Is the 2016 Toyota RAV 4 crush-worthy?

Have you ever had a college crush and saw them years after? That moment usually results in two possibilities—either you discover that the person is no longer as hot as before (at which point you say to yourself, “what was I thinking?”), or you find that the person got better and hotter (at which point you wish he or she wasn’t taken). 

I still remember the first time I set my eyes on a Toyota RAV 4.  I was in college and it was crush at first sight.

Perhaps it was not surprising that a college student would fall for a RAV 4. 

First introduced in the Philippines in 1997, the RAV 4 was designed to mirror an active, sporty, youthful and stylish lifestyle.  Its iconic name was derived from the first letters of the words: Recreational, Active, Vehicle, combined with the number 4 (standing for 4x4).

Last December 7, Toyota unveiled the 2016 RAV 4. After more than a decade since our first meet, I was yet again captivated by the RAV 4. 

The new 2016 RAV 4 has a refreshed, sleek and sexy look, plus enhanced features to make it the best RAV 4 version to date. Its stylish 17-inch aluminum wheels, Daytime Running-Lights, LED headlamps, and headlamp-leveling give the RAV 4 a more sophisticated and sportier look.

The new RAV 4 is designed to be more fuel-efficient, thanks to its engine and augmented by its tires’ low rolling resistance.  Some of the RAV4’s new safety features include knee airbags (aside from its standard front, side and curtain airbags), vehicle stability control, Hill-Climb Assist Control, and Downhill Assist Control.

But like an old crush who retained some of the same endearing qualities underneath, the new RAV 4 is powered by the same reliable engine: a 2.5-liter, Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent engine). 

The 2016 RAV 4 now comes in different grades (4x2 Active, 4x2 Active+, 4x2 Premium and 4x4 Premium), and in more colors (Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Bronze Metallic, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Black Mica and White Pearl).

Years after I first laid eyes on the RAV 4, I am reintroduced to its better, hotter, sexier version. But the best part about it is, I don’t have to worry that it’s already “taken” exclusively by someone else.