2016 Toyota RAV4: 5 Fun Things to Do Near Mount Airy

Toyota’s Beyond Zero Vision Understanding the leaps and bounds of progress the RAV4 hybrid represents, alongside other Toyota hybrids, requires you to understand Toyota’s commitment to its Beyond Zero Vision. The RAV4 is just one model representing Toyota’s broader goals for carbon neutrality across its operations. By introducing a diverse array of electric and hybrid vehicles, Toyota hopes to encourage consumers and the automotive industry as a whole to strive for more efficient practices. They’ve started by bringing hybrid vehicles like the RAV4 to the front of the automotive industry. Other key focus areas for carbon neutrality are as follows — Carbon - The planet will benefit from lower emissions (or no emissions at all if you’re driving one of Toyota’s EVs). Making energy-efficient vehicles more widely available ensures a carbon reduction likely to make an impact. Water - Toyota seeks to conserve water more effectively, acknowledging its importance as a key resource to our future. More sustainable practices and support for those restoring watersheds and cleaning up waterways are key pillars of Toyota's Zero Vision. Materials - Toyota is helping curb the “throwaway” mentality by reducing waste in packaging and re-examining its internal operations. Biodiversity - Through the protection of natural spaces and habitats, Toyota hopes to protect areas that allow for biodiversity and contribute to the areas around them. So, rest easy, knowing that when you purchase a RAV4 or any other Toyota hybrid, you’re not only reducing your own carbon footprint, you’re contributing to a larger mission for a more sustainable planet. Don’t just take this report from Toyota as a testament; the numbers themselves point to this commitment. “The company is doing well in terms of lowering CO2 emissions, and it has also reduced the weight of plastic packaging purchased by 19% between 2018 and 2022, with 93% of all waste recycled.” - Impakter Index, a Sustainability Organization. Hybrids are growing in popularity and make up a large chunk of the modern automotive industry. “Market predictions by S&P Global Mobility suggest that hybrids will constitute 24% of U.S. new vehicle sales by 2028” - Yahoo Finance. The demand for hybrids is expected to triple over the next five years. And, with new models that successfully turn heads, it’s easy to understand why car buyers increasingly consider hybrids in their car buying process. Flexibility, high fuel economy, and more environmentally friendly are major benefits of a hybrid vehicle. However, not all hybrid vehicles are created equal. Some hybrid options stand out as excellent hybrids and revolutionary vehicles. When one thinks of revolutionary, it’s hard not to picture the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This generation of Toyota RAV4 touts an impressive redesign that carries on the RAV4’s legacy of success. “With a boldly chiseled design inspired by Toyota’s tough trucks, the latest RAV4 amplifies the desirable crossover traits that made the first RAV4 an instant success over a quarter-century ago.” – Paul Hoggard, Toyota. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is just that – an instant success. The vehicle stands out as the preeminent hybrid option, with power and fuel efficiency meeting in one design. Those interested in test driving a Toyota RAV4 or some of Toyota’s other new hybrid models should visit Mount Airy Toyota. Much like the RAV4, they offer the best of both worlds as a car dealership. Top-rated customer service alongside competitive inventories. The Toyota RAV4 The RAV4 has long stood out as a trailblazer among off-roading vehicles. Some argue that the RAV4 is responsible for bridging the massive (at the time) gap between traditional off-roading vehicles and regular passenger vehicles — and they’d be right. The world first got a glimpse of the RAV4 when it came to the Japanese market in 1994 and then later to the U.S. From that moment on it has pushed the envelope as an SUV. “In the past two and a half decades, the RAV4 has helped create a whole new category of vehicles, and it’s also become one of Toyota’s top sellers.” - Amy Chao, Toyota. With multiple generations, versions of the RAV vary wildly, but they are all improvements along the path to closing the hybrid gap in the modern marketplace. Now, RAV4 drivers can have confidence in a vehicle that does everything: off-road, family transportation, and now, energy efficiency. RAV4 Features The RAV4’s accomplishments aren’t just locked to history. The 2024 RAV4 has several features that make it one of the best vehicles on the market. Performance that’s competitive, impressive utility, and technology that’s fitting of this current automotive generation. Utility - Part of being an impressive off-roading vehicle involves having options for tough situations. A high ground clearance, hands-free powerlift, and accessory power outlets make the RAV4 the perfect vehicle for camping or outdoor outings. Technology - The RAV4 has multi-information displays, which have sizes that vary on the trim, allowing you to stay in touch while on the road. The media includes an impressive front and rear parking assistance display and offers a panoramic view, making parking and navigating in tough areas much easier. Interior - The interior of any vehicle is important. The RAV4 is built with thoughtful attention to storage and space, resulting in a comfortable ride. The panoramic glass roof allows you to feel the spacious sky above you. The front and rear seats have individual vents, allowing for comfort tailored to your situation. