New Look, Awesome Versatility: 2016 Toyota RAV4 crossover
The popular Toyota RAV4 has been refreshed for the 2016 model year. The RAV4 is available in four grades: LE, XLE, Limited and the new SE. The 2016 RAV4 ushers in refreshed exterior styling that lends the vehicle a sleeker, more dynamic stance. A bolder looking front fascia seems to come alive when equipped with the available LED combo of headlights, daytime running lights and Hi-Lo Headlights. The new rocker panels sharpen the sides and tie in restyled front and rear bumpers for a more flowing profile. Available LED taillights add a premium touch.
New front and rear silver skid plate garnishes on most models, new wheel designs and a standard shark fin antenna on all grades further accent the freshened look of the 2016 RAV4. Capping the restyle in high style are three additions to the color palette: Silver Sky Metallic, Black Currant Metallic and Electric Storm Blue.
The new SE features sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission. While providing a more dynamic and responsive driving experience, the RAV4 SE shows off its sporty attitude with LED headlights and taillights and exclusive bumper and lower grill design. Its most distinctive exterior feature is the S-Code paint design, which combines one of three available upper colors (Super White, Black Sand Pearl and Electric Storm Blue) over Classic Silver Metallic on the vehicle’s lower trim.
Power is generated by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine teamed to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive is available option.
The RAV4 comes with driver-selectable operating modes. Eco mode optimizes powertrain operation to maximize fuel economy. Sport mode produces sharpened shift timing, throttle response and steering feel. Downshifting will “blip” the throttle, as the driver in a stick-shift vehicle would do to maintain driving smoothness. On RAV4 models equipped with Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, Sport mode also alters torque distribution to enhance agility.
Front wheel drive models are also equipped with Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD). Essentially a second layer of computer logic in the Traction Control system, Auto LSD can be engaged at speeds below 25 mph to provide the improved traction of a mechanical limited-slip differential. Unlike Traction Control, it doesn’t cut into engine power. This helps give the driver better control and distributes power where it’s most effective.
The 2016 RAV4 rides on a body structure that makes extensive use of high-strength steel and provides a robust, stiff and light platform. The rear suspension member has increased spots welds and support mounts to help enhance rigidity and reduce vibration transfer to the vehicle occupants. The MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension let the RAV4 absorb bumps, ruts and railroad crossings with composure. A strut tower bar links the tops of the front strut towers to the main bulkhead, helping to increase torsional rigidity. Front and rear shock absorbers and coils have been retuned in all RAV4 grades to help enhance stability and increase comfort. The SE grade receives unique sport-tuned shock absorbers and coils for enhanced sport driving composure.
Inside the cavernous passenger cabin, the easy-to-park RAV4 features ample room for five adults. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks recline several degrees for added passenger comfort, and rear privacy glass is standard on all models. Special attention was directed towards improving cabin quietness with the addition of sound insulation materials in the rear cargo area, floor pan, and side and rear doors to help reduce road noise and create a premium feel.
The new SE continues the sporty, upscale theme inside with SofTex®-trimmed seats featuring a power driver’s seat (also on Limited) and contrast stitching, and a choice of two interior colors (Black and Black/Cinnamon), along with a Black headliner, Black A&B-pillar covers, sport floor mats and door sill protectors and Gunmetal Gray trim. The SE instrument panel features twin dials with red illumination and red pointers, along with a standard 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 104.7; overall length: 181.1; width: 72.6; height: 65.5
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 176 hp at 6000 and 172 lbs-ft of torque at 4100 rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 24 city/31 hwy. (FWD); 22 city/29 hwy. (AWD)
Cargo capacity: 73.4 cubic feet
Payload capacity: 900 lbs
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side impact airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, dual roll-sensing side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, traction control, enhanced vehicle stability control, engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, backup camera, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic limited-slip differential (FWD only), hill assist control, trailer sway control (except SE), dynamic torque control (AWD), and tire pressure monitoring system. XLE adds navigation system. SE adds automatic LED projector beam headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, Smart key system with push button engine start and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Limited adds HomeLink universal transceiver, and Toyota Safety Sense (pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with lane keep assist, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control.).
Optional safety features include advanced technology package (bird’s eye view camera with perimeter scan).
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 2-year/25,000 mile 24 hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 crossover starts from $24,350 for the LE FWD upto $32,910 for the Limited AWD. Destination charges add $900.
