Skip to main content

Toyota debuts its eighth hybrid, the 2016 RAV4, in New York

Today at the New York International Auto Show, Toyota took another step in its race to become the first automaker with hybrid versions of all of its products as it debuted the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid. This development makes so much sense that is almost surprising that it hasn’t happened already.

The new hybrid RAV4 will come as part of a general refresh of Toyota’s compact crossover, and it looks to take its place as the top of the Rav4 range. To take on that challenge Toyota says that the hybrid version will boast the most horsepower and the quickest acceleration of any RAV4. Toyota also claims that this won’t come at the cost of fuel economy. For now we have to take it at its word, as the Japanese automaker hasn’t revealed any mpg figures.

As predicted, the Rav4 hybrids power and economy will come courtesy of the same powertrain that propels the Lexus NX 300h: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine mated to two electric motors, a nickel-hydride battery pack and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In the Lexus this combination is good for a combined power rating of 194 horsepower. Thanks to brand differentiation, this number may come down a bit as the RAV4 is detuned. Whether or not that will translate to better or worse fuel economy than the Lexus’s 33 mpg rating is anyone’s guess.

Fortunately, the RAV4 hybrid is getting more attention than just the powertrain. All RAV4’s will be getting a much needed styling update. The front end gets the most work, with a more aerodynamic look, and some cues from the recent refresh of the Toyota 4Runner. Elsewhere the RAV4 gets a new bumper, LED lighting, lower rocker panels, and silvered skid plates.

On the interior it appears that Toyota listened to our complaints about the outgoing RAV4, replacing the shifter bezel with stronger material, replacing the frustrating 6.2-inch touchscreen with a better 7.0-inch model, and adding more soft touch materials. These changes should go a long way towards giving the RAV4 a more luxurious feel.

Toyota also proudly announces the introduction of a Bird’s Eye View Monitor which can show drivers a 360-degree view of the car for parking in tight spaces. Toyota says this is an industry first, but except for the ability to rotate the display this would appear to be the exact same system already available from Nissan, Audi, Mercedes, and a few others.

For drivers who want a little of the driving magic of the V6 powered third generation RAV4, Toyota will be offering a sport trim, dubbed the SE. The big changes are larger 18-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters, and a sport tuned suspension.

Overall the update to the RAV4 appears to be very well done indeed. The addition of a hybrid makes the RAV4 a far more appealing option for economy and environmentally minded buyers, and the other changes go a long way towards improving the car for everyone.

Peter Braun
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Peter is a freelance contributor to Digital Trends and almost a lawyer. He has loved thinking, writing and talking about cars…
Waymo lays groundwork for robotaxi revolution
A Waymo car production line.

In recent years, Waymo has been edging toward its long-held goal of revolutionizing urban transportation by deploying a fully autonomous, scalable, and sustainable ride-hailing service. 

The Alphabet-owned company has just taken another step in that direction with the opening of a new vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, in partnership with automaker Magna.

Read more
Ram resurrects 1500 Express trim as an affordable option
ram 1500 express return affordable 2026

Ram is revving up excitement with the return of an old favorite—the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Reintroduced as a more affordable option in the full-size truck lineup, the Express trim brings back a combination of rugged style, respectable performance, and most importantly, a price tag that won’t send buyers running for the hills.

Starting at $41,105 for the base Quad Cab configuration (and just under $45,000 for the Crew Cab), the new Express offers a budget-friendly alternative in a market where full-size trucks can easily cross the $60,000 mark.

Read more
Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?
jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii  4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.

Read more