New RAV4 vs original 4Runner

Larry

New member
Now that the new 4Runner has stepped up in size, the RAV4 has stepped up, too. Could it be that the new RAV4 is about the same size as the original 4Runner?
 
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Larry,

I was reading something about the psychology that car makers follow. First they get a customer attached to a model (ok good car makers, read Toyota, Honda, etc.) Then they all move their models up in size, power and refinement, ones the smaller model has left the spot/category at which it started they bring another model to fill that hole. So the faithful customer goes and buys the new and improved version.
In that respect you can see the current 4R being similar on dimensions that previous model Land cruiser. RAV are now on the size of previous 4R. Over seas Toyota has purchased a small 4x4 from Daihatsu (terios) and re-baptized. It is the new entry level 4x4 for Toyota now. That new model has a 1.5 liter engine and its size similar to the original Rav4. I am sure will see that model here in the US soon. Or we will see the matrix 4x4 getting oversized. (I
 
I can not say for sure if it is the same engine. I would think it is. The page that describes the car has values of torque and HP, but the conversion did not equal the values on the XB exactly. So, maybe toyota tweak this engine for some more TQ.


I guess the real name is Rush, the Be-Go is the Daihatsu side.

I saw a 360
 
Larry said:
Now that the new 4Runner has stepped up in size, the RAV4 has stepped up, too. Could it be that the new RAV4 is about the same size as the original 4Runner?

Probably pretty close but the RAV4 will never go off road.
 
When I had my 4Runner in for an alignment a few days ago they gave us an 06 Limited Rav4 loaner with 240 miles on it. I never cared for them before but that little thing was pretty cool. I would never trade in my 4Runner for one but it got me thinking about trading in the Altima for it. It was full time 4 wheel drive, had plenty of power to move it (considering it's a 4 banger), EXCELLENT handling, and the interior was very refined for their lowest model SUV. The headlights/foglights even seemd brighter then the 4Runners although it may be because it's closer to the ground. There was plenty of room for my infant son's carrier and 4 year old daughter's car seat too. So if your in the market for a 2nd smaller SUV for the wife or something definately check 'em out.

-Joe
 
Has anybody driven the 2006 v6 rav4 yet? I was just wondring how all that horsepower feels in a small suv. My girlfriend was thinking about trading in her matrix 4wd for the rav4. I couldn't believe the price of the limited v6 w/leather. 30k msrp!!!
 
Now that the Rav4 has moved up market, will Toyota introduce a mini-suv to fill the bottom of the product line. Honda did it with the Civic and now they are selling the Fit as a mini-car. Fact is, the Fit is the same size as my 84 Civic wagon. So there are no really mini-cars, still in the US, just a new name.
 
I told my girfirend she should dump her Maxima and get a Rav4. She said it was only because I just wanted her to be a mini-me! The new Rav4 certainly looks like a mini-4runner.
 
RAV4


My girlfriend has a 2002 (V6, 2wd) Highlander with over 80,000 miles on it. While it still looks okay and runs great, she is getting worried about it "getting old" or giving her trouble. The new RAV4 is one of the vehicles she has in mind as a replacement. Yes, it is smaller than a Highlander and is a little bit less roomy - but would get better fuel mileage.

I told her to wait until the 2007 models have been out for a month or two, and then consider looking at a RAV4. Of course, she would want a 2wd and only needs the 4-cylinder engine. From what I understand the V6 RAV4 is a little rocket. With teenage daughters (one drives, and the other one will in November) and a son who is almost 19, less horsepower is better for her.
:bash:

After looking at information on the web, I suppose a 2wd RAV4 Sport (with 4 cylinders) would be the way to go for her. As she has done in the past, the Highlander would be sold privately before she purchased anything new from the dealer.

I like the looks of the new RAV, but I still think that the spare tire mounted on the rear door takes away from the car's overall appearance. Well, maybe you get used to it -- and at least they have a hard plastic tire cover instead of those vinyl things.
:beer:


 
I looked at the 06 Rav4 Limited V6 AWD. Nice little SUV. And yes, it was about the same size of my old '91 4Runner. Car & Driver called it the perfect family vehicle for a family who only has 1 vehicle. I think they are probably right, or as close to it as C & D can get. Great little package for a city ute.
 
Not for me

We drove the Rav 4 and well Iam 6' 1" and my knees hit the dash which in my 99 SR5 it doesn't. the Rav looked and drove cheap even with the V6. Give me the Runner I do miss the steal real bumpers and offroad ability but for now I like the current Runner if it gets bigger I will buy but not smaller. Still want a truck not a car/suv.
 
4bummer said:
don't underestimate the power of the MAX. it can kick 4runners' butt anytime.

In what sense?? Speed?? Off-roading?? Handling?? Power?? Crash worthiness??
 
4bummer said:
don't underestimate the power of the MAX. it can kick 4runners' butt anytime.


Don't think so pal! :) It is faster under some conditions (not all). But the same I could say about my RSX. They are not even close in terms of type of vehicle.

You say anytime? Try to get that FWD Maxima on a snowy day on a highway ramp as fast as a 4R.

Comparisons between those cars are not realistic.

A Murano or Fx 3.5 will be a closer match. Then again the Rav 3.5 will smoke all.

I will take a 3rd gen 4R before a new Max anyday.

Got to go burn some gas...

Peace.
 

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