10 Things You Need to Know About the 2016 Toyota RAV4

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Toyota might not have built the original compact SUV—that honor goes to the Suzuki Samurai—but it certainly kick-started consumer interest in the segment when it introduced the RAV4 in the mid-'90s. The redesigned 2016 Toyota RAV4 continues the tradition started by the very first model, offering shoppers a family vehicle that's comfortable, capable, and reliable, all without breaking the bank. For 2016 Toyota has made a splash in fuel economy news by introducing the very first Hybrid edition of its popular people mover. Let's take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2016 Toyota RAV4.

1) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Sticks to the Styling Script

You'll probably be hard-pressed to spot all of the design differences between the 2016 Toyota RAV4 and the model that preceded it, but subtle as they are, they are definitely evident is the Toyota RAV4's new grille and front bumper, which accentuates the curve of the SUV's hood. The rear of the vehicle was also given a nip and a tuck, but few changes were made long the sides the RAV4, giving the impression that Toyota merely freshened, rather than dramatically re-envisioned, the compact's looks.

2) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Upgrades Its Interior

Anyone who's spent time in the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 will be pleased to discover that the 2016 model's cabin has been afforded a number of improvements in quality and craftsmanship of materials. It's most noticeable wherever your hands might come into contact with the Toyota RAV4's interior. The armrests, center console, door panels, and dashboard boast a higher standard of finish than most entry-level models. The RAV4 also benefits from the Entune touchscreen infotainment system being made standard across the board, which nicely dresses up the SUV's center stack.

3) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Remains a Roomy Choice

One of the Toyota RAV4's most impressive and enduring attributes has been its exceptional management of interior space. Despite its relatively modest external dimensions, the Toyota RAV4 delivers just under 71 cubic feet of total cargo room (with the second row of accommodations folded forward), which places it near the top of the compact SUV pack. Load the RAV4 up with a full load of passengers (five in total), and you'll still enjoy a usable "trunk" as well as enough legroom behind the front two positions to satisfy even taller adults.

4) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Stays Status Quo Under the Hood

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 doesn't make any changes to its workhorse drivetrain, maintaining the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine it featured the previous year. Output for this motor is rated at 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, which puts the Toyota RAV4 somewhere in the middle of the road when looking at other SUVs, including those available with mightier turbocharged engine upgrades. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the RAV4, and fuel mileage for the four-cylinder checks in at 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

5) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Adds a Hybrid Model to the Mix

Toyota's hybrid technology has long been a point of pride—and energetic revenue stream—for the Japanese brand, so it's no surprise the 2016 Toyota RAV4 now includes a Hybrid model in the mix. Indeed, it seems like the only shocking thing about the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is that it took so long for it to become a reality. By combining a 2.5-liter gas engine with a pair of electric motors (one for each axle), the RAV4 Hybrid is able to leapfrog the standard RAV4 with 194 horsepower. Even better than its power boost is the improved fuel efficiency that comes with the model: 34 mpg around town and 31 mpg during highway cruising.

6) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Introduces the "Sporty" SE

If saving at the pump isn't exactly your thing, then Toyota hopes to entice you to consider the other new member of the 2016 Toyota RAV4 family: the SE model. It would be a stretch to label the Toyota RAV4 SE a true performance SUV, but it does feature a more focused suspension setup as compared to the base model. The SE also introduces paddle shifters for its six-speed automatic transmission along with a number of styling updates to the exterior to let others know you are piloting the sportiest RAV4 of the bunch.

7) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Offers Three Other Trim Levels

Outside of the SE, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 can be ordered in three trim levels. The Toyota RAV4 LE comes with 17-inch steel wheels, the Entune infotainment system, a backup camera, air conditioning, keyless entry, and cloth seats. The RAV4 XLE introduces 17-inch alloy wheels, apps that can link with the Entune system, roof rails, a moonroof, dual automatic climate control, and a power liftgate, while the RAV4 Limited steps up to imitation leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, satellite radio, a navigation system, and 18-inch wheels. The Hybrid model is sold in both XLE and Limited trims.

8) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Updates to High-Tech All-Wheel Drive

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 can be ordered, as before, with optional all-wheel drive, but the system has gained a few new tricks for the current model year, augmenting the previous dynamic torque control system that can send as much as half of the engine's output to the rear wheels, with a 50/50 lock available to drivers at the touch of a button. For 2016, the system can also direct torque to the rear wheels when it detects that the steering wheel has been turned, in order to help reduce the amount of load on the front tires, an aspect of the system previously available only when driving in Sport mode. Hybrid models feature a different all-wheel-drive setup that makes use of an electric motor dedicated to the rear wheels that activates in the event of tire spin being detected at the front of the vehicle.

9) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Offers Good, but Not Class-Leading, Safety Gear

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with a full complement of airbags: dual forward units, seat-mounted side impact airbags up front, a knee airbag for the driver and a seat cushion airbag for the front passenger, as well as side curtain airbags that deploy along the full length of the vehicle. Electronic stability control and traction control is also joined by an available blind spot monitoring system on certain models (standard on the Limited trim). What you won't find on the Toyota RAV4 is a lane departure monitor, forward collision warning system, or adaptive cruise control, making it not quite as competitive when evaluating its active safety equipment.

10) The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Is a Little More Expensive

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 LE starts at an MSRP of $24,350, which represents an increase of less than $700 when compared against the 2015 model. Moving up to the RAV4 XLE will set you back $26,270, while the RAV4 SE costs $30,665. The most expensive gas-only version of the SUV is the Limited, which retails for $31,510, and if you want all-wheel drive you have to add $1,400 to each trim level's window sticker. Getting behind the wheel of the Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid will require a payment of $28,370, with the Limited Hybrid costing $33,610, which is not all that much of a stretch from the gas-only Limited, especially considering it already comes bundled with all-wheel drive.