![]() ![]() The hybrid model is available only in the two topmost trims for the crossover, the XLE and Limited models. This does not make the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid perfect, though. The RAV4 Hybrid, however, has far more low-end torque output, so it accelerates much more quickly than its gasoline counterpart, doing the 0-60 mph (0-92 km/h) sprint a full second faster. Something of a Toyota hallmark, so that's no surprise. It's good enough for most and emphasizes fuel efficiency and five-seat versatility over fun. The standard gasoline RAV4 is, in general, a bit sluggish, a little drab in the chassis, and just generally not all that engaging to drive. ![]() This is also one of the most driveable RAV4s available. That's more than just best-in-segment MPG returns, that's well beyond what even the closest competitor can claim. In our real world driving for about a week, we averaged 31 mpg (7.6 l/100 km) in just over 200 miles (322 km) of driving in a highway-heavy mix and with a luggage carrier strapped on top of the roof rails. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has an EPA rating of 33 mpg combined, with 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway (7.1/6.9/7.6 l/100 km). It doesn't take an engineer to understand that removing the mechanical connections, clutches, and other power drags and weight-adds to the drivetrain is MENSA-level smart. This means that most of the time, the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid is front-wheel drive, engaging the rear drive only when it's needed. Total system output is 194 horsepower (145 kW). Instead, a single electric motor resides on the rear axle and engages when requested. The CVT does not, however, have a transfer case or physical connection to the rear wheels, so no driveshaft or other mechanicals normally associated with AWD are present to weigh down the RAV4 Hybrid. The 2.5 L four-cylinder engine under the hood powers the front wheels through the CVT, as does a pair of motors designed to act as both propulsion and power generation during regenerative braking. In fact, the drivetrain in this new RAV4 Hybrid is virtually identical to that in the NX 300h. It's the same 2.5-liter engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and electric motor/generators found in the Camry Hybrid and many others in the Toyota line, coupled with the all-wheel drive setup that debuted in the new Lexus NX 300h last year. The powertrain in the RAV4 is a relative no-brainer so far as Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive setup goes.
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