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Toyota has announced changes to the 2016 RAV4 intended to address owner feedback and improve the popular compact crossover. In addition, the new RAV4 will be one of the first of Toyota’s lineup to receive the new Toyota Safety System, a suite of safety products that undercut the industry standard pricing. The RAV4 refresh touches just about every aspect of the vehicle, and there is even a new trim level.
2016 RAV4 New Styling
The 2016 RAV4’s styling changes start up-front. The front fascia is now bolder, and LED lighting is now available. The sides are slightly changed and there is also a new rear bumper and tailgate. A silver colored skidplate is part of most trim levels.
Inside the new RAV4, there are more soft-touch materials. There are more USB ports for phones and an available TFT multi-information screen in the new gauge cluster. The leather steering wheel is now found on all but base LE trims. Homelink garage door operation finally arrives on the Limited trim.
New 2016 RAV4 SE Trim
The big news is a new SE trim for the 2016 RAV4. This trim is intended to be more sporty and thus has the 18inch wheels we found to make the ride too firm and jittery on prior models. We will wait until we test it to see if the ride has changed. The SE has a power driver’s seat and the SofTex seating of the limited. Interior colors are black and a new Black/Tam combination.
New Safety for 2016 RAV4
Also new is the TSS system. Forward collision prevention, lane keeping, automatic high beams, pedestrian collision prevention, and adaptive cruise control make up this system. It will be standard on Limited and optional on other trims at an approximately $500 price adder, much less than other manufacturers are charging for similar equipment. Toyota changed the 2015 RAV4's structure and it earned a Good rating on all IIHS crash tests. Coupled with the new forward crash prevention technology, the RAV4 should move to the highest possible safety rating of Top Safety Pick Plus in 2016.
Look for the new 2016 RAV4 late this year.
Related News on RAV4:
Toyota announces all-new RAV4 Hybrid – first photo
Watch the 2015 Toyota RAV4 beat Forester, Cherokee and CR-V in snow
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Comments
JG: "This trim is intended to
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JG: "This trim is intended to be more sporty and thus has the 18inch wheels we found to make the ride too firm and jittery on prior models." Toyota continues to just about ruin many of the positive aspects of their vehicles, including the Avalon, buy installing wheels/tires (18s & 19s) that are a total detriment. With the current trend of the RAV4, I wish I'd bought two 2012 V6s rather than just the one I have.
Like you, my family could
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In reply to JG: "This trim is intended to by Mark Day (not verified)
Like you, my family could also use a second old Highlander (short wheelbase, same size as new RAV4). I am starting to look around...Son turns 16 in 3 months.
JG - Rav4 had structural
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JG - Rav4 had structural changes on the 15MY version in order to pass IIHS small frontal overlap test
I am embarrassed I didn't
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In reply to JG - Rav4 had structural by BJ (not verified)
I am embarrassed I didn't know that. Thanks BJ. I cannot believe Toyota didn't make more noise about that! For anyone interested, here is the IIHS test result for the 2015 - a Good rating: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2015 The story above was edited after BJ pointed out the error.
When will it get the 3.5 V6
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When will it get the 3.5 V6 again? That is the only reason I am not upgrading my 2010 RAV!
As a V6 07 Highlander owner I
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In reply to When will it get the 3.5 V6 by Toxophilite CA (not verified)
As a V6 07 Highlander owner I know exactly what you mean. I don't think the V6 will return to the RAV4 sadly. I do think the 2.0t from the Lexus NX might in the next big redesign though. Not the same power as the 3.5 V6, but it has great torque. LexYoda is letting the 2.0t season in the NX for a year or two minimum though.