With a goal to maintain its number 1position in the global hybrid car market, Toyota launched the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. That means that out of Toyota’s 13 2016 model year vehicles, 7 are hybrids. The unveiling of the RAV4 Hybrid jumps into the untouched market for a compact hybrid crossover. The RAV4 is already an efficient vehicle, but with Toyota’s proven hybrid technology the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2016 gets an even bigger advantage.
2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid changes
Opposite to most entry-level hybrid vehicles, the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2016 actually has a better appearance than the standard RAV4, thanks to a front-end design that has been inspired by the 2016 Toyota Mirai fuel-cell car. The front fascia of the RAV4 Hybrid comes with smaller redesigned headlights and an edgier style. The biggest change at the rear end of the RAV4 Hybrid is the clear-lensed taillights. The rest of the refreshments are based on Toyota’s signature blue highlight on the corporate logos and a new color offers, Blizzard Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Super White, Black Sand Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, and BLUE.
As far as the interior goes, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will come with a new gauge cluster, but the most important question is how the Toyota dealt with the hybrid components that affect the RAV4’s passenger comfort or cargo ability. We know that the current RAV4 already has a spacious rear seat and large amounts of cargo space, so that means that there is a little free room to set the battery pack and the rest of the hybrid components. The solution for that problem is yet to be seen.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2016 mpg specs
The engine used for the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2016 will be the 2.5-liter inline-4, and it will be able to produce around 170 hp. The engine is paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, and all RAV4 Hybrids will come standard with Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand AWD System with intelligence. This system is equipped with three motors: one to start the engine and charge the battery, another to drive the front wheels and be used also for breaking regeneration and the third, on AWD models, to drive the rear wheels. The total power output of the RAV4 Hybrid is rated at 200 hp. Fuel economy should be one of the best in its class and it will be around 33/30 mpg city/hwy.
2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid price and release date
The new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2016 will be offered in the XLE and Limited trim levels, and for the current RAV4 non hybrid models the price starts at $26,000 and $29,500. Adding the hybrid system will set the price higher, giving the this model a starting price of around $33,000. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will will be available for sale this fall.
