2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Test Drive And Review: The Answer

For years, my friends and acquaintances have been asking me when Toyota would finally add a hybrid version of its popular compact SUV, the RAV4 (with Android Car Gps), to its lineup. The answer, finally, is here. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is Toyota’s eighth hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle, joining the Prius, Prius C, Prius V, Camry, Avalon and Highlander Hybrids. Toyota likes to claim that they invented the compact crossover market when the RAV4 Concept debuted in 1989. Maybe that’s true, if you don’t count the AMC Eagle (1979 – 1987). The first generation RAV4 debuted in the US in 1996, followed by the second gen in 2001, third gen in 2006 and the current (fourth) generation vehicle in 2013. The 2016 RAV4 represents what the auto industry calls a “mid-cycle refresh.” The RAV4 Hybrid features RAV4’a redesigned front fascia, some tweaks to the rear fascia, interior enhancements and a few other appearance tweaks. Hybrid models are available in XLE and Limited trim levels only. LED headlamps and daytime running lights (DRL) are available on the SE and Limited (it’s halogen for the rest of the lineup). New rear taillights are LED on SE and Limited, and light tube taillights on LE and XLE. 17-inch wheels are standard on LE (steel with painted covers) and XLE (alloy), while 18-inch alloy wheels get fitted to Limited and SE. Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) is standard on all models. Hybrid is such a common Toyota aspect that only subtle badging distinguishes the model on the exterior. What about install Car DVD? A few subtle changes have made the RAV4 interior better. New front door panels are now scooped out a little more, providing more space for the driver’s left arm and front passenger’s right arm to rest, and making the whole front cabin feel bigger. Thicker padding has been added to the lower part of the dashboard, which looks good and feels nice to the touch. There’s less of a mélange of materials in the cockpit now, which simplifies and cleans up the look and feel of the interior. RAV4’s instrument panel is right behind the steering wheel, and an available 7” touchscreen display lives at the top of the center stack (standard on Limited). The standard backup camera displays on the screen, and there’s an available Bird’s Eye Camera with Curb View and Perimeter Scan that’s very helpful when reversing and parking. RAV4 Hybrid gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors (front and rear). The gas engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, and is tuned to produce 112 hp. Total system output (gas plus electric) is 194 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. An electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (ECVT) sends power to all four wheels, with priority operation in front-wheel drive mode. The rear wheels are engaged when additional traction or power is needed – for instance, on a slippery surface. The transmission is a planetary gear-type. Regenerative braking gives the feel of engine braking and captures energy that is used to charge the battery pack. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!