Trending
It is worth taking note when an industry leader makes big changes in its lineup. Such is the case with Toyota and its RAV4 this year. All models include hybrid only electrification or plug-in hybrid with fuel economy in the 40s to 50s.
Its four-cylinder gasoline engine is propelled by an electronic all-wheel drive with dual electric motors mounted under the hood to drive the front wheels while a third motor powers the rear wheels.
Its closest rival, the Honda CR-V has not taken on full hybrid production yet. Last year's sales overpower all others in the small compact SUV category with RAV4 topping the list at 479,288 copies versus the CR-V at 403,768. Rivals are far behind.
With all its improvements, the base hybrid RAV4 starts in the low $30s with 10 trim levels in the mid to high $30s, low $40s and a GR Sport PHEV at $50,095.
Our RAV4 Limited hybrid developed 236 horsepower giving it responsive acceleration, a smooth ride with updated suspension and impressive cargo space.
While no speedster, our test car reached 60 mph from a dead stop at our independent test track in 7.1 seconds. The plug-in hybrid does better.
Its compact size moves in and out of traffic with ease, will park on a proverbial dime and comes with Toyota's proven reliability. Styling has been tweaked this year with a new LED lighting package, streamlined grille and improved outward visibility due to its low hood.
This model year marks RAV4's sixth generation since hitting USA streets in January 1996. It was an instant hit back then and demand remains high.
Our Limited trim model featured a larger 12.9-inch digital infotainment touchscreen along with a 9-speaker JBL sound system and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to monitor engine vitals.
The infotainment screen sits atop the dashboard and is oversized compared with lesser trims. A trial run of Sirius tunes is included but our premium tester did not include a subscription for navigation, instead relying on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for these services.
The lesson here is be prepared to shell out monthly subscriptions for premium services even though the Limited is priced in the mid $40s.
Front seats are well cushioned with eight-way power adjustments including driver lumbar and heated/ventilated front seats along with heated rear seats.
A toggle type shift by wire system is mounted on the left side of the center console alongside jumbo cupholders.
Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 is included in all RAV4s and includes adaptive cruise control that keeps the vehicle a pre-set distance from traffic ahead while braking or accelerating to maintain selected speed.
Other safety features include blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, front cross-traffic alert, front/rear parking assist with auto brake, lane change assist, panoramic view monitor and advanced park features.
Cargo space is a generous 38 cubic feet behind rear seats, expandable to 70 cubes with the rear seats folded leaving a square, tall surface.
Overall features of the RAV4 are plentiful and build quality is solid.
(Contact independent automotive columnist Len Ingrassia at editor@ptd.net.)