Photo: Toyota
Toyota has finally taken a hint from its customers and introduced an SUV with a hybrid powertrain in America. The all-terrain Prius is the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and has just gone on sale, costing a very reasonable $28,370, with all-wheel-drive included as standard.
That makes it about $5,000 more expensive than a 2016 Toyota Prius, and we think it’s easily worth that much. Unlike the Prius, this powertrain consists of a bigger 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor through its rear axle. The total output is 194 horsepower, which is similar to what the Lexus NX300h has.
Sure, the cabin is not going to be up to Lexus luxury standards. However, the Toyota RAV4 is a bigger, more practical SUV than the NX300h.
While good, the RAV4 Hybrid is not faultless. The biggest problem is in the fuel economy department. EPA numbers aren’t in yet, but Toyota says we should expect a rating of 34 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined. That’s well below the Prius and only a few MPG better than something like a Mercedes GLA 250.
There are two trim levels available, the $28,370 XLE and the $33,610 LTD. Both come with the same AWD system that doesn’t send any power from the engine to the back. Instead, there’s an extra electric motor over the back axle that drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.
With so many engines, the RAV4 is predictably nippy. Toyota says it will go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. That makes it about one second faster than its normal gas-powered counterparts. When it’s time to stop, you’ll be glad to know the energy of the braking system is recuperated and turned back into electricity. 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).
Also new for the 2016 RAV4 is the SE trim level, featuring sports suspension, 18-inch wheels and a black headliner. It’s yours for $29,265 with 2WD or $30,665 with AWD. Buyers of this model get full-LED lights at all corners, which can also be specified with other trim levels.
Regarding safety, the 2016 RAV4 will offer a new Bird’s Eye View Monitor, just like the one Nissan is using. It makes parking easier than spelling and uses four cameras to help you see where you're going.
Sure, the cabin is not going to be up to Lexus luxury standards. However, the Toyota RAV4 is a bigger, more practical SUV than the NX300h.
While good, the RAV4 Hybrid is not faultless. The biggest problem is in the fuel economy department. EPA numbers aren’t in yet, but Toyota says we should expect a rating of 34 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined. That’s well below the Prius and only a few MPG better than something like a Mercedes GLA 250.
There are two trim levels available, the $28,370 XLE and the $33,610 LTD. Both come with the same AWD system that doesn’t send any power from the engine to the back. Instead, there’s an extra electric motor over the back axle that drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.
With so many engines, the RAV4 is predictably nippy. Toyota says it will go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. That makes it about one second faster than its normal gas-powered counterparts. When it’s time to stop, you’ll be glad to know the energy of the braking system is recuperated and turned back into electricity. 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).
Also new for the 2016 RAV4 is the SE trim level, featuring sports suspension, 18-inch wheels and a black headliner. It’s yours for $29,265 with 2WD or $30,665 with AWD. Buyers of this model get full-LED lights at all corners, which can also be specified with other trim levels.
Regarding safety, the 2016 RAV4 will offer a new Bird’s Eye View Monitor, just like the one Nissan is using. It makes parking easier than spelling and uses four cameras to help you see where you're going.
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