To convey a style of off-roading functionality to the RAV4 hybrid, Toyota provides a brand new Woodland trim to the lineup this 12 months. In driving the brand new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Version this week, my takeaway is totally on the constructive facet, however I’m not completely satisfied of the Woodland Version being as rugged and succesful because the non-hybrid RAV4 TRD off-road trim. Nevertheless, wanting on the collective of what the Woodland Version trim brings to the hybrid desk, it’s a superb effort by Toyota to offer hybrid consumers one thing to at the least higher match their adventurous persona.
Efficiency and Driving Character
The adventurous facet of the Toyota RAV4 pays tribute to its hybrid drivetrain, which is way livelier and faster than the non-hybrid RAV4. With such, powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder engine and three electrical motors, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Version, which comes solely in all-wheel-drive, is fairly zippy and is generally a remedy for the non-hybrid RAV4’s lackluster acceleration. The hybrid system makes a complete of 219 horsepower and is mated to a planetary transmission (variable ratio gearset) that mimics the operation of a CVT (repeatedly variable transmission) performing a good job of managing the facility and placing it all the way down to the pavement. All through the RPM vary of the engine, the system kinds issues out reasonably rapidly to regulate its almost infinite gearing ratios whereas combining the facility and on the spot torque from the electrical motors.
When working in concord, the electrical motors and gasoline engine transitions are largely seamless, with only a slight power-bump that you just really feel every so often when the motor fires as much as assist propel the RAV4. Toyota’s lengthy lineage within the hybrid world pays off with the graceful and adaptable workings of the RAV4’s hybrid system. Even the braking really feel in transitioning from regenerative braking to extra use of the friction brakes is clean and performs nicely.
The 54-horsepower rear motor seems like a pleasant energy adder as it’s the sole merchandise to propel the rear wheels. The opposite two electrical motors deal with the regen for braking and act as a starter motor for the gasoline engine whereas additionally filling energy for the entrance wheels. Collectively, the system works nicely, and also you’ll be comfortable to hit 60 mph in simply 7.3 seconds, which is over a second sooner than all of the non-hybrid RAV4 trims.
The unique components that make up the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Version, is a TRD-tuned suspension system, a Path drive mode for higher off-roading adaptability via the drivetrain, mudflaps, a 120-volt cargo space outlet, and bronze 18-inch wheels wrapped with Falken Wildpeak A/T Path 01A all-terrain tires. The TRD suspension doesn’t add the trip top that you just get on the TRD Off-Highway trimmed RAV4, however there’s a welcomed adaptive feeling that isn’t overly harsh on the highway and feels considerably succesful on mild off-roading trails. On the highway, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Version is surprisingly clean and quiet, contemplating the selection of all-terrain tires with a surprisingly good dealing with stability.
Gas Economic system
As a hybrid, the RAV4 Woodland Version makes a slight compromise in its gas consumption the place it doesn’t match the opposite hybrid trims, which is generally as a result of all-terrain tires and roof racks. Whereas different RAV4 Hybrid trims get the revered 41 mpg metropolis and 38 mpg freeway, the RAV4 Woodland Version appears to return in at about 2 mpg much less, as we noticed throughout our check getting a median of about 39.2 mpg within the metropolis, which bests the EPA estimates of 38 mpg metropolis and 35 mpg freeway. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to simply drive consciously and get 40 mpg on again roads in case you use cautious throttle functions and monitor the engine engagement factors due to the intelligent energy gauge that Toyota all the time supplies on its hybrid automobiles.
Inside and Know-how
The Toyota RAV4 makes good use of its proportions offering an accommodating cabin for many, contemplating its compact crossover classification. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Version doesn’t change a lot from another trim for the inside aside from having Woodland climate mats and fabric seats. Issues begin to make you scratch your head in how the Woodland Version trim falls in step with different trims the place it omits the choice of many fascinating options, corresponding to heated seats, heated steering wheel, sunroof, an influence liftgate, and even rain-sensing wipers. None of those options can be found on the Woodland trim whereas the less-expensive Hybrid SE trim gives such in possibility packages for an added price.
Similar to we present in earlier evaluations of the Toyota RAV4, the seating areas are accommodating with good spacing and respectable cargo room out again that may be expanded to almost 70 cubic toes by folding down the 60/40-split rear seatbacks. There isn’t any compromise for cargo room within the RAV4 hybrid versus the non-hybrid fashions.
For the 2023 mannequin 12 months, the RAV4 receives Toyota’s upgraded touchscreen and a continuation of a gauge cluster that’s largely digital aside from the analog gas and temp gauges on the best and the hybrid energy gauge on the left. The up to date infotainment unit is an identical to what’s discovered on different new Toyota and Lexus automobiles, with a simplified interface that’s intently based mostly round person profiles. Total, the system is user-friendly and might entry over-the-air updates and has wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Security
Toyota contains their newest Toyota Security Sense 2.5 suite of energetic security options and driver aids on all new RAV4 automobiles, which bundles up ahead collision warning with computerized braking, lane departure mitigation, lane preserving system, adaptive cruise management, highway signal recognition, and computerized high-beam LED headlights.
Worth
The brand new Toyota RAV4 stays aggressive in its discipline, in addition to the hybrid trims. In terms of the brand new RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Version, the pricing that’s barely above the SE trim fails to supply a number of fascinating options, as talked about beforehand, which can make the whole value of $34,360 a tough alternative contemplating what different larger trim ranges provide. Thoughts you, the bottom RAV4 Hybrid LE trim begins at $30,725 or $33,420 for the Hybrid SE trim earlier than any choices or charges.
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