RAV4 Ugly?

[CookieRoe]

Is it me, or is the 2009+ RAV4 Limited one ugly SUV? Previous year (same gen, 3rd) Limited models were TONS nicer looking than the one currently available. The features added to this model were significant (push button start, turn signal mirrors, door knob locking button, NAV, upgraded engine), but that front end,......... maron'!!

Of course, I'm talking about that front bumper/facia. Who else agrees?

Apart from this subjective item, my brothers 09 RAV4 Limited is a sweet ride. I enjoy driving it. Gas mileage is excellent and drives like my 07 Civic. The Sport and base models have the same (if not similar) front bumper as in previous years. That front end was nice IMO.

(picture on the left is my brother's ride, right pic is a photo a from the net, show just to show the front end)

 

[maxspeed96ct]

my girl has a 06 sport . Its a great car.
We added a bluetooth/dvd/navi unit.

I think the 06 looks much nicer then the 09, only thing I like about the new gen it is the push button start .

 

[DocMT]

I don't think it looks bad. Then again, I've never thought they were good looking vehicles.

 

[Acidmeld]

I'd say to compare its look to the CRV and others in the same category. By comparison its one of the best looking. Again its all relative. There not going to make it as aggressive looking as id like it but i have no intention of bying an suv that small anyway. I guess im just not who they designed it for.

 

[Casper421]

Then again, I've never thought they were good looking vehicles.

X2 :iagree: Never been a fan of the RAV4! That front end is ugly and its tiny! Im sure they are great vehicles, as it is a Toyota, but its just too small for an suv.

 

[Glock_19]

If I was ever really considering a "mini" suv it actually wouldn't be the Rav4 or the CRV. I'd much rather have a Forester or better yet an Outback. No worries though, still love my 4Runner.

 

[Thai]

X2 :iagree: Never been a fan of the RAV4! That front end is ugly and its tiny! Im sure they are great vehicles, as it is a Toyota, but its just too small for an suv.

Not the new ones...they have plenty of room, even has a 3rd row seat! I am too lazy to look up the stats, but i would bet that the RAV4 interior measurements are not that far behind a 4runner....

 

[Uneek]

That stupid belt buckle grille takes the cake for fugliness. The Tacoma wears that same ugly belt buckle T on its grille.

Toyota has done a marvelous job of screwing up mid generation refreshes. The Tacoma and Tundra got ugly grilles. The Camry's LED taillights. Look at the Lexus LS, GS and IS. I don't know what they were thinking.

 

[DocMT]

That stupid belt buckle grille takes the cake for fugliness. The Tacoma wears that same ugly belt buckle T on its grille.

Toyota has done a marvelous job of screwing up mid generation refreshes. The Tacoma and Tundra got ugly grilles. The Camry's LED taillights. Look at the Lexus LS, GS and IS. I don't know what they were thinking.

That's true....Toyota's styling has gone downhill lately. But look at the bright side--they can only improve the styling for the mid-generation refresh for the 5th gen 4Runner. **as I duck and hide** LOL

 

[JohnsD90]

If I was ever really considering a "mini" suv it actually wouldn't be the Rav4 or the CRV. I'd much rather have a Forester or better yet an Outback. No worries though, still love my 4Runner.

I drove a '10 forester, lets just say it sucked, my complete hated against subaru, there was nothing in their that impressive me, mutiple trips in the car we have averaged 18mpg in a 4 banger station wagon, it sucked in the snow and i am a "decent" snow driver and it was not easy to get around, like they say they are. I put a vote in for the Sukizu Samari.

 

[ChaseMark]

Of the mini SUVs I'd rather go for a CRV than a RAV4....don't like the look of the RAV4. Honestly feel the CRV looks better.

Repossed Cars

 

[Viking97SR5]

Rav4

C'mon now guys, how is my wife gonna feel when she reads this? She drives a 07 limited 4x4. Probably not a good time to list it for sale on here then? Funny how she actually wants a minivan over her RAV4.....

 

[Canadian144]

Nah.... don't like RAV4's at all. I actually hate all crossovers..... don't see the point. Why would anyone want a lifted car? I'd rather have a wagon than a crossover.

 

[CookieRoe]

Nah.... don't like RAV4's at all. I actually hate all crossovers..... don't see the point. Why would anyone want a lifted car? I'd rather have a wagon than a crossover.

I'm not a fan of crossovers either, but THEY ARE practical in that they offer TONS more room than a sedan/station wagon and are not "burdened" with an old fashioned frame. The new Explorers are pretty big, are technically "cross-overs" and yeah, love them or hate them, they are the future. The new Explorer is actually pretty nice........... It wouldn't surprise me if the next gen 4Runner is a cross-over.

But yeah, RAV4 still ugly!! The CRV is tons better looking (that's subjective, I know, but still).

 

[Thai]

It wouldn't surprise me if the next gen 4Runner is a cross-over.

But yeah, RAV4 still ugly!! The CRV is tons better looking (that's subjective, I know, but still).

I doubt it simply because they already have the Highlander and Venza. However, along those lines, the next 4runner may be more like the new Grand Cherokee...independent suspensions, unibody, etc..

CRV is only OK to me...i like the look of the previous gen CRVs a lot more...when they were more boxy with spare tire in the back and picnic table!!

 

[CookieRoe]

I doubt it simply because they already have the Highlander and Venza. However, along those lines, the next 4runner may be more like the new Grand Cherokee...independent suspensions, unibody, etc..