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 - Toyota Safety Sense is something that Mount Airy Toyota has touched on a bit in our previous blogs. The RAV4 continues the tradition of offering an amazing set of safety features that protect you and your passengers. Automatic braking, automatic high beams, advanced cruise control, road sign assist, and lane departure notifications are just a few ways the RAV4 keeps you safe. Benefits of a New Hybrid What makes a powerful hybrid possible is a capable battery. Powered by a 245 V lithium-ion battery, the RAV4 can hold a substantial charge. That and its ability to utilize gasoline create an SUV ready for the long haul. This combination results in a fuel efficiency of 41/38 miles per gallon. Using a powerful battery in tandem with a traditional gasoline engine allows the RAV4 to use the battery efficiently switching to gasoline when necessary. The RAV4 shows that performance off with a 7.3-second 60-mph time, and the torque offered by a high-performance battery will be felt in and around town. The prime goes the extra mile, with a 5.6 second 0-60! Hybrids are often touted as the best of both worlds because they offer competitive energy efficiency and the convenience of gasoline. Hybrids also don’t require a plug-in, as they capture the kinetic energy generated while driving, which charges your battery without needing additional energy. RAV4s and other hybrids are available for test drives at Mount Airy Toyota. Mount Airy Toyota – The Perfect Partner in Your RAV4 Search For readers excited about the chance of getting a 2024 RAV4 Hybrid, it may be tough to know exactly where to start. Thankfully, Mount Airy Toyota is there to help. They’ve got decades of experience, and much like the RAV4, they continue to improve and create lasting relationships with everyone who gives them a chance. The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid starts at $31,475, a competitive rate for a brand-new vehicle. That coupled with Mount Airy Toyota’s specials, professional sales reps, and flexible finance department, you can get your hands on the vehicle you’ve been dreaming of. Hundreds of positive reviews position Mount Airy Toyota as the best dealership in your RAV4 search. Reviews like this one are overjoyed with their new vehicle purchase. Join those who’ve been connected to their dream vehicles through Mount Airy Toyota and get your hands on the RAV4 today by connecting with the talented team at Mount Airy Toyota.

Do Tinted Windows Really Help With The Heat? While the amount of heat reduction will vary from car to car, normal window film generally reduces heat by 35% to 45%. Is having your car’s windows tinted a practical means of keeping your car cool, or is it simply a great way to annoy other drivers? Tinting certainly can help keep the heat out of your car and therefore cause less stress on your engine, but there is a legal component to having tinted windows. In North Carolina, tinting laws came about in 2001 as more and more vehicles with darkly tinted windows were showing up on the roads. This law is specific, and since 2001 the details of the law have been modified regularly. Presently, the darkest tint allowed in NC is 35% (though there is a medical exception that allows for more tint). Law officers in North Carolina take window tinting seriously, so it is important to follow the State’s guidelines closely. If you have tinted windows and are unsure of the percentage of tint they are, pop into Mount Airy Toyota for a quick analysis–it’s better to have it checked by a professional rather than get a citation. Keeping cool inside your car doesn’t need to be a hassle. Paying close attention to your car’s temperature as you drive, and performing regular checks is the key to maintaining its ability to perform this summer. And, if you find your vehicle does need some professional attention, you know exactly where to take it: Mount Airy Toyota Service Department. Keep Your Car’s Air Conditioning Running Right: Here’s How to Keep Cool This Summer The muggy Southern days are fully upon us, and if your car isn’t cooling correctly, you are certainly feeling the heat. Your car should be a respite from the hot air and humidity, not a conductor of them, which is why it is so important to keep your car’s coolant in check by having a mechanic give a good once-over at least once a year. If you are worried about your vehicle’s ability to stay cool another summer, your first step is to check a few elements of the car yourself; your