2016 Toyota RAV4 SE AWD

When driving the RAV last night, I attempted to make a lane change; kind of last minute. It’s amazing I didn’t get clipped, as out of nowhere, I saw a minivan passing me on the right. I never saw him coming, nor did the light illuminate in the RAV’s side mirror. Not familiar with just how this technology works, I wonder if maybe the minivan was out of the range of the RAV’s sensor and/or, the van just came up too quickly.

Fortunately for all, I saw the van in time to swing back into the lane, so it’s hard to know if I saved me from an accident, or a function of the RAV’s technology saved me. Perhaps, like most things in life, the system isn’t full-proof.

I am also getting accustomed to the touch screen to operate the sound system. It can be annoying at times, as it often prompts me to save a station when I’m simply trying to change the station. One must make sure to press the exact area required, otherwise, you’ll end up somewhere you don’t want to be.

This writer longs, at times, for the simple buttons and knobs of cars past. Improved technology doesn’t necessarily equate to easier use. But then, I didn’t grow up with much of modern technology.

The Toyota RAV4 hasn’t always been the most exciting compact crossover, but it has been very popular, particularly with women drivers. For 2016, the RAV gets a few changes: A new trim package, for one. With seating for five, the, 5-door compact crossover is now available in 4 trims—the base LX, the up-featured XLE, the sporty and new-for-2016 SE, and the Limited. Both front-wheel-drive (FWD), and all-wheel-drive (AWD) are available; the later an option. We especially like the new black-painted accent wheels, much like those on the last few Toyota products we’ve tested. Sharp look.

The RAV4 grille is a new look for 2016. LED running lights and headlights are standard on the more expensive trim levels, as are silver-tinted skid-plates. Three new exterior colors are now available, along with a upgraded interior, and new optional safety package

Toyota RAV4 will also be available in a hybrid version in 2016.

The engine in the RAV4 is a four-cylinder, as it has been; 2.5-liter. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard fare, and our SE AWD test vehicle is equipped with paddle shifters, as well.
The RAV4 sports standard 17-inch tires and steel or alloy wheels. Opting for the XLE and Limited trims will get you the 18-inch tires and wheels. The power sunroof is standard on the new SE and XLE, Ltd versions. Side mirrors are not only adjustable but also heated. Suspension on the SE version is sport-tuned, but with a ride that isn’t harsh.

New for 2016 is the 4.2 inch information display/gauge cluster. Standard Bluetooth, CD-player (slowly becoming obsolete), upgraded Entune infotainment, satellite radio and HD radio are also a part of the package. The RAV4 now has a 7-inch screen-and as we noted-“touch” screen. Even when opting for the entry-level LE trim version, consumers can expect the basic Entune, with ‘budge-priced’ voice-activated nav.

Cloth and leatherette interior are standard on the RAV4, as are power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and reclining rear seating. A power liftgate is included on some higher versions. Paddle shifters are standard on the new SE version, as well as different sport-style gauges.

Our test RAV4 SE ute came equipped with the Advanced Technology Package which includes Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, front and rear parking sonar, Entune, Premium JBL audio with integrated nav and App suite and Toyota Safety Sense, Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, steering assist, auto high beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control ($3,030).

We couldn’t get used to the automatic high bean feature and found it counter-productive. Having it demonstrated might have left a better taste, but we elected not to use it. When it was needed (by this driver), it didn’t come on. In all fairness, I might have missed the learning curve.

As expected in all Toyota vehicles, the standard safety equipment for the 2016 RAV4 is plentiful, and includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and the driver’s-side knee airbag that adorns the current versions, with the already-noted LED daytime running lights now added. Higher trims will also boast such added standard safety features as turn-signal-integrated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and front fog/driving lights.

The RAV4 has held well over time and owners most often report excellent reliability, good fuel economy and all-around driver comfort. Appearing in showrooms just recently, the improved 2016 RAV4 will again compete with the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Jeep Terrain.

SPECS

MSRP: $30,665; total vehicle price $34,595; destination $900
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, DOHC w/dual VVT-I, 176 hp., 172 lb.-ft. torque
Wheelbase: 104.7 in.
Height: 67.1 in.
Width: 72.6 in.
Length: 181.1 in.
Wheels: 18-inch Machined alloy with black-painted accents
Tires: P225/65R17
Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 gal.
EPA fuel economy: 24 mpg city/31 highway/26 combined in FWD versions, and 22/29/25 in AWD
Warranty: 3 yr./36,000-mile basic; 2 yr./25,000-mile free maintenance; 5 yr./60,000-mile drivetrain