CRV is only OK to me...i like the look of the previous gen CRVs a lot more...when they were more boxy with spare tire in the back and picnic table!!

True....... Well, I sure hope they keep the 4Runner brand going. Another possible outcome is the Highlander replacing the 4Runner. I say get rid of the Highlander. Having a "Grand Cherokee-ish" 4Runner AND Highlander doesn't really make a whole lot of sense. Money based decisions USUALLY win out. ................so who knows.......uurghh, my head hurts.

 

[Canadian144]

I'm not a fan of crossovers either, but THEY ARE practical in that they offer TONS more room than a sedan/station wagon and are not "burdened" with an old fashioned frame. The new Explorers are pretty big, are technically "cross-overs" and yeah, love them or hate them, they are the future. The new Explorer is actually pretty nice........... It wouldn't surprise me if the next gen 4Runner is a cross-over.

But there are many wagons out there that are just as roomy as some of the smaller/midsize crossovers! Subaru Legacy wagon (though now they only make it in the crossoverish Outback trim)... especially the 2.5GT wagons (turbo) with a 5 speed manual. BMW had a previous gen 535i wagon (xdrive as an option), don't know about the current generation. Both seemed plenty roomy to me, and I'd rather have either over something like a CRV, Rav4, X3, etc. Unfortunately wagons are becoming rarer and rarer.....

I just don't see the point in crossovers, I'd rather see car companies going back to large wagons. Keep them sporty and attractive and I don't see why people would still take a crossover over them. Crossovers have all of the ride characteristics of a car, but jacked up into the air. IMO, if I want something with ground clearance, I'd want it to ride like a "real truck", not a sloppy car.

Like you said in the post above this one I'm writing, it wouldn't make sense to have both a unibody 4Runner AND a Highlander. I think the 4Runner will be killed off before becoming a crossover. Though as long as Nissan is making the Frontier-based Pathfinder, I can't imagine why Toyota would kill off the 4Runner or make it a unibody....

 

[Thai]

But there are many wagons out there that are just as roomy as some of the smaller/midsize crossovers! Subaru Legacy wagon (though now they only make it in the crossoverish Outback trim)... especially the 2.5GT wagons (turbo) with a 5 speed manual. BMW had a previous gen 535i wagon (xdrive as an option), don't know about the current generation. Both seemed plenty roomy to me, and I'd rather have either over something like a CRV, Rav4, X3, etc. Unfortunately wagons are becoming rarer and rarer.....

I just don't see the point in crossovers, I'd rather see car companies going back to large wagons. Keep them sporty and attractive and I don't see why people would still take a crossover over them. Crossovers have all of the ride characteristics of a car, but jacked up into the air. IMO, if I want something with ground clearance, I'd want it to ride like a "real truck", not a sloppy car.

Like you said in the post above this one I'm writing, it wouldn't make sense to have both a unibody 4Runner AND a Highlander. I think the 4Runner will be killed off before becoming a crossover. Though as long as Nissan is making the Frontier-based Pathfinder, I can't imagine why Toyota would kill off the 4Runner or make it a unibody....

My wife would not be caught dead in a wagon!! But, she is OK with minivans and crossovers. I have been trying to get her to like the new Acura TSX Sportwagon when her TSX needs replacing...lets just say that the conversation was very short...not in my favor! :crybaby:

 

[Canadian144]

My wife would not be caught dead in a wagon!! But, she is OK with minivans and crossovers. I have been trying to get her to like the new Acura TSX Sportwagon when her TSX needs replacing...lets just say that the conversation was very short...not in my favor! :crybaby:

Awww, too bad. The TSX Sportwswagon is another nice looking wagon!

I just don't get why wagons get such a bad rap. I think they can look pretty damn good. Some examples:

 

[CookieRoe]

But there are many wagons out there that are just as roomy as some of the smaller/midsize crossovers! Subaru Legacy wagon (though now they only make it in the crossoverish Outback trim)... especially the 2.5GT wagons (turbo) with a 5 speed manual. BMW had a previous gen 535i wagon (xdrive as an option), don't know about the current generation. Both seemed plenty roomy to me, and I'd rather have either over something like a CRV, Rav4, X3, etc. Unfortunately wagons are becoming rarer and rarer.....

I just don't see the point in crossovers, I'd rather see car companies going back to large wagons. Keep them sporty and attractive and I don't see why people would still take a crossover over them. Crossovers have all of the ride characteristics of a car, but jacked up into the air. IMO, if I want something with ground clearance, I'd want it to ride like a "real truck", not a sloppy car.

Like you said in the post above this one I'm writing, it wouldn't make sense to have both a unibody 4Runner AND a Highlander. I think the 4Runner will be killed off before becoming a crossover. Though as long as Nissan is making the Frontier-based Pathfinder, I can't imagine why Toyota would kill off the 4Runner or make it a unibody....

What you say TOTALLY makes sense. But the market wants "crossovers" pure and simple. Station wagons are the answer in my book, but people don't like them over here (USA).

Unibody 4Runner? Yep, I can see it. The 4R is a dying breed (full frame SUV). Unless Toyota can come up with a way to reinvent this segment (I doubt), the 4R will be "unibody" or be replaced with Highlander (yeah yeah, I don't like the idea either, but it makes sense). I say kill the Highlander........