second step is to head into Mount Airy Toyota for a quick appointment to make sure everything is running properly. A vehicle’s coolant system is not only working during the summer, but it also works hard during the coldest parts of the winter. A coolant system is meant to keep the engine running at the proper temperature at all times. This is vitally important because an engine that overheats can cause permanent damage if not completely destroy the engine itself. And, no matter the weather outside, the temperature underneath the hood can get incredibly hot. Your car’s coolant system is comprised of many individual parts, including: radiator coolant fluid inside the radiator water pump fan thermostat heater core cooling jacket hoses that transfer fluids in and around your engine It’s a complex system where each part is reliant on the workings of another part, and when one goes bad the entire system can overheat and, essentially, destroy itself. An old, cracked hose or a loose cable is all it takes to degrade, and eventually, break down the engine’s ability to cool itself. Clearly, maintaining your engine’s cooling system is one of the most important things you can do in order to keep your car running well. Whether it is in the heart of summer or in the midst of winter, there are important precautionary steps you should be taking so that you never have to deal with an overheating engine nor a lack of air conditioning. What You Can Do Whether or not your car is pushing out cool air, it is important to regularly check the entire cooling system. Now, you may not be a mechanic, and this is okay. These checks are to see if there is an issue, so you can schedule an appointment with a certified mechanic. Check the Coolant Level The radiator holds the coolant, but before twisting open the radiator cap, make sure the engine is COMPLETELY cool. Otherwise, the hot liquid will spew from the opening, causing both you and your car severe damage. Once the car has cooled and you have opened the cap, look into the reservoir to make sure the fluid looks clean and clear of debris. Also, check the fluid level to see that it is not too low or too high (there should be a clear mark of where the coolant should top off). If the fluid is at the right level, but looks a bit dirty, this is a sign it needs flushed. If the coolant is low but clean, this could be a sign there could be a small leak. In the former case, make an appointment to have the coolant flushed as soon as possible; driving long periods of time with bad fluid could damage the engine. In the latter case, keep an eye on the coolant level–check it every day and especially after a substantial drive to see how quickly it is losing fluid. If you find after a few weeks that the level has remained at full, you are good. If, however, you find that it is leaking coolant, even a small amount, consider having a mechanic look at it. Chances are there is a faulty hose that needs replacing. That said, if you find puddles of coolant under your car, this could be a sign of a cracked radiator or, at best bet, a loose fitting. Regardless, it is not safe to continue a regular driving routine with a vehicle that is leaking coolant. Get this checked right away. Monitor the Temperature Gauge It is easy to gloss over those temperature gauges located behind the wheel. Over the years, it’s the big two –the speedometer and the fuel–that gets most of our attention, but it’s a good idea to add the temperature gauge to those you pay close attention to. Your car’s temperature gauge is an accurate representation of the temp under the hood, inside the engine. If ever you notice this guage running high, pull over as soon as possible and turn off the engine to let the temperature come down (the time this will take is dependent upon how long you were driving and how much time the engine had to build heat). Once you are rolling again, keep a close eye on the engine’s temperature and if the overheating persists, bring the car to a mechanic immediately. The key thing to keep in mind is that an overheating engine is nothing to take lightly. Once you see it is running hot, find the fastest and safest way to pull over and let the engine rest. Otherwise, your car could be completely ruined. Check the Fan and Hoses As with any procedure featuring the engine of your car, wait until it is completely cooled down before inspecting the fan and hoses. Locate the fan in front of your engine and look for cracks in the metal anywhere in and around the fan; also, check for loose bolts around the fan. Locate the hoses, big and small, and look for leaks, cracks, heavy wear and tear. Give each hose a light squeeze to make sure it is still firm or to see if it has stretched and thinned over the years. If you find anything that looks or feels suspicious, have your engine’s coolant system checked right away by a professional. Regardless of how confident you are in your vehicle’s coolant system, have it checked regularly–perhaps along with every oil change. The engine is your car’s heart, that from which everything else works, so take care of it!

