The spunky RAV4 didn't invent the small crossover segment, but did come to popularize what's now one of the fastest-growing genres of vehicles sold in America.
The year was 1996 when the first-generation RAV4 hit streets stateside. RAV4 translates to 'Recreational Activity Vehicle, with available four-wheel drive.' Back then, three-door and five-door hatchback body styles hit dealership lots, although three-door versions retired at the start of Gen Two.
Toyota's RAV4 was different than most other compact utility-type vehicles of the time because of car-like underpinnings designed for on-road comfort, not off-road side trips. The uni-body-type platform replaced the bouncier, heavier, body-on-frame design.
Consumers quickly embraced the idea, so too did watchful competitors as sales and buzz surrounding RAV4 skyrocketed.
In 2016, expect a mid-cycle update of RAV4's fourth-generation effort, which has grown in girth (closing in on mid-size dimensions). Also joining the fray; yet another gas-electric hybrid. Toyota remains synonymous with gas-electric hybrids as it sells more worldwide than any automaker. The RAV4 hybrid marks the first gas-electric hybrid in the compact crossover arena and signals the eighth gracing Toyota's lineup. Eventually, the RAV4 hybrid is expected to generate 10 to 15 percent of total RAV4 sales volume.
Mid-cycle exterior updates found in our gas-powered SE trim tester include a raised front end with its nose pointed out a bit; boasting a thin upper portion and bold trapezoidal lower section and all-new headlight and tail light assembly. Protective skid plates now reside below front and rear ends. Overall stance is raised as well.
Hill start assist now comes standard in all grades, preventing automatic transmission roll back on an incline (by maintaining brake pressure) when lifting the right foot from the brake to accelerator pedal.
"Ultimately, this (2016) vehicle is the quietest RAV4 we've ever made. It has less engine, transmission, road and wind noise than ever before," commented Brian Williams of Toyota's marketing department during an earlier press briefing. Automakers strive for low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels and this RAV4 incarnation delivers similar results often enjoyed inside luxury-branded crossovers of any size due in part to an acoustic noise reducing-windshield.
During a Fall-time get away to southern Wisconsin, RAV4 gave notice of its sounds of silence when cruising along. Wind noise at consistent highway travel was close to inperceptable and conversations could continue sans shouting.
RAV4 U.S. sales in the 2015 calendar year finished at a record-setting 315,412 units, up 17 percent from 2014, qualifying it for bronze status among Toyota-brand products. The two vehicles topping RAV4 sales: the mid-sized Camry (America's best-selling car) and compact Corolla sedan.
The sole conventional gas engine, a 2.5-liter four cylinder returns from last year, cranking out 176 horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Drivers choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive with dynamic torque control (front-to-rear torque ratio varies from 100:0 to 50:50). The hybrid version solely connects to an all-wheel drivetrain with fuel estimates of 34 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Gas-powered RAV4's with front drive generate a segment competitive 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (subtract 2 miles each category with all-wheel drive). Four available trims (one more than 2015) include LE, XLE, all-new-for-2016 'athletic' SE and top-trim Limited. Hybrid RAV4's offer two grades: XLE and Limited.
Our tester, a naturally-aspired gasoline-powered SE featuring all-wheel drive, started at $30,665. After adding a $3,030 Advanced Technology Package and $900 destination charge, the bottom line fell to $34,595. The lowest-price front-drive LE starts at $24,350.
The advanced technology package (also available in Limited) includes a nifty bird's eye camera with perimeter scan, front/rear parking sonar, radar cruise control and upgraded JBL audio system with upgradable/integrated Navigation updates through participating Smartphones.
Strap-like handles retain exterior vehicle body color. Protective cladding surrounds wheel wells and lower frames to deflect wayward stone dings. Since the introduction of the fourth-generation in 2013, RAV4 top-hinged its rear hatch, introducing a more conventional lift-up motion. Prior generations hinged the door on the left side, creating a refrigerator-door type swing out. This update allows for a power-operated version available in upper trims with six pre-set height settings.
Inside, an upscale ambiance welcomes drivers, miles away from the first generation's basic layout. A soft, well-padded mid-dash lip meanders from just right of the steering column ending at the glove boxes' upper portion. Push button start, found on the lip's left edge, resides away from direct interference of the manually tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
The SE trim's gauge cluster resembles one found in most mid-size Camrys with two circular analog gauges flanking a 4.2-inch multi-information display scrollable via steering wheel's 3 o'clock face buttons. The new SE trim comes with two available interior color choices: black or cinnamon.
A six-inch, user-friendly multi-function touch screen comes standard with side twist dials for volume and selection. Our SE included the optional seven-inch variety. A three-month trial subscription of SiriusXM satellite radio comes standard in XLE, SE and Limited. Below the serpentine lip's central stop, a row of command buttons including selecting Eco/Sport driving mode, heated front seats and auxiliary/UBS plug-in ports. This portion of the padded lip extends out in generous fashion to house ventilation functions with two dual-zone temperature dials and toggle buttons for raising/lowering fan speed and desired mode direction.
Not long ago advanced technologies, such as radar-enhanced cruise control, would never be found in a compact-vehicle offering; all that's changed. Drivers still remain in control, with quick deactivation similar to standard cruise control; just step on the brake pedal. The new technology slows and speeds RAV4 automatically to a pre-set cruise speed. Like most Toyotas of the past two decades, summoning cruise control, radar style, involves tapping a small, rectangular five-o-clock steering wheel appendage with taps and pushes.
Supportive front bucket seats (a comfortable 'sofTEX' material in SE and Limited) include a driver's power seat that motors up and down. Two cup holders reside between the seats, one fore of the transmission shifter, one backside. The arm rest/storage bin includes a shallow top tray with deeper storage below.
Headroom remains more than ample both front and back. Second-row seatbacks fold with a 60/40 split onto cushions with bridges folding down over the gap sometimes exposed between the cargo edge and lower back rests. Generous leg room considering its compact size allows three adults a comfortable sitting.
Currently, RAV4 production takes place in Asia. By 2019, production of both RAV4 gas and gas-electric hybrid models moves to the Cambridge North assembly plant in Ontario, Canada.
In 2017, Toyota Motor Sales USA celebrates 50 years since establishing its first dealership in swanky Hollywood, California. In 1958, two vehicles bearing the Toyota badge went on sale, the Land Cruiser all-purpose vehicle and the short-lived Toyopet Crown sedan.
2016 Toyota RAV4Price as tested: $34,595
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder
Horsepower: 176
Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
Overall length: 181.1 inches
Overall width: 72.6 inches
Overall height: 65.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,630 pounds
Fuel Economy (AWD): 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles