the XLE, along with a power liftgate, halogen projector-beam headlights, and proximity access and ignition. The RAV4 Limited has jumped in price more than $3000 to make room for the new SE model. It also has a few more standard features than before. For those who can face life without Toyota’s SofTex faux leather upholstery and LED lights, we’d reckon that the XLE hybrid is the better value. That model provides a practical and useful everyday machine at a reasonable price—as well as being the highest-mileage AWD vehicle on the market