Toyota is no stranger to dominance. Models like the Camry, Corolla and Tacoma, among others, are consistently at—or near—the top of their class in terms of sales. So, it should come as no surprise that the Toyota RAV4 is yet again the best-selling compact SUV in the U.S. in 2020. Perhaps the primary reason for the RAV4’s success is that it embodies what buyers love most about Toyota models: reliability, safety, and function. And it does so while looking handsome and refined, with just the right amount of ruggedness. Indeed, these essential characteristics are enough to make any vehicle dominate the market. But there is much more to the 2020 RAV4 than meets the eye. With lots of hidden features and upgrades, the case for buying the compact SUV grows stronger with each detail. Below, we’ll discuss some of the lesser-known features, as well as some of the most essential qualities that make the 2020 Toyota RAV4 such a stellar vehicle. And we’ll see how it stacks up against its most fierce competitors so that you can make an informed decision on which model is right for you. DID YOU KNOW? Now, let’s dive into some of those cool features that you may not have known about in the 2020 RAV4: Digital Rearview Mirror One of the coolest features of the 2020 RAV4 is its digital rearview mirror option. A camera is discreetly placed inside the back window, and a screen is embedded in the rearview mirror. By simply turning a switch at the bottom of the mirror, you can see an unobstructed view behind and to the side of the vehicle. Not only is this a neat feature, but it also increases safety, especially in times when rear visibility is obstructed from having a lot of passengers and/or cargo in the back. Bird’s Eye View 360 Camera The RAV4 camera system also includes the Bird’s Eye feature. This provides you with a clear picture in front, behind, and on the sides of the vehicle right there on the infotainment screen. Opt for the front and rear parking sonar, and you will be able to better navigate around potential obstacles like other vehicles, potholes, rocks, parking lot posts, signs, and so on. Top-Notch Rearview and Overhead View Camera These may not be quite as hidden as some of the other features, but the rearview and overhead views of the RAV4’s camera system are simply top of the class. With clear pictures on an eight-inch screen, you are well-equipped to navigate parking, backing up, and driving around other vehicles on the road without having to strain your neck or take your focus off the road ahead. Plus, there’s another awesome feature that allows you to see a simulated view of what your vehicle looks like to other drivers on the road. JBL Sound System JBL has long been one of the world’s leading audio equipment manufacturers. Simply put, its products offer some of the highest-quality sound you will find in any system. And you can opt for a JBL audio system in the RAV4 that comes with an 800-watt amplifier, a subwoofer, and 11 speakers in nine locations throughout the cabin. Digital Instrument Display There’s more impressive technology offered in the 2020 RAV4, including a hybrid digital/analog instrument cluster in front of the driver. A seven-inch digital display (or 4.2-inch, depending on the trim), shows the odometer, gear position, and other essential information, while the RPMs, fuel tank, and engine temperature are shown via analog gauges. This blend of digital and analog elements is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. All-Wheel-Drive System You can opt for Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system on the 2020 RAV4. Not only can this system send 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, but it can also sense road conditions and distribute power to the left and right rear wheels accordingly for a perfect balance. Huge Sunroof If you want your RAV4 to feel especially open and airy, upgrade to the panoramic sunroof. This turns most of the roof into one big panoramic glass, which basically makes your RAV4 a convertible compact SUV—without the inconvenience of being an actual convertible, of course. Eight-Inch Infotainment Screen As previously mentioned, you can get an eight-inch infotainment screen in your RAV4. Not only is this touchscreen more sizable than many competitors, but the screen itself sits on top of the center stack, which adds appeal to the already-handsome cabin. Plus, the screen has physical shortcut buttons that make it as easy as possible to use while driving. Class-Leading Cabin Quality Speaking of the RAV4’s handsome cabin, it also happens to be made of the highest-quality materials that you will find in a compact SUV. And cabin ergonomics are also better than any of the RAV4’s competitors. Take one cruise in the RAV4, and it’s easy to see how much work Toyota put into making the driving experience enjoyable and safe. Along with an easy-to-use infotainment system, all other essential controls are easily identified and comfortably within reach. The TNGA-K Platform Toyota just started using its new TNGA-K global midsize platform for the RAV4. Until now, all RAV4s were built on the same compact platforms as the Corolla and Prius. Upping the size of the RAV4’s platform, which is also the one used for the Camry, adds a touch of aggression and makes for a better overall appearance. Plus, it’s designed to be lighter and offers a more confident driving experience. ESSENTIAL FEATURES