Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review 2016

Gasoline-electric 4x4 fall trip improvement and quality of the cabin, and it will not change the corporate tax bill of your car like some

To coincide with the facelift fourth generation RAV4, Toyota has added the option of a hybrid power to the drivetrain line-up. It uses a set-up similar to a cousin's plusher RAV4, Lexus NX300h, with a gasoline 2.5-liter four-cylinder that is aligned with the front-mounted electric motor in the front-drive version (available from £ 26.195) and is equipped with an electric motor away in back in the version of four-wheel-drive (from £ 29,795). Toyota said the combined power output is 194bhp at every configuration, dished out by the CVT.

In both settings, take the RAV4 Hybrid 8.4sec to reach 62 mph, making it faster than the version supported by both the new 2.0 diesel or gasoline engine 2.0 was revised, though hybrid carry 105 kg weight penalty in the form of front-drive and a further 65kg in four- wheel-drive guise.

Exterior updates are focused on the front end, while the RAV4 has a soft fresh cabin with some new finishes, ambient lighting and a revised instrument binnacle displays info 4.2-inch main screen to complete the 7.0-inch touchscreen.

Despite the improvements, the cabin still clearly low rent, even over-spec, quilted leather trim driven Excel here. Hard, plastic hollow-feeling abound - most vexingly on the steering wheel boss, complete with molded-in 'stitches' - what and there was a thin padded surface.

The well-supported, four-way front seats electrically adjustable firm but comfortable, but tall drivers tested the limits of the reach and rake steering wheel, and will strive to see more than half of the seats and the drive mode button tucked heated base center console.

The rear seats have manually adjustable backrests, but not sliding. Two tall passengers can sit comfortably; three will be squeezed, especially for shoulder room.

Because storage batteries, electric hybrid boot host open compartment lifting tool that cuts of about 50 liters of cargo volume with the rear seats and doubled when they are folded. However, it is useful, symmetrical space, without a lip, although the rear seats do not fold completely flat.

RAV4 EV Hybrid Mode allows free travel emissions under 30mph. In reality, however, it is difficult to avoid the tolling gasoline engine, but in normal urban traffic remained fairly quiet anyway. The same can not be said for the ride, which does not have an easy give and bangs over the mountains, while the regenerative brakes become grabby this pedal towards the end of the trip.

Lack of compliance persist in rural roads, where the RAV4 Hybrid crammed and field, but also suffered a significant body roll. The wool steering does little to increase confidence, while the CVT causes the gasoline engine to rev noisily loud.

However, despite the relatively fast, this car was never meant to work hard. Forte is a toll road, when the ride, steering and engine all combine to make steady progress-throttle peaceful and easy, although some road noise from the wheels 18 inches.

Fans RAV4 is mainly confined to the city will be happy to know this hybrid 55.4mpg average economy is equated with urban figures, mean boss diesel version with a 4 mpg. That said, the combined return of 60.1mpg diesel will resonate more with others. Remember, too, that the Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 150 is equally efficient, and better will satisfy those looking for a gift that is more dynamic than their SUV.

RAV4 Hybrid does not have a show-stealing economy, emissions and dynamic improvement is needed to more effectively leverage technology, and also compromised when it comes to everyday driving anywhere apart from the motorway, all of which would significantly limit its appeal.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Excel AWD

Location Surrey; On sale Now; Price £30,795; Engine 4 cyls, 2494cc, petrol, plus two electric motors; Power 194bhp (combined); Torque 152lb ft at 4400-4800rpm (petrol engine); Gearbox CVT; Kerb weight 1775kg; 0-62mph 8.4sec; Top speed 112mph; Economy 55.4mpg (combined); CO2 rating & BIK tax band 118g/km, 18%

Source : http://www.autocar.co.uk/

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