For many drivers,
small SUVs make for a perfect everyday vehicle, economical enough for commuting
and offering more useful cargo space than midsize sedans, extending their use
for weekend recreation. Entering the scene in 1994, Toyota's RAV4 pioneered its
segment. Now this small SUV gets Toyota's ultra-efficient hybrid drive system,
making it a killer everyday vehicle. Consider its standard all-wheel drive, and
you've just about hit perfection.
Although it isn't a serious off-roader, impressive is the lifted nose of the 2016
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, although faux skid plates under front and back are a bit
much. The sides of the RAV4 Hybrid show similar sculpting to its bigger
brother, the Highlander, but the narrow grille looks petite by comparison.
Saddle-brown leather seating, in this Limited trim RAV4 Hybrid, gave the cabin
luxury style.
Although
the RAV4 Hybrid uses the same engine as the Camry Hybrid, a 2.5-liter
four-cylinder, it gets a more complicated hybrid drive system, adding a second
drive motor to the rear wheels for all-wheel drive. And that comes standard.
Otherwise, the RAV4 Hybrid uses the same 245-volt nickel-metal hydride battery
pack as the Camry Hybrid, a little less sophisticated than the lithium ion
battery pack in the new Prius.
While
short of luxury, it felt very comfortable on most road surfaces, complementing
its smooth ride with minimal road noise. Given the hybrid drivetrain, engine noise is very limited. Adding to the RAV4 Hybrid's suitability for long
highway trips, its electric power steering left a little play at center, so over corrections don't cause accidents.
That
steering is tied to a lane keeping assist function, standard with the RAV4
Hybrid's Limited trim, actively preventing lane drift. Adaptive cruise control
operated very smoothly at speed, not reacting too abruptly when cut off by a
car. Centered in the
dashboard, Toyota's navigation and Entune app integration showed up on a 7-inch
touchscreen.
Check out the New2016 RAV4 and contact us today to schedule test drive now!
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