The 2020 Toyota RAV4 also impresses when it comes to basic features pertaining to its performance, interior, exterior, safety, and technology: Performance Every RAV4 trim comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower (which is better than many others in its class) and 184 pound-feet of torque. This is matched with an eight-speed transmission that provides smooth and precise shifting. And while there is no turbocharged engine available, the 2.5-liter engine is well-suited for the job. Plus, if you need a little more oomph, you can throw the RAV4 into Sport mode, which will enhance throttle response and allow for the RPMs to rise a little higher before shifting gears. Additionally, the RAV4 offers easy steering and is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Moreover, it grips well around turns and rides smoothly on a variety of road conditions. Interior The interior of the 2020 RAV4 is truly something to behold, especially when compared to other vehicles in its class. Both the cloth and leather seating options are supportive and comfortable, and there’s room to comfortably fit five passengers, with impressive legroom and headroom in the front and back seats. Furthermore, the RAV4 provides 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which becomes 69.8 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down. Safety When it comes to safety, it’s hard to beat the 2020 RAV4. Along with a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). On six of the IIHS crash tests, the RAV4 scored the highest rating of Good. The RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which is a class-leading bundle of safety technologies. It includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Dynamic Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams. There are also several optional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors. RAV4 AGAINST THE COMPETITION Compact SUVs make up one of the most popular segments among U.S. buyers, which means that competition is stiff. Let’s see how the 2020 Toyota RAV4 stacks up against some of its fiercest rivals: Honda CR-V Perhaps the RAV4’s biggest rival is the Honda CR-V, which is a great vehicle in its own right. The CR-V is known for providing drivers with a comfortable ride, an attractive interior, class-leading cargo space, and a ton of optional features. On the other hand, the RAV4 also boasts an impressive interior (particularly the 2020 models), and it bests the CR-V in fuel efficiency, acceleration capabilities, and standard safety features and technologies. Both the RAV4 and CR-V are among the best compact SUVs on the market, and they both receive high marks for safety, reliability, and overall quality. Therefore, it really comes down to what you want from your compact SUV. If interior comfort and cargo space are the most important factors to you, then the CR-V is a good option. However, many buyers find it difficult to pass up on the RAV4’s excellent fuel efficiency and more versatile options as far as off-road features and technologies go. Plus, with the RAV4, you get a vehicle that comes with Toyota’s unmatched reliability. Mazda CX-5 The Mazda CX-5 is another one of the RAV4’s leading competitors. Also a great vehicle, the CX-5 is tailored more to consumers who are looking for a luxurious compact SUV without the luxury price tag. It also offers three different engines, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s good for 187 horses and 186 lb-ft of torque, a turbocharged version of that same engine, and a diesel engine. Until recently, the CX-5 might have a leg up on the RAV4 in interior quality. However, Toyota has upgraded the RAV4’s interior so that it can hold its own against the competition. And the RAV4 beats the CX-5 in several categories, including fuel efficiency, reliability, ride and handling, and safety features and technologies. For the buyer who wants a well-rounded compact SUV that simply offers more, the RAV4 is a clear choice here. Subaru Forester Finally, the Subaru Forester is another respectable rival of the RAV4. The Forester, along with its sibling the Outback, have a sort of cult following among adventure seekers, much like the Toyota Tacoma. And there’s no getting around the fact that the Forester is a nice, modern, reliable vehicle. However, the RAV4 actually offers more in terms of adventure. It has a more impressive powertrain, it handles itself better on rougher terrain, and it even has two trim levels that are specifically designed for the road less traveled (the Adventure and TRD Off-Road). It’s also worth noting that the RAV4 has an edge over the Forester when it comes to cabin materials and styling. And the RAV4 has many more standard safety features and technologies. While the Forester offers its fair share of features, most of them require upgrades that come with a hefty price. Conclusion If you were only to consider the features that follow Toyota tradition (e.g., reliability, safety, function, etc.), the 2020 Toyota RAV4 would stand out among the competition. But there’s even more to the RAV4 than those essential qualities. Consider some of the lesser-known features discussed above, and compare the RAV4 with its most formidable rivals. Simply put, we like its chances. Now, the only thing left to do is to schedule a test drive at Mount Airy Toyota so that you can experience driving the 2020 RAV4 yourself!