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Review: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a no-brainer gas saver

Chris Woodyard
USA TODAY

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. — Even in times like these when gasoline is dirt cheap, Toyota seems to have come up with another hybrid that makes sense.

Toyota has updated its RAV4 with a new face and an optional hybrid system

In fact, it makes so much sense we're surprised that relatively few SUV buyers are expected to make the obvious choice.

We're talking about the hot-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the eighth hybrid in the brand's lineup.

The formula is achingly simple: Take a hot-selling vehicle in one of the hottest segments, compact crossovers, and give it a hybrid that adds power and fuel economy at the same time, then bring it in at a modest premium over the conventional version.

There. Easy. Mission accomplished. Yet, for all of its advantages and maybe because of the low price of gas, Toyota officials say only 10% to 15% of RAV4 sales are expected to be the hybrid. Go figure. It's a surprise for a vehicle that's so solid.

In driving through the hills rising from the Pacific in Orange County, Calif., the RAV4 performed impressively. It whipped up mountainsides with plenty of power to spare. From stoplights, it burst out running. It was that rare crossover that was fun to drive.

The hybrid's engine develops 194 horsepower, 18 horsepower more than the conventional motor. There's more torque, too. At zero to 60 miles per hour in 8.1 seconds, the hybrid is 0.9 seconds quicker, Toyota says.

When it comes to gas mileage, the hybrid is rated at 34 miles per gallon in the city, 31 mpg on the highway and 33 mpg overall. That's impressively better than the all-wheel-drive conventional version at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 26 mpg  combined.

"It's not just an MPG monster. You get better performance," says Brian Williams, one of the Toyota specialists showing off the new RAV4 here.

Yet the hybrid is priced only $700 more than the comparably equipped conventional version. The lowest-priced hybrid is $28,370, before $900 in delivery charges, and most deluxe version is the Limited hybrid at $33,610.

Inside, even the most fancy doesn't feel all that fancy. The RAV4 is meant to be a fairly humble little SUV, a nice but not necessarily plush set of wheels, and the interior reflects it.

The hybrid is the real story on the new RAV4, but as part of its freshening, it was given a sharpened look to its front-end as well. There are new LED head and running lights. And because many RAV4s are sold to women who like the space and high seating position, Toyota added a sportier SE grade to the conventional lineup that it thinks will appeal to more men.

What Stands Out

Power: Plenty

Looks: New front end

Interior: Plain

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

What? The all-wheel-drive version of one the nation's best-selling cross-overs, made better with a hybrid.

When? In showrooms now.

Where? Made in factories in Japan and Ontario, Canada.

How much? The hybrid starts at $29,270 including shipping, $700 more than its conventional counterpart.

What makes it go? A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering 194 horsepower.

How big? 15.1 feet long — keeping it in the compact SUV segment.

How thirsty? 34 miles per gallon in the city, 31 mpg on the highway and 33 overall, the EPA says.

Overall? With more power, superior gas mileage and only a $700 premium, it's hard to see how buyers can pass up the hybridized version of the popular SUV.

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