Toyota’s Facelifted 2016 RAV4 And New RAV4 Hybrid Snagged Out In The Open

Our friend Anthony came across a convoy of 2016 Toyota RAV4s, including the new hybrid model and the facelifted gas version in SE grade, in Los Angeles, and shared these photos with us.

“This morning I was driving to work and I saw these RAV4s parked,” Anthony told us. “Most of the time, I only see concepts in motion, so I immediately pulled over to snap a couple of pictures for you and the community.”

“The pictures show four RAV4’s lined up,” Anthony explained. “Two are hybrids (blue and silver), the other two black RAV4’s are SE AWD’s. I took some pictures of the inside, but they didn’t come out well. It didn’t look like much changed. Personally, even though the front end looks like the Scion iM, I love the updates!”

Toyota held the world premiere of the all-new RAV4 Hybrid at the New York Auto Show this past April, where it also announced, but showed very little, of the facelifted regular RAV4.

The electric-blue and silver-colored Hybrid models seen here come with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine, one electric motor at each axle, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). We still don’t have any official data on output and fuel economy numbers.

The two black cars are in the newly-added SE grade with the optional S-Code paint design that pairs a choice of three upper exterior colors (Super White, Black Sand Pearl, and Electric Storm Blue) to a Classic Silver Metallic on the lower trim of the vehicle. The new trim adds a “sports tuned suspension”, 18-inch wheels, mesh grille, LED exterior lights, SofTex seats, black headliner, and paddle shifters.

All 2016 RAV4s get a slightly reworked face with new headlamp, grille and bumper designs that look sharper than before, a shark-fin antenna, new rear bumper and lift gate with available LED lights, plus a raft of interior improvements such as upgraded instruments, softer touch materials, better sound insulation and an available 7-inch touch-sensitive display audio touch screen.

Toyota said that the 2016 RAV4 will hit US dealers this fall.

Many thanks to Anthony W. for the share!