So, who has a RAV4?

[philsey]

I don't think you could go wrong with the RAV4, CRV or a Subaru...just my .02.

Yup, those are the contenders. I drove a new RAV yesterday. Very nice. Whatever the road noise complaints were, they're gone. Very impressed with the radar cruise control (sure makes my 4R CC seem even shittier), I like the 6AT vs any CVT, decent performance and road manners, overall impressive package.
Thank God they lost that stupid hatch-mounted spare.

The wife has a "thang" about Subies. Whenever I point one out, she's like "meh". As I've said, nothing happens 'til I see the new CRV, and as you say, there's no bad choices here.

Really appreciate everyone's input ...

 

[Gecko]

If it was me, I'd wait a bit before pulling a trigger on the new CR-V. Honda has had some problems the last few years with things like VCM and transmissions, and now dabbling in turbos is new for them as well.

While the Rav4's N/A 2.5L I4/6AT may be "old," they work damn well.

Toyota has admittedly been slower to make such dramatic advancements in engine technology, but if you monitor any of the Highlander forums like I do, they're filled with people coming from Pilots and MDXs because of problems with VCM and newer transmissions. Turbos add another layer of complexity.

Just my .02.

 

[wadle5]

If it was me, I'd wait a bit before pulling a trigger on the new CR-V. Honda has had some problems the last few years with things like VCM and transmissions, and now dabbling in turbos is new for them as well.

While the Rav4's N/A 2.5L I4/6AT may be "old," they work damn well.

Toyota has admittedly been slower to make such dramatic advancements in engine technology, but if you monitor any of the Highlander forums like I do, they're filled with people coming from Pilots and MDXs because of problems with VCM and newer transmissions. Turbos add another layer of complexity.

Just my .02.

Echoing what he said above as well as an co-worker who was considering the CR-V and thought she had her mind made up. Went and drove them this past weekend and absolutely HATED IT!! In short go on the forums and you will see complaints about vibrations in the seat...not just subtle, but shaking the entire seat and the occupants body. So much so she almost became sick sitting at a stop light. Goes on the forums and finds out this is a common complaint, and get this Honda acknowledged the problem without a correction. Apparently the fuel injectors they are using are somehow not working properly and shaking the entire sub-frame among other things. After that test drive she is now looking at Rav-4. I do agree with [MENTION=114416]Gecko[/MENTION] as well that eventhough Toyota may not have all the fancy creature comforts like other brands, it usually comes from a durability standpoint. They are not keen on change on something that has a track record and proven itself. I again explained that to my coworker to not be distracted by the new car smell or the gadgets and such as that awe will wear off in about 2 months. She agreed the CR-V had more panash(sp?) but daily driving and with its issue maybe its okay to be subtle and just have a tried and true formula.

And as always be weary of new first model year changes/engines/etc and all the bugs and nuances that come with it.

Again good luck and let us know what she ends up going with!

Did I mention I'm a Subaru ambassador, maybe if you get your wife some free swag or $500 off coupon purchase always helps too......

 

[Toyotayoda]

I assume you are thinking of a new RAV, which is my favorite body style for this car so far. Very good car, never see any RAV for serious problems, ride might be a little more harsh than a sedan, but is to be expected, only other suv I would consider is the Mazda CX whatever, also very nice, I hear they drive well.

 

[SanDiego4Runner]

I have a rav4 electric
saves me 350 a month on gas, basically covers the lease payment.

 

[philsey]

I have a rav4 electric
saves me 350 a month on gas, basically covers the lease payment.

Saves $350/mo compared to what?

 

[elemint]

I find the Rav to be hidious inside and out. CRV is way nicer. Subaru, is a LBGTQ car for some reason. Not that there is anything wrong with that...

 

[philsey]

....Subaru, is a LBGTQ car for some reason

Ah so. That explains why my wife's Spidey-sense doesn't care for it, having never been closer than 25 feet.

 

[rshawiii]

Mother in law has one in 2wd v6. Good little car....er uh suv? We rented one by chance with 4wd and took it up engineer pass in sw colorado. these are cars. good ones, but cars. BTW, the MIL gave away her late husbands very clean T4R 3rd gen 4WD in trade for that RAV4.

There ARE snakes in Colorado at car dealerships!

 

[CoolMax]

Priced for Adventure! All-New 2018 RAV4 Adventure Grade Starts at $27,700

Priced for Adventure! All-New 2018 RAV4 Adventure Grade Starts at $27,700 | Toyota

•Exclusive Exterior Styling and Interior Features
•Standard Tow Prep Package and Available Cold Weather Package
•Arrives at Dealers Nationwide This Month


September 14, 2017
PLANO, Texas, Sept. 14, 2017 – The outdoor adventure bucket list just got longer thanks to the much-anticipated showroom arrival of the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure grade that adds exclusive exterior styling features with grade-specific interior touches to the RAV4.

First revealed at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, the 2018 RAV4 Adventure slots in between the XLE and SE gas grades. On the outside, large over-fender flares and 18-inch five-spoke black alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires are ready to play in the dirt. The RAV4 Adventure grade also includes unique gray lower valance panels and rocker panel guards, black headlight bezels, black fog lamp surround, roof rails, and exclusive Adventure badging. Drivers and passengers can enjoy the RAV4 Adventure while riding a bit higher – overall height increases by 10 mm, and ground clearance rises to 6.5 in., up from 6.1 in.

