2019 RAV4 is out

Toyota really should have put far more aggressive wheels and tires on the Adventure. Maybe next year's model.
 
Make no mistake, the Passport does not have SH-AWD. That is exclusive to Acura models only. That being said, it looks a ton better than the RAV 4 and has stronger amenities.

It is the same. I-VTM4 is SH-AWD. It has the same rear diff with wet clutches to distribute torque left and right.

https://salestraining.honda.com/en/...eering/Intelligent-Variable-Torque-Management

In other words, like SH-AWD, it will over-drive the outside wheel around a corner for better handling. In fact, it can be argued that i-VTM4 is more advance than SH-AWD because iVTM4 also has off-road modes (mud, sand, rock, etc).

EDIT: from another site:

Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD System

The Pilot's available new Intelligent VTM4 (i-VTM4) is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system offered in a mainstream, three-row SUV. This entirely more capable system progressively distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles and, for the first time ever in a Honda vehicle, dynamically distributes engine torque between the left and right rear wheels using the new, lightweight rear drive unit. Benefits include superior all-weather handling and neutral, accurate steering under power that is unmatched by front-drive, rear-drive or conventional all-wheel-drive systems.

Intelligent Traction Management

This new Pilot features a new button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System that offers different operating modes, for the AWD: Normal, Mud, Sand and Snow; and for the FWD: Normal and Snow. Reflecting Pilot's role as a key U.S. export model, this system was developed, tuned and tested at various locations in the U.S. and around the world – including Imperial Dunes “Glamis”, California; Moscow, Russia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Intelligent Traction Management system allows the driver to select the operating mode that best suits the driving conditions by simply pushing a button on the vehicle's center console. Based on the setting selected, the system adjusts the drive-by wire map, transmission shift map, Vehicle Stability Assist™ and i-VTM4 torque distribution for AWD equipped models for optimal performance in varying road or surface conditions.
 
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For my next vehicle (daily driver), the Passport would be the 'Goldilocks' vehicle.

Not too big and not too small...just right...
 
I really like our 2015 RAV4 Ltd/AWD, but a 4R is next for us. I do like the new RAV, but to build one out similar to ours with a few extra goodies and it ended up being $39k...

Much rather spend that amount on a TRD ORP and have something much more capable, roomier. Plus, those 19" wheels start to limit tire choices, however the Contis we use have been pretty good.

Our past experiences with Honda have been bad, so we're staying away from them.
 
I like my 2015 RAV4 as well. We got the bare bones LE model for $26,000 OTD. It buzzes on concrete pavement and has the infamous startup rattle. But we love it. It's much easier to drive around town than my 4Runner. We've taken it on a long trip once and will never again, the 4R is much more comfortable.
The RAV4 is fine for smooth gravel or dirt roads but you'll find you made a huge mistake the first incline, mogul, soft sand, or mud you come to. We scratched the exhaust header pipe (the lowest hanging part) and could've done worse.
For light snow and ice, it's actually grippier than the 4R. It's a freakin' snow eater!
We've been considering the new RAV but I think I might go Tesla Model 3, that should cover the spectrum for us.
 
Toyota really should have put far more aggressive wheels and tires on the Adventure. Maybe next year's model.

What's sort of a head scratcher to me is that the Adventure model comes with bigger 19in. wheels, but in the same overall diameter. Which means much less sidewall. Now I know the RAV4 is not designed to be a hardcore offload machine, but it seems like they would have gone for more sidewall on that model.

Now, you also have 2019 Honda Passport, which i think is a better deal. The AWD system of the Passport is better i think (SH-AWD + dirt/sand/rock modes). Bigger (tons of storage), V6.

Never even occurred to me to look into the Passport. I like the size of it on paper. Also like that it comes with a V6 and has cargo space more comparable to my 4Runner. Going to definitely take a look at one.
 
What's sort of a head scratcher to me is that the Adventure model comes with bigger 19in. wheels, but in the same overall diameter. Which means much less sidewall. Now I know the RAV4 is not designed to be a hardcore offload machine, but it seems like they would have gone for more sidewall on that model.



Never even occurred to me to look into the Passport. I like the size of it on paper. Also like that it comes with a V6 and has cargo space more comparable to my 4Runner. Going to definitely take a look at one.

Check out the thread i started this morning on Passport: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-topic/266092-2019-honda-passport.html

I don't have much...just propaganda. :D After hearing dismal MPG on the Sequoia and the fact that i drive 33-35k miles every year, i need something that is all-weather and with decent ground clearance...but cannot be too expensive because of miles that i put on the car. I really do want a 3rd row seat because sometimes i carry my parents with us on short trips. But there's always Uber for them. :D
 
Check out the thread i started this morning on Passport: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-topic/266092-2019-honda-passport.html

I don't have much...just propaganda. :D After hearing dismal MPG on the Sequoia and the fact that i drive 33-35k miles every year, i need something that is all-weather and with decent ground clearance...but cannot be too expensive because of miles that i put on the car. I really do want a 3rd row seat because sometimes i carry my parents with us on short trips. But there's always Uber for them. :D

Yeah, I really don't need an offload specific rig anymore. I do like having ground clearance as well as a good awd/4wd option. I don't want something super big either. I do like the new 4Runners, but way to big for my tastes/needs. Interior space as well as roof space is a must. And being I'm not that big of a Subaru fan, my options are limited. Honestly, if this country were more of a wagon one, I'd most likely get one.
 
Yeah, I really don't need an offload specific rig anymore. I do like having ground clearance as well as a good awd/4wd option. I don't want something super big either. I do like the new 4Runners, but way to big for my tastes/needs. Interior space as well as roof space is a must. And being I'm not that big of a Subaru fan, my options are limited. Honestly, if this country were more of a wagon one, I'd most likely get one.

I would love a 4runner...but it does not even have blind-spot monitoring, which is a MUST have for me. To get that, i have to get the Lexus GX. :(
 

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