What Makes the 2016 Rav4 Hybrid Run?

Find answers to all your questions about the 2016 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid to see if it is right for you. As this is a new model, Virginia drivers haven’t seen anything like it before. Overall, the Rav4 Hybrid is nearly identical to the Rav4 you know and love, but with a few key changes, particularly to the powertrain.

The Rav4 Hybrid System

The Rav4 Hybrid runs on a classic hybrid system. It has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an Atkinson cycle that works with an electric motor. This combination may be familiar to those who have driven the Lexus NX. The 4-cylinder engine contributes 112 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the motor adds 141 horsepower and 199 pound-feet to the front wheels. There is also an independent rear motor that adds 67 horsepower. To complement these items, a NiMh 244.8-volt battery is sealed and placed underneath the rear seat. This is where the energy is stored. When combined together, the Rav4 Hybrid has an output of 194 horsepower, more than the 176 horsepower of the gas-only Rav4.

Toyota Rav4 Equipped with AWD-i

The Rav4 Hybrid has a version of all-wheel drive referred to as AWD-i, Electronic On-Demand AWD with intelligence. This system creates all-wheel drive by supplementing the power the CVT sends to the hybrid’s front wheels. The extra rear-wheel system can detect slippage and then activates when necessary. It does so automatically, and its ability to detect the need for extra traction helps keep fuel economy high.

Rav4 Fuel Economy

Although closely related to the Lexus NX 300h, the Rav4 Hybrid actually gets slightly better fuel economy. The Rav4 Hybrid gets 34 city/31 highway/33 combined mpg*. To put those numbers in perspective, they are the top fuel economy ratings among all-wheel drive SUVs in the United States.

You can learn more about what makes the 2016 Rav4 Hybrid run or feel the system in action on a test drive at Miller Toyota in Manassas, Virginia.

[inventory make=”Toyota” model=”Rav4 Hybrid” year=”2016″]

*2016 EPA-estimated city/highway mileage. Actual mileage will vary.