Toyota sells a lot of Prius hybrid in the US, while its RAV4 compact SUV is also in high demand. Finally, the two have been joined in one car that's sure to be a hit, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Unveiled today at the New York Auto Show, this model promises to deliver more horsepower and higher miles per gallon than a conventional RAV4. It also looks a lot better, thanks to retouches of the design they introduced a few years ago.
It was 15 years that Toyota started selling hybrids to Americans. It was considered a revolution, but the RAV4 Hybrid is much more advanced, not to mention it's their 8th electrified model. The powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder running the Atkinson cycle and an electric motor, linked to a standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System. The exact specification are kept secret for now, but we could see something similar to the NX 300h and the Japanese Toyota Harrier, so somewhere in the region of 200 hp.
The hybrid SUV debuts together with comprehensive 2016 model year upgrades for the whole RAV4 range. It gets sharper styling both inside and out, reshaped headlights, upgraded bumper and cooler trim. Inside, Toyota says it has improved the quality of the materials used and added cupholders for tall mugs.
Also new for the 2016 RAV4 is the SE trim level, featuring sports suspension, 18-inch wheels and a black headliner. Buyers of this model get full-LED lights at all corners, which can also be specified with other trim levels.
In terms of 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 uses four cameras to help you see where you're going.
It was 15 years that Toyota started selling hybrids to Americans. It was considered a revolution, but the RAV4 Hybrid is much more advanced, not to mention it's their 8th electrified model. The powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder running the Atkinson cycle and an electric motor, linked to a standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System. The exact specification are kept secret for now, but we could see something similar to the NX 300h and the Japanese Toyota Harrier, so somewhere in the region of 200 hp.
The hybrid SUV debuts together with comprehensive 2016 model year upgrades for the whole RAV4 range. It gets sharper styling both inside and out, reshaped headlights, upgraded bumper and cooler trim. Inside, Toyota says it has improved the quality of the materials used and added cupholders for tall mugs.
Also new for the 2016 RAV4 is the SE trim level, featuring sports suspension, 18-inch wheels and a black headliner. Buyers of this model get full-LED lights at all corners, which can also be specified with other trim levels.
In terms of 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 uses four cameras to help you see where you're going.