Are you a young couple that puts fuel economy at the top of your vehicle buying priority list, Toyota has the hybrid vehicle you’re looking for.

The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid is ready to hit the streets with anticipated EPA ratings of 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for both the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid XLE and Limited models.

Both models come equipped with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) as standard. A second, independent electric motor drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.

 

The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid combines output from a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor through its unique transaxle. The system varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both as needed. The RAV4 Hybrid offers a combined 194 system horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds.

When drivers brake, the RAV4 utilizes regenerative braking changing the electric motor to a generator that captures the kinetic energy of the still-turning wheels when the brake is applied, storing it in the nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery pack.

RAV4 Hybrid drivers have the option of choosing from numerous operating modes including ECO mode. In EV mode, the RAV4 will run solely on the electric motor for up to 0.6 miles when driving below 25 mph.

The MSRP for the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid will be $28,370 for the AWD XLE and $33,610 for the AWD Limited. The MSRP for all RAV4 models does not include the delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $900.  The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

image courtesy of Toyota