WAIT IS OVER
Toyota is finally offering a hybrid version of the RAV4, and it delivers solid performance along with fuel economy.
Hey, Toyota: What took you so long? As the foremost purveyor of hybrid vehicles, the Japanese automotive powerhouse for 2016 has finally equipped its compact RAV4 sport utility vehicle with a version of its popular gas-electric propulsion system, borrowed from the Camry Hybrid and the upscale Lexus NX 300h. The verdict? It’s a wise move. Of course, the main advantage a hybrid system has over the gasoline-only version is fuel economy. A standard gas RAV4 is EPA-rated at 24 city, 31 highway. The hybrid model doesn’t beat the highway mileage, but in town it’s rated at a miserly 34, a full 10 mpg improvement.
A companion advantage of hybrids is obviously environmental, as using less hydrocarbons reduce a vehicle’s emissions. And add to that the convenience of infrequent trips to the gas station.
Interestingly, the hybrid version is peppier than the gas model, as the combination of its 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a front-and-rear pair electric motors delivers a total output of 194 horsepower compared with the standard gas version’s 172.
Drawbacks are few. The hybrid RAV4 loses a bit of cargo-hold volume to accommodate the large battery pack. Also, the added curb weight (approximately 300 pounds) takes a slight toll on the vehicle’s handling, producing a somewhat more ponderous, but still comfortably smooth, on-road manner accompanied by more body lean through corners. And the regenerative brakes, a common hybrid bugaboo, operate with a rather artificial sensation.
Otherwise, the RAV4 Hybrid maintains all the attributes that buyers find attractive: Toyota’s penchant for reliability; top-notch build quality; comfortable seating; and light, easy-to-use major and minor controls.
The Hybrid model comes only in the top two tiers of RAV4s, bringing along better cabin fitments and an upgraded tech interface. In fact, our Limited tester had no additional options, since all the modern safety doodads (blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sonar, Smart Stop Technology, etc., etc.) were included the base price.
The swoopy dashboard and seating surfaces came swathed in an eye-catching cinnamon-colored leatherette, somewhat diminished by being paired with plenty of hard black plastics.
With excellent fuel economy — even with all-wheel drive — a comfortable cabin, and smooth over-the-road performance, the RAV4 Hybrid was worth the wait.