Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 4WD small crossover hybrid starts selling next month

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid[photo: YouTube screen capture/TestDrivenTV]

The Toyota RAV4 as a hybrid? Well, the company has done it and the touted fuel-efficient small crossover is all set to hit the market next month starting at $28,370 for the AWD XLE and $33,610 for the AWD Limited. 

It becomes the eighth hybrid from Toyota, offering an improved and refreshed look that seemingly sets itself apart from the traditional hybrids that are out in the market. But other than the looks, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is, of course, coming with its main intent — a fuel-efficient vehicle that is finely pampered with features that should be worth checking out. Here are some of its highlights:

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine together with a high-torque electric motor that offers up to 194 horsepower combined. This is aside from the electric motor that is present which will aid the rear wheels for added optimal traction.

Aside from that, there is also an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) that comes standard with the vehicle as well as some regenerative braking which accounts for added energy through kinetic means, storing the generated power to the NiMH hybrid battery pack that comes included.

Now, while it is a given that the Toyota Hybrid is expected to be a wise solution for the car users, it certainly comes oozing with a lot of features that will ensure that it stays that way. There is the ECO mode which will manage the throttle response and air conditioning output to help prioritize fuel economy.

When EV mode is used, it will run solely relying on the electric motor that is good for up to 0.6 miles but at dramatically lower speeds.

Aside from the performance, there is also pampering all around from the inside. That includes sharper gauges, all new firmer seats, and also an optional seven-inch touchscreen on the dashboard.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also offers a number of safety features. Such include optional automatic high beams, automatic pre-collision braking, lane departure sensor, and pedestrian warning detection.

With a classy and fuel-efficient vehicle such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, such takes ecofriendly motoring up a notch and with style.