Toyota released details about the MY2016 RAV4 Hybrid, the most powerful and fuel efficient version of the company’s popular crossover.
The new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a four-pot, Atkinson-cycle 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with two electric motors, delivering a combined 194hp and 206lb ft of torque. The power goes to all four wheels using an Electronic On-Demand AWD system (AWD-i) which uses the second, independent electric motor to power the rear axle alone, pretty much the same setup Lexus uses for its hybrid RX crossover.
Fuel economy is EPA-rated at a 34mpg city/ 31mpg highway / 33 mpg combined. Zero to 60mph comes in 8.1 seconds, nearly a second quicker than its petrol siblings. The classic Toyota hybrid driving modes apply here: ECO mode optimizes throttle response and climate system’s output for better fuel economy and EV mode allows the sole use of electric power if the battery has enough charge for up to 0.6 miles at speeds below 25mph.
With the introduction of the RAV4 Hybrid Toyota took the chance to update the looks and the safety systems of its crossover for the MY2016. New LED lights all-around, restyled front and rear bumpers and new side rocker panels refresh the image of the RAV4 on the outside.
The MY2016 RAV4 will be one of the first US Toyota models to offer the Safety Sense array of systems, an advanced safety package which includes pre-collision braking and warning, lane departure alert, pedestrian pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control among others. Also new to the range will be a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan to assist in parking the car.
Prices for the MY2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid start at $29,970 for the AWD XLE model and $34,510 for the AWD Limited.
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