Made-in-Canada RAV4 gets a mid-cycle refresh
Toyota has given the wildly-popular, made-in-Canada RAV4 a mid-cycle refresh for the 2016 model year, with a mild styling makeover front and rear and the addition of Hybrid and Sport versions.
Here are 16 features that help distinguish the 2016 Toyota RAV4 from its predecessors.
Among the outside changes, the lights and lower valances at both ends are new with LED headlights standard on higher trim levels.
Inside, the steering wheel, instrument cluster and lower instrument panel treatment are new.
The interior is also available in a new “cinnamon” colour that includes the seats and trim.
Fifteen years after Toyota introduced the first Prius, the new RAV4 Hybrid becomes the seventh hybrid in the brand lineup. As such, it is the only hybrid in the fastest growing and soon-to-be biggest-selling segment in the country.
The new RAV4 Hybrid gets unique instrumentation and an electric AWD system.
In addition to the Hybrid (left), Toyota has added a Sport model (right) to the RAV4 lineup. It comes with a sport-tuned suspension, unique18-inch alloy wheels and a premium interior with contrasting accent colour stitching and a black headliner.
The instrument panel on the new Sport model differs from both the standard and Hybrid versions.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on all trim levels above the base LE.
The 2016 RAV4 is available with a new Bird’s Eye view camera, the first of its kind, with perimeter scan and multiple views at the touch of a button.
Cup holders are important to North Americans, so the new RAV4 cup holders in front are designed to accommodate a handle while those in the rear have rubber inserts.
The 2016 RAV4 is available with a wide variety infotainment systems with screens ranging in size from four to seven inches. Navigation is widely available and the top sound system is by JBL.
A height-adjustable power liftgate is standard, the cargo net has been upgraded and there is very little sacrifice in cargo area when you chose the Hybrid – 2000 litres behind first row vs 2080 in the standard model.
The standard engine is a 176-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model gets the same engine, operating on the fuel-saving Atkinson cycle. Combined with the electric motor, overall output is 194 net horsepower.
On the road, the hybrid is notably smoother and more powerful than the standard setup. Highway fuel consumption is identical to the FWD model with the normal drivetrain (7.6 L/100-km). But the hybrid has a distinct advantage in the city (6.9 vs 10.0 l/100 km).
The RAV4's Drive Mode Select allows the choice of Sport, Eco and full EV modes.
The 2016 RAV4 will even tell you when it's time to stop for a coffee, based on time on the road.
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