Start Spreading The News: 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Debuts At New York International Auto Show

• New 2016 RAV4 to Offer Seventh Hybrid in Toyota Lineup
• More Horsepower, Better Fuel Economy Than Conventional RAV4
• Refreshed Exterior Styling and Updated Interior Across the RAV4 Lineup
• New SE Grade Provides Sport-Tuned Suspension, Premium and Sportier Styling

(NEW YORK, NY – April 2, 2015) There’s a new hybrid in town, and it’s called RAV4. Toyota Canada has been the overwhelming gas-electric hybrid sales leader since 2004.  Now, 15 years after the first Prius was sold in Canada, Toyota has unveiled its seventh hybrid offered 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. Better fuel economy 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 and 18-inch alloy wheels and ten exterior colours (including 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 colours (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
• Soft touch material on upper door panel and lower dash

Additional convenience technologies include available front and rear parking sonar, available Smart Key, and integrated garage door opener (standard on Limited grade). All RAV4 SE and Limited models will come standard with SiriusXM All-Access Radio with a 3-month complimentary trial. 

RAV4 will also offer a new available 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:

• Unique 18-inch Alloy Wheels
• LED Headlights and Taillights
• SofTex Seats with power driver’s seat and contrast stitching (also on Limited)
• Black interior
• Lower grill design
• 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display with a meter cluster, twin dials, red illumination and red pointer
• Distinctive interior with Black headliner and gunmetal finish

Toyota Safety That Makes Sense

The 2016 RAV4 will be among the first North American 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 available on 2016 RAV4 Limited grades. 

Small SUV Utility Plus Hybrid Fuel Economy Equals $avings      

The RAV4 started the small SUV segment craze 20 years ago.  Five years later, Toyota introduced hybrids to the North American market, raising the bar for excellent fuel economy at an affordable price.  Each has helped change the automotive landscape.  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 fuel efficiency of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.  

About Toyota Canada Inc.
Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles.  Celebrating its 50th anniversary in Canada, Toyota has sold over 4.6 million vehicles in Canada through a national network of 285 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships.  Toyota is dedicated to bringing safety, quality, dependability and reliability in the vehicles Canadians drive and the service they receive.  TCI’s head office is located in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver.  Toyota operates two manufacturing facilities in Canada which build popular Canadian vehicles: Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid and just celebrated production of its 6 millionth vehicle.

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