Toyota releases details on new 2016 RAV4 including new SE
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.
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