RAV4 hybrid coming?

So, it won't be Limited to the Limited model. However, I kinda like the Limited model now, and I'm thinking the SofTek may be advisable with the kids, although we'll be using a seat cover regardless.

Hopefully there will be no limitations in terms of availability of AWD across the hybrid line.

My main beef with the Lexus NX was the price. So, I didn't bother test driving it either.

I'd like to see the 2016 RAV AWD Limited Hybrid come in at well under CAD$40000 MSRP. The 2015 RAV Limited is CAD$34345 MSRP (after $1500 rebate).

The 2015 Camry Hybrid XLE is CAD$34800. The 2015 Camry XLE is $31040, so a CAD$3760 price difference. And as Tideland Prius has mentioned elsewhere, the Camry XLE V6 is priced exactly the same as the Camry Hybrid XLE.

Meanwhile, the Lexus NX 300h is CAD$59450 MSRP. Assuming a RAV4 AWD Limited Hybrid is well under $40000, that Lexus represents a 50%+ increase in cost. Yeah, we could afford that, but it's not worth it to us.

 

The Venza is priced in Canada as follows:

$27930: Venza (after $2000 rebate)
$32275: Venza XLE (after $2000 rebate)
$28685: Venza V6 (after $3000 rebate)
$28730: Venza AWD (after $3000 rebate)
$33075: Venza AWD XLE (after $3000 rebate)
$35715: Venza AWD Limited (after $3000 rebate)
$30485: Venza V6 AWD (after $3000 rebate)
$34830: Venza V6 AWD XLE (after $3000 rebate)
$37470: Venza V6 AWD Limited (after $3000 rebate)

I like the Camry myself, but we need at least one "hauler" so a hatchback is preferred for one of the cars. Not to truly haul stuff as in a trailer, but to put big bulky stuff in. My wife doesn't like sedans either and prefers small SUVs, but currently drives a Yaris. My PiP is fine as a small hauler for now, but if/when we get a RAV4, she'll have her own small hauler. Furthermore, we already know the current RAV4 non-hybrid has ample room for our rear-facing car seats.

I won't bother putting a hitch on my Prius. In my 2004 Prius my 2" hitch would scrape the road over bumps. I didn't pull a trailer, but it was just used for a hitch-mounted bike rack and very occasionally for a hitch-mounted cargo rack. If we get that small crossover/SUV, the hitch mount would go on that instead.

 

At different times, in my 2004 Prius, I've put 8-foot long 2x4s, a full-length door, and a short church pew (which I use as a dinner table bench), all with the hatch closed. For the church pew, the guy thought I was smoking something when I said I'd pick it up in my Prius. He was convinced I'd have to rent a truck or something. Was he ever surprised when I put the thing in and closed the hatch.

Hmmm...

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Will Officially Debut in New York - autoevolution

We've been told by Toyota dealers that this new RAV4 Hybrid model will also be sold in Europe and Asia. The powertrain is likely to consist of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor.. The combined output will come to around 200 horsepower and it's routed to the wheels through a specially designed continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Interestingly, the NX 300h is 2.5 L + electric, for 194 hp with CVT.

So far I have not seen mention of availability in Canada, but I'm thinking it will most likely be available in Canada too.

 

I notice you have no AWD in your hybrid price predictions. I also notice that the two pix we've seen so far don't show "AWD". I hope this is not a sign that Toyota decided to forego AWD this time around for the RAV4 hybrid. because if they do only come in FWD (like the EV), we may just skip it.

My price predictions (based on no real knowledge) were a tad higher than yours (although still under $40000), but that was based on my assumption that there would be AWD versions like the Lexus NX 300h.

 

Sorry, I may be mixed up with his post. I got the impression he was suggesting that the Hybrid RAV4 Limited would be $37500 but without AWD/4WD.

 

That's what I think too. FWD-only hybrid wouldn't be so popular for an SUV, even a small one.

 

The Thursday event will be livestreamed by Toyota here:

2015 NY Auto Show on Livestream

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This TopSpeed article summarizes their predictions about the RAV4 Hybrid specs, incl. drivetrain, trim, gas mileage, and pricing.

All guesses, but reasonable guesses.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | car review @ Top Speed

 

No RAV4 Hybrid for Australia:

NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid not for Oz

Meanwhile, in Canada:

 

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--There’s a new hybrid in town, and it’s called RAV4. Toyota has been the overwhelming gas-electric hybrid sales leader in the U.S. since 2000. Now, 15 years after the first Prius was sold in the U.S., Toyota has unveiled its eighth hybrid offering as part of the refreshed 2016 RAV4.

