Toyota increased the amount of sound-deadening material in all RAV4 models for 2016, and it largely has paid off. The Equinox, depending on its trim level, can look pretty fancy, but base models are more utilitarian - like the RAV4 - than dressy.Īnd while Toyota has made a number of changes to the interior design, it still will look familiar to RAV4 owners, so those who wanted a complete transformation will be disappointed. The Nissan Rogue is the most luxurious of the competitors, and the Honda CR-V comes closest to matching the Rogue’s styling. I also think the materials choices look at least as good, if not better, than what everybody else is offering in this class. I was comfortable both as a passenger and as the driver during my time in the RAV4, and the new upper door padding (on all but the base Toyota RAV4s) played a part. Gone are the sometimes mismatched trim pieces and, in a move that’s particularly welcome to my eyes, the faux carbon-fiber inlays around the door lock switches are history. For 2016, all RAV4s have a more uniform interior appearance across all trim levels. SE models get a power driver’s seat, contrast stitching and a choice of two interior colors - black and black/cinnamon. Looking at the combined mileage figures, the RAV4’s 25 mpg fuel economy beats the four-cylinder, AWD Equinox (23 mpg), but it trails AWD versions of the CR-V (27 mpg) and Rogue (28 mpg). With all-wheel-drive, the non-hybrid Toyota RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined, and front-wheel-drive versions are rated 23/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined. I couldn’t help wondering if I’d accept the rough ride more if I knew that I was getting more power. While the SE models do get paddle shifters, there’s no improvement in engine response to make the pain of the ride worthwhile. What doesn’t help is that all Toyota RAV4 models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 176 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The compliance that makes the other RAV4 trim levels enjoyable to drive is largely gone. It jiggles a lot over rougher roads and greets potholes with a noticeable crash. By trying to “dial up” the suspension performance in the SE, Toyota seems to have gone too far. Non-SE models already felt more composed and sporty than the Equinox, Rogue and CR-V. The SE versions get sport-tuned shock absorbers and coil springs in addition to the 18-inch alloy wheels, and the result is a ride that’s jarring on rough roads. If you’re driving on rough roads, it becomes apparent quickly that the SE models are different from other RAV4s. You can compare the 2016 redesign to the 2015 model here. That’s not a bad thing: I think the more fluid, wildly styled designs - for example the Nissan Rogue - might look more modern now, but that the RAV4’s more conventional, angular design will wear better. The design changes are so subtle that unless you’re viewing the Toyota RAV4 from the front, it’s hard to tell that any changes were made. The SE models get unique bumper and lower grille designs, plus 18-inch wheels and LED headlights and taillights. In profile and from the rear, the changes are subtler. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is sleeker with a more angular, creased grille area than the previous RAV4. The RAV4 also is sold in a new-for-2016 hybrid version (XLE only), which is reviewed here. The test SUV cost $34,595 including a $900 destination charge. We tested a 2016 Toyota RAV4 in the new, sporty SE trim level, also equipped with the optional Advanced Technology Package that includes sonar parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Versus the competition: The RAV4’s slight update for 2016 brings it closer to the competition, but it still trails class leaders including the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. The verdict: The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is a useful compact crossover SUV, but the SE trim level is let down by a stiff ride and a high price tag.
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