2016 RAV4: Toyota’s Compact Crossover with Balanced Appeal

In Short:

• The outside of the 2016 Toyota RAV4 raises the bar by offering fresher styling, and the interior is flexible enough to combine modern design with practicality.
• A 2.5L engine powers the RAV4 and upholds a reliable and efficient driving experience with either front or all-wheel drive.
• Equipped with safety norms and additional safety options such as blind-spot warning and vehicle stability control, the RAV4 puts the passenger’s comfort and security first.
• The RAV4 stands out from the existing choice of used cars available through the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned program, honing dependability and proper maintenance.

As a fixture in the compact crossover segment for over two decades, the Toyota RAV4 has built its reputation on reliability, versatility, and everyday practicality. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 aims to continue that legacy while adding new styling, features, and a hybrid variant to broaden its appeal. This review will analyze the key highlights that position the RAV4 as a balanced offering in the highly competitive small SUV marketplace.

Key Specifications Of 2016 RAV4

Interior Comfort and Features

The RAV4’s interior strikes an admirable balance between form and function. The angular dashboard design lends visual flair, while the climate and audio controls remain simple and intuitive. Passenger space is generous, especially in the rear seats, providing ample room for taller adults. The rear bench folds in a 60/40 split, revealing a cavernous 73.3 cubic feet maximum cargo capacity. With a boxy shape and low-load floor, the RAV4 can easily accommodate bulkier items. Small item storage up front falls slightly short of top rivals like the Honda CR-V, but overall utility remains excellent.

Design and Features

• The 2016 model of the Toyota RAV4 boasts upgraded styling of the outside features such as the front fascia, which is sharper, and a sports trim (SE) that has its distinguishing traits. The exterior renovations give the car a new, sleek look, which is appropriate in a market where successful SUVs are modern.
• Inside, the RAV4 is generous and has enough room to suit all your needs, whether passengers or cargo. The design of the cargo area, which features a large, boxy box with a low load floor on a large surface, catches the eye for its practicality, making it one of the most versatile compact crossovers in the market.

Engine Options

Motivation comes from a 2.5L 4-cylinder producing 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft paired to a 6-speed automatic. Performance suffices for most driving scenarios but trails category leaders. Unfortunately, Toyota does not offer any engine upgrade options. Buyers wanting more oomph may have to consider rival small SUVs. Fuel economy checks in at a mediocre 26 mpg combined for FWD and 25 mpg for AWD. Again, some competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 surpass those estimates.

Driver Assistance Features

All RAV4s come standard with a rearview camera plus an array of accident avoidance techs like antilock brakes and stability control. Higher trims can be equipped with extras, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota Safety Sense package. The latter bundles goodies like pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. Unfortunately, brake testing distances proved longer than average. But government crash tests yielded top 5-star overall marks, cementing the RAV4’s sterling safety credentials.

Performance and Safety

• The RAV4 is equipped with the standard 2.5-litre in-line-4 power plant under its hood, producing 176 horsepower. The transmission has six speeds, which is standard with the front-wheel drive. All–optional wheel drive leads to the overall well-being and efficiency of the car.
• The variety of safety features is also wide, from basic features like an anti-lock braking system to traction and stability control, airbags, and a rearview camera as standard features. Optional features such as blind-spot warning and the Toyota Safety Sense package are available to provide the latest technologies related to accident avoidance. Thus, the RAV4 is known worldwide for its dedication to the safety of its passengers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The RAV4’s Entune infotainment suite appears on all trims, but the exact feature set varies. Lower models include Bluetooth and basic apps, while the top Limited trim adds integrated navigation and enhanced smartphone integration. The 7-inch touchscreen boasts improved menu flow and response times versus previous versions. The system ranks user-friendly but doesn’t stand out significantly from rival setups.

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Options

In standard gasoline-powered guise, the 2016 RAV4 trails segment competitors in fuel economy. But new for 2016 is the RAV4 Hybrid model. It pairs the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery pack. Toyota estimates 33 mpg combined for the Hybrid, vaulting it to top-of-class status. Making the RAV4 more eco-friendly broadens appeal, especially in regions like California with more environmentally-conscious buyers.

Driving Experience and Handling

On the road, the RAV4 delivers composed handling and a comfortable ride. Direct steering imbues confidence without feeling twitchy or artificial. Performance leans more towards soft and smooth rather than aggressive and sporty. An available SE trim promises to spice up agility but likely at the expense of ride quality. Overall, the RAV4 ranks as pleasantly predictable. It handles daily commuting and road trips with little drama but won’t excite driving enthusiasts.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2016 RAV4 comes in LE, XLE, SE, and Limited grades. Initially, the base LE looks budget-friendly but includes dual-zone climate control and a power driver’s seat. I am stepping up to the XLE ads with 17-inch alloy wheels plus blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Sporty appearances define the mid-range SE, with unique exterior trim and 18-inch wheels. Topping the range, the Limited Pampers occupants with leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and the Safety Sense package. With diverse personalities spanning frugal to luxurious, finding the perfect RAV4 proves easy.

Comparison with Competing Models

Notable compact crossover rivals include perennial top-seller Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V nearly matches the Toyota in reliability and practicality while adding better fuel economy. The Forester brings a more rugged persona for trail-worthiness. For on-road athleticism, the Escape and CX-5 excel. And for value, Hyundai and Nissan models shine. The weathered RAV4 remains thoroughly competent, but newer designs have raised the bar.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Thanks to Toyota’s reputation for durability, reliability projections look optimistic. RepairPal calculates repair costs for the RAV4 as 13% cheaper to maintain than average for the class. It earns a “Great” reliability verdict. Further easing ownership, a Certified Pre-Owned RAV4 sees vigorous inspection plus extended warranty coverage for added peace of mind. With affordable maintenance and enhanced CPO perks, the 2016 RAV4 makes the cost of ownership transparent from the start.

NOTE: Consider your priorities and personal preferences when evaluating the 2016 Toyota RAV4. Even if it has superior performance, safety, and design, compare its fuel economy to its rivals. Purchasing a well-maintained used RAV4 is assured by the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned program.

Conclusion

Although the Toyota RAV4 doesn’t necessarily excel in any one area, its across-the-board competence makes it easy to recommend. A rare mix of reliability, passenger room, cargo versatility, and available hybrid economy grant wide appeal. Shoppers seeking space, practicality, and peace of mind will feel satisfied. But buyers craving more exciting performance and cutting-edge tech may prefer checking out the latest offerings from rivals. Strong resale values and ownership experience solidify the 2016 Toyota RAV4’s stance as an intelligent choice in the compact crossover segment.

FAQs

What is the gas mileage for the 2016 RAV4?

The front-wheel drive RAV4 gets 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway). The all-wheel drive RAV4 gets 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway).

Does the RAV4 come with Toyota’s Safety Sense features?

The Toyota Safety Sense package is optional on the XLE trim and standard on higher SE and Limited trims. It includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.

How much cargo space does the 2016 RAV4 have?

With the rear seats in place, there is 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity expands to 73.3 cubic feet.

Does Toyota offer any hybrid RAV4 models?

Yes, the new one for 2016 is the RAV4 Hybrid. It uses a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack. Fuel economy rises significantly to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in combined driving for the Hybrid model.