As we currently are testing the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, we had a chance to look back on our drive of the then-new 2016 RAV4, where the main hybrid variant launched.
The lifecycle of a car, typically 4-6 years, generally has three main phases: The Launch – when everything is shiny and new, the Midcycle Enhancement – typically some new headlights or wheels, and then the Selldown – preparing to ride off into the sunset to make way for the next generation. The 2016 RAV4 represents a substantial Midcycle Enhancement for the vehicle, which initially debuted as a 2013 model.
Toyota’s RAV4 created the Compact Utility segment back in 1994. This segment is now the biggest in the industry, and the RAV4 is consistently one of the top sellers in this competitive grouping. The significant updates for the RAV4’s design and new SE and Hybrid trims have helped push the RAV4’s sales beyond the perennial leader Honda CR-V through the first part of 2016. The biggest threat to the Toyota Camry’s reign as America’s best selling car could come from within the brand.Â
Design
The 2016 RAV4’s refreshened design incorporates the requisite new modern headlamps and updated wheels, but goes beyond that with an all-new front bumper that is now painted to match the rest of the body. This is a huge improvement over the initial design that left a lot of the bodywork gray and looking somewhat unfinished. In some cases, it can be difficult to tell if a vehicle is updated or not, but the 2016 RAV4, at least on the outside, achieves a readily apparent degree of change from the 2013-15 models.
Toyota is also launching a new SE trim on the RAV4, something that has been exceedingly popular on the Camry. Outside there are unique 18 inch wheels, black painted exterior mirror housings and an available S-Code paint option which adds silver accented pieces along the bottom trim of the car, contrasting with the Black Sand Pearl, Electric Storm Blue or Super White paint.
The interior design of the RAV4 continues on mostly unchanged, with some upgraded materials sprinkled in for good measure. There are several eye-catching, two-tone color schemes, including spicy cinnamon and nutmeg options (see what I did there?).
Engineering
The standard gasoline 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine carries over unchanged with its smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. Additional refinements improve ride quality, handling and noise within the cabin. The SE trims gains sport-tuned shocks (they’re blue!) and paddle shifters to help drivers flip through gears at their fingertips.
Big news comes from the addition of the RAV4 Hybrid, borrowed from corporate cousin Lexus NX300h, which provides the RAV4 with more power (194 hp vs 176 hp in the gas) and a boost in combined fuel economy projections by ~32% (33 MPG vs 25 MPG in the gas). The RAV4 Hybrid is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration, and comes with a small $700 price premium over the equivalent gas trim. At 15,000 miles per year, and gas at ~$2.50 a gallon, the break even point between the hybrid and gas models would be just under 2 years!
Content
As one of the segment sales leaders, it should be expected that the RAV4 offers a little bit of everything for everyone. The addition of the SE brings the total number of trims to 4.
-Starting with the LE which offers a standard backup camera, roof rails, 6.1″ touchscreen radio, and cruise control.
-Stepping up to the XLE adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels, dual-zone temperature controls, moonroof and a height-adjustable power liftgate among other things.
-The SE and range-topping Limited trim both add LED headlamps and daytime running lights, heated SofTex (pseudo-leather) seats with power adjustments on the driver side, smart key with passive entry and push-button start, and a blind spot monitor.Â
Driving Impressions
The added refinements continue to make the RAV4 a nice place to spend time, with the new acoustic windshield tempering road and wind noise in the cabin. While the standard 2.5 liter 4-cylinder can’t quite keep up with the newer small turbos in the Escape, Tucson and Sportage, it still performs as most consumers expect and need it to. Confident dynamics and a smooth ride rule the day for the mainstream RAV4 variants, leaving the sporty intentions to the new, stiffly sprung SE. Those considering the SE should definitely take a test drive first to see if the added ride harshness is acceptable, especially for the fairly nominal improvement to overall handling.
The RAV4 Hybrid could be the gem of the lineup, with the increased power helping acceleration, and the added weight of the hybrid system smoothing out the ride around town. Comfortable room for four adults, all-wheel drive, flexible cargo room and over 30 miles per gallon for under $30,000?