A Powerful Alliance Between Hybrid Technology And RAV4 – The Original Compact SUV - Drives Toyota Forward In 2016 To Bolder, Better Places

(TORONTO, ON – November 27, 2015) One of Canada’s most popular SUVs meets the world’s most proven advanced hybrid technology, as Toyota Canada launches the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid. This highly anticipated all-new model – the brand’s seventh hybrid vehicle features a winning combination of space, style, capability and performance plus remarkable fuel efficiency. And Toyota is celebrating its arrival by refreshing the entire RAV4 line-up with bolder body styling, upgraded cabin finishes, and a smoother, quieter ride – plus the return of a much-loved sporty RAV4 model with the introduction of the all-new RAV4 SE grade.

“With the joining of two pioneering concepts that changed the automotive landscape, we’ve created the ultimate RAV4 line-up,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President of Toyota Canada Inc.    “By delivering on our promise of exceptional fuel efficiency, performance and design, we’re shifting people’s perceptions about hybrid cars and proving they really can have it all when purchasing a vehicle."

The RAV4 is the Toyota brand’s 2^nd highest selling vehicle and no matter which of the eight models available Canadians choose, ultimately, the RAV4 will bring forth a playful spirit from its drivers.  With its fun-to-drive versatility, ample cargo space and endless features, the RAV4 is the perfect choice for anyone that wants to get out there and go. 

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The all-new RAV4 Hybrid is built around a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive that’s been uniquely optimized for this compact SUV, with a 2.5L four cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, high-torque electric motors and continuously variable transmission. This combination delivers best-in-class City and Combined fuel efficiency of 6.9 and 7.2 litres per 100 kilometers, respectively.

Four selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport, ECO and EV) allow RAV4 Hybrid drivers to adjust vehicle efficiency and responsiveness to suit their mood and driving style.

An all-wheel-drive configuration with intelligence (AWD-i) joins numerous other Toyota handling technologies to maximize driving confidence in any road and weather conditions.

The RAV4 Hybrid XLE (Starting MSRP: $34, 465) is generously equipped with comfort, convenience and style features.  From its six-speaker Display Audio System with 6.1-inch screen, to a host of sophisticated safety and convenience-focused features like SIRI Eyes-Free and voice recognition, everything you need is right there. 

Comfort features include dual zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats, while the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats make it easy to optimize the RAV4 for up to five adults or loads of cargo.  Intuitive operation is top of mind in the driver-focused cockpit and numerous safety systems, including unique offerings like Vehicle Proximity Notification and Rear Cross Traffic Alert Systems, plus no less than 8 airbags ensure safety on the road. 

Convenience features include a powered rear hatch, keyless entry with the Smart Key System with Push Button Start and more – while style-enhancing features include heated front seats, rear privacy glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power moon roof and more.

The RAV4 Hybrid Limited (Starting MSRP: $38,265) includes several upgraded systems as well as premium comfort, convenience and style features like:

• Enhanced Display Audio system with 7-inch screen, integrated XM Satellite Radio, a navigation system and more.
• Power-adjustable (Softex leather clad) driver’s seat with seat memory system
• Instrumentation and controls enhanced with heated steering wheel & leather-wrapped shift knob, a dynamic backup camera and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated HomeLink transceiver.
• LED headlamps, daytime running lights and tail lamps, chrome door handles and a rear bumper protector.

The RAV4 Limited model may be further enhanced with an available Technology Package, which adds Toyota Safety Sense – combining a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure alert, auto high-beam and dynamic radar cruise control. Other upgrades in the Technology Package include an 11-speaker JBL Synthesis Audio System, front and rear parking assist sonar and Toyota’s Bird’s Eye View Monitor.

The 2016 Toyota RAV4

All RAV4’s have received numerous enhancements for 2016, but its introduction of the all-new sporty SE that’s got long-time enthusiasts ready to get out there and play. 

With a starting MSRP of $34,620, the popular SE Grade AWD model is reminiscent of the former, wildly popular RAV4 Sport, but with so much more to offer its drivers.  Features include a unique sport front grille and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Softex leather seats, a 7-inch Display Audio system with navigation, a heated leather steering wheel, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, and more. Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a power adjustable driver’s seat, a dynamic back-up camera, auto-dimming rear view mirror with integrated HomeLink transceiver, a power rear hatch, the Toyota Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems.  For a fresh sporty look, the new RAV4 SE also features aesthetics like unique Sport Trim including a black headliner, door trim and black exterior mirrors.

There’s lots more to learn about the updated line-up of RAV4s…

Conventionally-powered RAV4 models are built around a proven 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic Super Electronically Controlled Transmission with sequential shift mode, generating a peak 176 Horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. The RAV4 includes three selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport and ECO).

Toyota engineers have tuned the RAV4 to deliver a smoother, quieter ride and added Hill-start Assist Control to all models. Meanwhile, designers have upgraded the styling, inside and out, with a more aggressive face, redesigned front and rear bumpers, all-new wheel designs for all model grades, and a shark fin-style antenna, standard on all models. The RAV4’s new look is complemented with a fresh choice of colour schemes, including the very bold Electric Storm Blue.  New materials and components also give the cabin a more premium feel while visors with extenders and integrated overhead storage for sunglasses make driving more enjoyable on bright sunny days.

The RAV4 is available in two front-wheel-drive and four all-wheel-drive models. Front-wheel-drive models deliver impressive fuel efficiency of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometers (city/highway combined), while all-wheel-drive models feature Toyota’s active torque control system. Both drive trains are configured with numerous handling technologies – including highly responsive Electric Power Steering, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control – to maximize driving confidence in any road and weather conditions.

The RAV4 LE FWD (Starting MSRP: $24,990) and RAV4 LE AWD (Starting MSRP: $27,255) are enhanced for 2016 with rear privacy glass, blind spot convex mirrors and variable intermittent front wipers.

Either model may be enhanced with an available Upgrade Package, which adds a 6.1-inch Display Audio system with six speakers, a back-up camera, silver painted roof rails, and more.

The RAV4 XLE FWD (Starting MSRP: $29,500) and RAV4 XLE AWD (Starting MSRP: $31,650) receive numerous upgrades for 2016, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, a power rear hatch, 4.2-inch multi-information display and Toyota’s Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems. Other standard features include a 6.1-inch Display Audio system with six speakers, voice recognition and SIRI Eyes-Free, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, premium fabric seat surfaces, a back-up camera, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, a tonneau cover, chrome inner door handles, soft-touch instrument panel with stitching, 17” aluminum alloy wheels, a power moon roof, the automatic headlamp system, fog lamps and more.

The RAV4 Limited AWD (Starting MSRP: $37,500) enjoys an extensive set of upgrades for 2016, including a heated leather steering wheel, an 11-speaker JBL Synthesis Audio system with 7-inch Display Audio and navigation, Toyota Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems, Toyota Safety Sense, front and rear parking assist sonar, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, the Bird’s Eye View monitor, , auto-dimming rear view mirror with integrated HomeLink transceiver and LED headlamps, daytime running lights and tail lamps. Other features on this well-appointed model include dual-zone automatic climate control, a power adjustable driver’s seat with a seat memory system, Softex leather seating, dynamic radar cruise control, the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, a rear bumper protector, a power moon roof, fog lamps and more.

For complete and up-to-date details and specifications, visit www.toyota.ca/rav4. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid will be on sale in January 2016 at Toyota Dealers across Canada.

To learn more about Toyota Safety Sense, visit www.toyota.ca/toyota-safety-sense/en

About Toyota Canada Inc.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles.  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. Having produced more than six million vehicles, popular Canadian models built at these facilities include Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid.

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