New Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Flies Under the Radar
Toyota’s hybrid lineup includes an impressive seven vehicles, and after today you can add one more to that list with the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s introduction at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. It’s odd we haven’t seen a hybrid compact SUV from Toyota sooner given the proliferation of small (Prius C) to big (Highlander) hybrids in the Toyota lineup. Customers have been asking for a compact hybrid SUV, too, according to Bill Fay, Toyota group vice president.
Ask, and they shall receive.
More 2015 New York Auto Show News
The RAV4 Hybrid doesn’t have significant styling differences or dorky, aerodynamic wheels compared with the non-hybrid RAV4 though. And all RAV4s — including the regular gasoline range of trim levels — get updated front styling for 2015.
It would be difficult to even identify this RAV4 as a hybrid from the outside or inside if it didn’t have a few hybrid badges scattered around. Toyota’s packaging of the hybrid system is compact and doesn’t intrude much into the cargo area; only a slight hump where the backseat meets the cargo area is the giveaway that there’s something funky going on compared with a regular RAV4.
Unfortunately, the hump means there isn’t a flat-load floor, though it’s surprising the cargo floor doesn’t have more intrusion considering the hybrid’s standard all-wheel-drive system includes an electric motor powering the rear wheels. The backseat still reclines and folds, though just like the gasoline-only version it doesn’t slide, it just reclines.
Toyota picked a great color to debut the hybrid. It’s one of the new available colors called Electric Storm Blue. Too many hybrids, including Toyotas, are shown in light, earthy tones, and it’s refreshing to see a car debut with a bold color choice. Bold also describes the RAV4’s new front styling that makes its way to all 2016 RAV4s with Toyota 4Runner inspiration in the front design as the previous RAV4’s split nose is toned down.
All RAV4s receive the new front styling as well as 55 percent more sound-deadening material and improved body seals to quiet the interior. Plus, there are new dashboard and door panel materials, though I had a harder time discerning the differences in new interior materials aside from the notable front styling reworking.
The biggest disappointment is that right now there aren’t any fuel-economy ratings or specs for the RAV4 Hybrid; which is likely the main consideration for car shoppers looking at a hybrid of any kind. Expect those closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date later this year.
