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Toyota brings hybrid tech to the RAV4 for the first time

Toyota's eighth hybrid arrives in a diminutive package that's not short on technology.

Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
3 min read

Toyota has seven hybrids on the market right now. Soon, it will have eight, thanks to the new 2016 RAV4 Hybrid. The brand's smallest crossover has finally received partial battery power, and it's looking like quite the package -- especially since you can't buy one in any of the RAV4's lesser trim levels.

No matter which trim you opt for, what powers the RAV4 Hybrid remains the same. The engine is a non-turbocharged, 2.5-liter four cylinder. Mated to the electric half of the powertrain, the whole system puts out 194 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque with standard all-wheel drive. That's enough to send the car to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. Not only is the hybrid the most fuel-efficient RAV4, it's also the best performing.

Speaking of fuel economy, EPA estimates are not yet available, but Toyota believes the RAV4 Hybrid will achieve 34 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined.

Toyota keeps it green with the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid (pictures)

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If you have an insatiable thirst for electric propulsion, the RAV4 Hybrid comes with an EV Mode switch, which allows for travel on battery power alone. However, the nickel-metal hydride battery's limited capacity means EV Mode only works for 0.6 miles at a time, at speeds up to 25 mph. To push that power pack to its limits, the car also comes equipped with regenerative braking, which uses deceleration as a generator to give the battery a little extra juice.

The hybrid is part of a larger refresh that covers all RAV4 models. The front end looks a bit sharper, with thinner headlights and a grille that's a little less beaklike than before. Parts of the RAV4's front end, especially the lower bumper, incorporate some vague styling cues from the Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. The rear end features upgraded taillights and a new shark-fin antenna.

The interior is largely unchanged -- the only new bits are LED lower center console lights, a 12-volt outlet for rear passengers, a new sunglass holder and a revised cupholder design to allow for mugs with larger handles. All hybrid models feature a gauge cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT screen that displays pertinent vehicle information, including a trick little diagram explaining how the hybrid system is working.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota

If safety is what you're after, the RAV4 Hybrid has it -- and it's standard on the range-topping Limited trim. The RAV4 is one of Toyota's first US models to incorporate the Toyota Safety Sense suite. It's an all-encompassing package that includes forward collision warning with automatic precollision braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring is also standard for both Hybrid trim levels.

The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid will be available in two different trim levels -- XLE and Limited. XLE is already pretty well loaded, including dual-zone automatic climate control and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with phone-based navigation capability. The Limited adds Toyota Safety Suite, heated leatherette seats with power adjustability for the driver, keyless entry and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation.

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE starts at $28,370, and the Limited will run you $33,610. Neither price includes destination and delivery. There is no pricing data available for the UK market, and the vehicle is not available in Australia. Release dates have yet to be finalized, as well.