Dana Point California- The Sunkist shores of Orange County California served as a postcard-perfect backdrop for the introduction of a gas-electric hybrid version of Toyota's highly successful RAV4 five-crossover.
Back in 1996, Japan's largest automaker planted the seeds in the North American market to the compact, car-based crossover segment, growing quickly as worthy rivals soon sprouted up. Two decades later, an impressive 2.4 million of its RAV4s (Recreational Active Vehicle, 4 doors) have been sold in the U.S.
In the 2013 model year, a fourth-generation effort arrived. In 2016, RAV4 undergoes a mid-cycle update of which the all-new hybrid takes full advantage. The 2016 RAV4 hybrid marks the eighth hybrid in Toyota's lineup and the sole gas-electric alternative represented in its segment. This gas electric hybrid version delivers best-in-class miles per gallon estimates with notably better acceleration characteristics than its gas-powered sibling.
Both versions are on their way to Chicago area dealers, with hybrids arriving in limited quantities at the start of the 2016 model year. Toyota estimates 10 to 15 percent of the 2016 RAV4 model year mix will be generated by the two gas-electric hybrid trim levels.
During a morning power point briefing session highlighting RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid, Toyota's mechanic-by-training turned marketing guru Brian Williams (no relations to CNBC's talking head) spoke at length about his pet project. "Ultimately, this vehicle is the quietest RAV4 we've ever made. It has less engine, transmission, road and wind noise than ever before."
Mr. William's also touched upon touchy-feely upgrades, "The mid-dash in all grades now has more soft-touch materials for the first time and the upper door arm of XLE and Limited is going to have more soft-touch packing. "
The addition of a plug-free, gas-electric RAV4 hybrid is a natural extension of ready-made technology and existing templates within Toyota's extended family. During the 2015 model year, Toyota's upscale Lexus division debuted the luxury-appointed NX compact crossover with a gas-electric hybrid option (the NX 300h). Much of what was gleaned along the way is now incorporated into the all-new 2016 RAV4 gas-electric hybrid. The NX shares a similar underbody platform with RAV4.
This is not RAV4's first foray into an alternative universe. Back in 2010, Toyota and Silicon Valley electric-car start up Tesla Motors announced a collaboration whereby Tesla agreed to supply pure electric drivetrains for a three year, limited-production run inside RAV4 electric vehicles.
When the dust settled, a total of 2,500 RAV4 EV plug ins were built from 2012 to 2014 with sales centered in select California cities. A once chummy relationship between Tesla's high-voltage CEO Elan Musk and Toyota quietly ended in 2014, never quite accelerating into larger potential ventures, at least thus far.
Both hybrid trims (XLE and Limited) come standard with Toyota' electronic all-wheel drive system requiring no driver input and benefitting from a rear-end electric motor driving the rear wheels. Conventional gas-powered RAV4's are available in a wider range of trims: LE, SE, XLE and Limited all offering front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Up-level Limited trims include larger 18-inch five-spoke wheels compared to the 17-inch five spoke on XLE, chrome outdoor handles, LED projector beam headlights in place of a Halogen variety and heated front seats. In addition, newly safety upgrades including rear traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and Toyota's 'Safety Sense' with pre-collision warning and pedestrian detection are standard in Limited (optional in XLE).
Pricing for a RAV4 XLE hybrid starts at $28,370 while the upmarket Limited checks in at $33,610. A note of interest; while the lowest-priced gas-exclusive LE checks in at $24,350, an all-wheel drive gas-exclusive XLE lists at $27,670, a mere $700 less than the XLE all-wheel hybrid.
Copiloting the RAV4 hybrid tester during a three-hour driving loop through OC backroads and highways; one-time Lake County resident Wayne Gerdes, the brains and motivation behind www.cleanmpg.com, a website dedicated to alternative vehicle scrutiny.
As with many gas-electric hybrids Toyota chose a fuel friendly electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the two RAV4 trims. This design, however, includes a planetary gear set assisting in quicker low-speed activity; sluggish 0-to-60 speeds remains a common criticism of rival CVTs.
Powering this model is Toyota's hybrid drive system's perfected relationship between a 2.5-liter gas engine, two electric motors, and CVT transmission coupled with a scaled down 125-pound sealed nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack stored under the rear seats. Nickel metal hydride has been the go-to choice for Toyota's best-selling Prius lift back hybrid since its first model generation (2000-2003) through the 2015 model year. Many all-electric plug-in vehicles opt for lithium Ion battery pacts providing lighter weight, but holding a prolonged, sustained electric charge has been an issue.
When pushing the circular electronic button start, the dashboard illuminates while the gas engine largely stays silent until firm action with the accelerator pedal. The gas engine also switches off at extended stops to save energy.
Regenerative braking occurs during normal driving activity. With the brake pedal pushed, electric motors switch duties, acting as generators, capturing electrical energy that otherwise would be lost as heat and stored in the nickel metal hydride battery for later use.
RAV4 measures in at the larger end of compact vehicle size, adding length during the last two generations. Honeycomb grille patterns adorn a raised up front end and enhanced lower air dam with a higher stance and new front and rear light assemblies. Hybrid badging adorns the sides and hatch of RAV4.
The instrument panel includes two circular gauges with a vertical message window between detailing hybrid specific information including an Eco power charge gauge and current miles per gallon estimates. Selectable drive modes in hybrids include: Eco, EV and Sport. The EV mode allows all-electric driving, but only for short durations (a half a mile or so) at speeds below 25 mph.
The conventional engine coupled with electric motor/generators combine for 194 horsepower, 18 more than a conventional RAV4. Those appreciating the finer points of low-end torque, providing the grunt work getting things moving, will note the hybrid's improved performance, with better acceleration than the traditional RAV4.
During a multi timed trial at a decommissioned air strip in El Toro California, Co-pilot Wayne Gerdes averaged 0 to 60 mph in less than nine seconds, about one second better than the gas-only RAV4.
In addition, hybrid towing capacity increases to 1,750 pounds vs. 1,500 in the gas-only version. The fuel tank holds 14.8 gallons of regular, unleaded fuel.
Fuel savings remains a primary motive for gas-electric hybrid purchase and RAV4 delivers with 34 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg highway. Both figures are up significantly from the all-wheel drive gas exclusive RAV4 registering 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Hybrids generate better low- speed city driving numbers since both gas and electronic technologies work together during this phase. At highway speeds, the gas engine is the primary bread winner.
2016 RAV4 Hybrid
Starting Price: $28,370
Gas engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder
Combined horsepower: 194
Overall Length: 181.1 inches
Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
Overall Height: 65.9 inches
Overall Width: 61.8 inches
Fuel economy: 34 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Curb weight: 3,925 pounds
Hybrid component warranty: 8 years/100,000 mile
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