While the Toyota brand is certainly synonymous with hybrids, it has taken almost 20 years for that fuel stingy technology to trickle down to their highly popular RAV4 compact crossover. Finally, for 2016, it has arrived, and it joins a revamped lineup that includes updates throughout the RAV4 roster. So let?s see all this fuss is worth getting charged up about.

So, while the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is not a vehicle we get overly excited about driving; its presence will none the less have quite an impact in the compact crossover segment where impressive MPG ratings are in short supply.

There?s not much outside to discern the new hybrid-ness, which is a good call we think. Over 300,000 buyers last year alone obviously agree. So, the hybrid gets you just a few additional badges and the traditional blue Toyota hybrid logo treatment.
But all RAV?s get an updated exterior for ?16 including a new front fascia with simulated skid plates, available LED headlights and tail lights, a smoother rear bumper, and sharper rocker panels.

Hardware is the now very familiar 2.5-liter I4-based Hybrid Synergy Drive setup, with 2-electric motors up front for a total system output of 194-horsepower. A CVT transmission is mandatory.

And much like the larger Highlander, a 3rd rear-mounted electric motor supplies the all-wheel-drive.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 34-City, 31-Highway, and 33-Combined. We averaged 32.1 miles-per-gallon of Regular. That?s 6 MPGs better than we re...