Launching this fall, the RAV4 Hybrid will be targeted towards young adventure-seeking couples looking for a vehicle that provides utility, versatility, capability and excellent fuel efficiency.

Looks Great and Less Filling

Fewer fill-ups will become the norm with the addition of a new, fuel efficient RAV4 Hybrid. Higher MPG comes without sacrifice as the RAV4 Hybrid will deliver more horsepower and better acceleration than the conventional RAV4.

A no compromise vehicle, the RAV4 Hybrid will be offered in two premium grades: XLE and Limited. Both grades will be equipped with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i). Also available will be unique 17-inch alloy wheels and six exterior colors (Super White, Blizzard Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl and a new BLUE).

Making the Grade(s) With Refreshed Styling and New Technologies

The conventional gas version RAV4 will come in four grades: LE, XLE, Limited and the new SE. Together with the new Hybrid XLE and Limited, all 2016 RAV4 models will feature refreshed exterior styling, providing a sleeker, more dynamic appearance. It starts with a new, stronger looking front fascia with an available LED trifecta (Headlights, Daytime Running Lights and Hi-Lo Headlights). The new styling extends along the lower rocker panel to the rear bumper for a flowing visual appeal. A new rear bumper and lift gate with available LED taillights add a premium touch. Additional new exterior features include front and rear silver skid plate garnishes on most models and a standard shark fin antenna. An all-new wheel lineup and three new exterior paint colors (Silver Sky Metallic, Black Currant Metallic, and Electric Storm Blue) round out the exterior design.

Toyota listened to customer feedback and added more refinement and technology to the interior. New features include:

• Improved interior quality with more premium materials
• Available 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display in a revised gauge cluster
• Available 7-inch touch-sensitive display audio touch screen
• Leather steering wheel (excluding LE)
• Updated interior shifter and window/lock control bezel material
• Revised cup holder design to accommodate tall mugs with handles
• New sunglasses holder
• Additional USB added to front and one 12V power outlet added to rear
• New interior colors (Tan, Beige and on SE a Tan/Black combination)
• Soft touch material on upper door panel and lower dash

Additional convenience technologies include front and rear parking sonar, available Smart Key, and a Homelink® garage door opener (standard on Limited grade). The LE grade will have an available Scout cell phone based navigation system. All RAV4 XLE, SE and Limited models will come standard with SiriusXM All-Access Radio with a 3-month complimentary trial.

RAV4 will also offer a new Bird’s Eye View Monitor. This Toyota-first technology utilizes four cameras that are mounted on the front, side mirrors and rear of the vehicle to give the driver a panoramic view of their surroundings. The system offers drivers assistance when parallel parking, and when pulling in and out of parking spaces. The Bird’s Eye View Monitor system also has an industry-first feature called Perimeter Scan, that gives drivers a live rotating 360 degree view of what is around the vehicle, helping them see objects that could be in the way.

RAV4 SE: Sporty Looks, Spirited Driving

The new SE grade features a sport-tuned suspension, providing a more dynamic and responsive driving experience. The SE also adds premium convenience features and performance styling cues, inside and out. Additional equipment and sporty design cues unique to the SE include:

• 18-inch Alloy Wheels
• LED Headlights and Taillights
• SofTex Seats with power driver’s seat and contrast stitching (also on Limited)
• Two interior colors (Black and Black/Tan)
• Bumper and lower grill design
• 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display with a meter cluster, twin dials, red illumination and red pointer
• Distinctive interior with Black headliner and gunmetal finish
• Paddle shifters

The SE will also include an S-Code paint design consisting of three available upper exterior colors (Super White, Black Sand Pearl, and Electric Storm Blue) mated to a Classic Silver Metallic on the lower trim of the vehicle.

Toyota Safety That Makes Sense

The 2016 RAV4 will be among the first U.S. models with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking. TSS bundles cutting-edge safety technologies including:

• Pre-Collision System
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Alert
• Automatic High Beams
• Pedestrian Pre-Collision System
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

TSS will be standard on 2016 RAV4 Limited grades.

Small SUV Utility Plus Hybrid MPG Equals $avings

The RAV4 started the small SUV segment craze 20 years ago. Five years later, Toyota introduced hybrids to the U.S. market, raising the bar for high MPG at an affordable price. Each has helped change the automotive landscape in the U.S. The arrival of the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid will be a natural fit for young buyers seeking the winning combination of affordable SUV utility and the high MPG of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos and video to accompany this story are available and can be retrieved in digital form by media without charge at http://www.toyotanewsroom.com.

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Craig Taguchi, 310-468-3282
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