Seriously, it was a big deal when the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid poked its nose into New York at a special NYIAS 2015 debut event on the final press day for the big auto show. While some of the details on its engine remain sketchy, this new hybrid employs the same combination gas/electric battery design as the massively popular Prius.
But, the difference is — while the Prius is as ugly as a Kardashian without three hours of makeup and an expert application of Photoshop – the new RAV4 Hybrid is a fine looking vehicle. It’s a well-styled, small SUV ready for urban duty.
It promises to be very affordable compared to similarly sized German imports, and Toyota boasts it’ll have a full suite of safety features — maxing out the security for a vehicle in its size and price class. The fact that Toyota led with the safety announcements during the RAV4 hybrid rollout event could mean that the automaker still feels haunted by the Prius incidents of a few years ago.
Related: NYIAS 2015: Scion Doubles Up Debuts
Strangely enough, while I’m not a fan of the Prius and I’ve reviewed the car roughy due to its aesthetics and build quality, the research I’ve looked at clearly indicates the Prius was likely not to blame for those incidents. Still, this RAV4 is painstakingly designed to assure buyers this is an ultra-safe hybrid, offering automated pre-collision braking and other modern aids.
According to the company, Toyota Safety Sense is designed “to support the driver’s awareness, decision making and vehicle operation over a wide range of speeds.” The features focus on three key areas of accident protection — “preventing or mitigating rear collisions, keeping drivers within their lane and enhancing road safety during night time driving.”
As mentioned, there are details still hovering around out there — such as powertrain, price and the exact release date. But, when it hits the road, the new RAV4 Hybrid will offer elite mpg, safer driving and (most importantly) styling that doesn’t scream to the world, “Hey! Look at me! I’m a hybrid.”
It’ll simply roll by as a good looking SUV.
