Toyota enjoys a stature for building crossbreed vehicles that command an edge over all their contemporaries in terms of strength, style, and efficiency. The RAV4 hybrid is another example that proves its prowess in this domain. With intent to tap the untouched compact crossover hybrid segment, Toyota introduced this green car at the 2015 New York Auto Show recently. A green-themed vehicle, it is part of the extended 13-models lineup that is slated to debut in coming months.
Anatomically, Toyota RAV4 hybrid borrows its DNA from Lexus NX 300h and thus gets powered by combination of an electric motor and a four-pot 2.5-litre engine that propels on Atkinson cycle. Both these mills extract power from a standard Electronic On-Demand AWD system. Though, remaining details are unknown, Toyota claims that this setup carries a capacity to churn more than 178PS through an internal combustion system. The electric support system ensures quicker acceleration and higher fuel efficiency.
Aesthetically, the RAV4 hybrid mimics looks and style of its refreshed petrol version. It looks more ravishing with a redesigned fascia, hood, new rocker panels, and an updated tailgate. Its style statement gets a notch higher with a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The interiors of Toyota RAV4 hybrid look distinguished with an improved gauge cluster, upmarket upholstery, upfront USB port, deeper cup holders for taller mugs, an around-view monitor for parking, better build quality, and generous cargo space.
In terms of styling, Toyota has blessed this green car with a lieu of highly upgraded features that includes daytime running lights, LED lighting, and new headlights. It is also boarded with Toyota’s new Safety Sense suite constituted by cruise control, lane departure warning radar, pre-collision braking, and a few others.
With respect to variants, the Japanese car maker plans to forsake the base version which means RAV4 hybrid will be available only in mid and upper level trim. Though it’s too early to guess the Toyota RAV4’s price, we expect it to be around $23,000. Whether it will become a part of Toyota’s car fleet in India or not that is yet to be declared, but whenever it does it will be a welcome move.
