2016 Toyota RAV4 (facelift)


Toyota has announced the 2016 Toyota RAV4 (facelift). The crossover is available for the first time in a hybrid variant and is offered in five grades – Active, Business Edition, new Business Edition Plus, Icon and Excel (new grade replacing the Invincible). The entry-level Active trim level is priced from £ 23,695.

The biggest news for 2016 model year is the arrival of a hybrid variant that comes in three trim levels. The base grade for the hybrid is the Business Edition Plus, which is powered by the combination of a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired to a CVT gearbox and assisted by electric motors. The Icon and Excel trim levels get the same engine and gearbox but gain all-wheel drive.


The 2016 RAV4 comes with two more engine options – a new 2.0-liter D-4D diesel (only in FWD) and a revised 2.0-liter Valvematic petrol unit (only in AWD). Toyota Safety Sense is an integrated active safety and driver assistance package that is optional on all grades except the entry-level Active.

The base Active trim level gets a host of equipment as standard, including Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with touchscreen, six-speaker audio system with DAB radio, cruise control, sunglasses holder, rear privacy glass, leather steering wheel cover, air conditioning and electric door mirrors. On the outside, the Active sports LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloys.
The Business Edition gets the Toyota Touch 2 infotainment system with Go navigation and onboard connectivity system. Other features added are rearview camera, dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The Business Plus Edition is a hybrid-only offering and comes specified with LED front and rear lights, keyless entry and push-button start, and power tailgate.


Just below the top Excel trim level, is the Icon, adorned with 18-inch machine-finish alloy wheels and LED headlamps. Inside, there is combination leather and Alcantara upholstery on the heated front seats with the dashboard also getting an Alcantara finish. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and features power-adjustable lumbar support as well.

The cream of the crop is the Excel grade. It is lavished with Toyota Touch 2 with Go infotainment system package, leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors and roof rails. Two new exterior colours have been added to the 2016 model range – Blue Crush and Barcelona Red.

The 2016 RAV4 can be ordered now, with deliveries of the petrol and diesel models commencing by December. The Hybrid variant however will start reaching showrooms only by mid-January.