Play it right, and the RAV4 Hybrid feels notably stronger than the four-cylinder versions of competing crossovers, which is logical – the RAV4 Hybrid has nine more horses than the Honda CR-V and 15 more than the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2017 Escape.
Total hybrid system output is 194 horsepower, and except for the occasional hybrid flat-footedness, the tested RAV4 Hybrid moved out quickly when it found its focus. It’s nothing out of the ordinary if you’re familiar with this breed of Toyota, and if you’re not, the RAV4 Hybrid would likely become predictable soon enough. The energy-recovering brakes have the same springy pedal travel as a Prius’s, and power application is generally smooth but can occasionally be caught distracted as the system switches in its power sources. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid is Toyota’s eighth hybrid, and if you’ve driven any of the seven that came before, then you’ll feel right at home here. Here are the five standout points from my tester. Here in BestRide’s West Coast outpost, I had a chance to drive the new-for-2016 RAV4 Hybrid in Limited trim, and I came away impressed.Ĭheck out East Coaster Nicole Wakelin’s RAV4 Hybrid driving impressions, which mostly mirror my mine. Look for our full review on the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid later this week.Here’s some shorthand on Toyota’s high-tech hybrid compact crossover. The on-demand system marries amazing fuel economy with all-road capability. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid’s All-Wheel Drive With Intelligence works exactly as advertised.
Unlike some competitors, the RAV4 does not put expensive fog lights too low on the front fascia where they are susceptible to damage in that situation. The generous ground clearance of the RAV4 Hybrid also meant that entering and exiting driveways that were plowed-in was no problem. Stopping and turning are almost entirely tire related in bad weather and the RAV4 Hybrid's Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 tires did a commendable job. There was no drama, and the vehicle did not step to the side as I expected it might.
The RAV4 slowly started forward then rapidly gained speed. The gas engine’s CVT wound to its “Power” setting on the “Tach” and the rear wheels were powered as well. I moved my foot from the brake to the gas pedal and floored it to see the result. On the steepest hill in my area, I found myself able to stop safely half way up. We tested the RAV4 Hybrid on a variety of snowy and icy surfaces including a steep hilly road that had received about four inches of snow, but had not yet been plowed. Just as advertised, the rear wheels augment the front wheels when snow and ice mean that front-wheel drive alone is not enough.
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