Exclusive interior features include carbon-fiber-like trim panels, leather-wrapped shift knob, “RAV4 Adventure” logoed door sill protectors, and all-weather floor and cargo mats with “RAV4 Adventure” badging. New and exclusive for the RAV4 Adventure grade is a 120V/100W power outlet in the cargo area which can serve as a convenient portable charging station.

The active lifestyle-inspired RAV4 Adventure grade will be available in front-wheel drive (FWD) with an Automatic Limited Slip Differential, or in Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel-Drive (AWD). Both versions feature a standard Tow Prep Package that includes an upgraded radiator and supplemental engine oil and transmission fluid coolers. When properly equipped with the available tow hitch receiver and wiring harness, the Adventure grade can tow 2,900 lbs. with FWD models and 3,500 lbs. with Dynamic Control AWD models.

As with all RAV4 models, the Adventure grade will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). TSS-P includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function (PCS w/ PD); Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function (LDA w/ SA); Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Automatic High Beams (AHB). The RAV4 Adventure grade is available in five exterior colors including Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, and, new to the RAV4 palette and for an additional cost, Ruby Flare Pearl.

Additional available features exclusive to RAV4 Adventure grade include optional heated fabric front row seats with power driver’s seat, heated leather steering wheel, and wiper de-icer as part of a new Cold Weather Package.

The 2018 RAV4 Adventure is built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) and will be available in dealerships later this month.

2018 RAV4 Adventure MSRP

Model # Grade Drive 18MY MSRP
4445 Adventure FWD $27,700
4446 Adventure AWD $28,400


Prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) excluding the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $995. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation.

The 2018 RAV4 also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

 

[SwayzeExpress]

My wife's 2011 limited has more room for car seats than my trail if that's going to be a concern and drives as sporty as I want out of a vehicle. Whenever we switch we both give a look like 'you've got a sweet ride' . If it's a 2 car house it'll complement the runner well.

That said my lady really dug the new higlander

 

[Laurich]

I'd Muzzle a Honda V6

If it was me, I'd wait a bit before pulling a trigger on the new CR-V. Honda has had some problems the last few years with things like VCM and transmissions, and now dabbling in turbos is new for them as well.

While the Rav4's N/A 2.5L I4/6AT may be "old," they work damn well.

Toyota has admittedly been slower to make such dramatic advancements in engine technology, but if you monitor any of the Highlander forums like I do, they're filled with people coming from Pilots and MDXs because of problems with VCM and newer transmissions. Turbos add another layer of complexity.

Just my .02.

Echoing what he said above as well as an co-worker who was considering the CR-V and thought she had her mind made up. Went and drove them this past weekend and absolutely HATED IT!! In short go on the forums and you will see complaints about vibrations in the seat...not just subtle, but shaking the entire seat and the occupants body. So much so she almost became sick sitting at a stop light. Goes on the forums and finds out this is a common complaint, and get this Honda acknowledged the problem without a correction. Apparently the fuel injectors they are using are somehow not working properly and shaking the entire sub-frame among other things. After that test drive she is now looking at Rav-4. I do agree with [MENTION=114416]Gecko[/MENTION] as well that eventhough Toyota may not have all the fancy creature comforts like other brands, it usually comes from a durability standpoint. They are not keen on change on something that has a track record and proven itself. I again explained that to my coworker to not be distracted by the new car smell or the gadgets and such as that awe will wear off in about 2 months. She agreed the CR-V had more panash(sp?) but daily driving and with its issue maybe its okay to be subtle and just have a tried and true formula.

And as always be weary of new first model year changes/engines/etc and all the bugs and nuances that come

Not really sure if your wife is even going to look at any Honda models with a V6, but I'll go ahead and give my $.02 anyhow. I have spent a lot of time researching on a couple of different Honda forums I'm on. And I'd have to second this notion. Honda has made some minor programming changes to their VCM recently and is also using fancy (not to mention very expensive) motor mounts the lessen these vibrations caused by the VCM. However, IF we'd get a Honda (to go with the 4Runner) we'd also immediately buy and install a VCM Muzzler. If someone were to not be keeping the vehicle for the long haul, then it might not really matter. It can cost you slightly in gas mileage to disable the VCM, but to us it more important to us not to have the added repairs / replacement costs related to the extra wear and tear it can create. Not to mention the vibrations it transmits even with the newer mounts.

As others have said already, let us know what you end up getting. Good luck with whatever SHE chooses!

 

[Biggs77]

My wife has a 2010 RAV4 - when we bought it, she test drove the CRV and one thing we noticed was the interior creature comforts of the RAV versus the CRV weren't even close. The CRV interior felt 'incomplete' to us - like they had started to flesh it out and then just stopped.

Neither vehicle was anything special - they both drive and behave like tall generic cars - most would say 'boring'. But, that's what we were looking for - a fuel efficient taller vehicle that was reliable and handled New England winters without issue. That's what we got. The interior is what sold my wife on the RAV over the CRV.

With the newer models, when we get her a new vehicle, she's already ruled out the new RAV (hideous, was her descriptor about it), and I've heard many stories about Honda's quality lacking in recent history. She is now looking at the Highlander or a Forester with strong leanings towards the Highlander.

 

[Islandchanel]

The rav4 was nothing to write home about when I had one

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

My gf just purchased a 2018 RAV4 gle and is really enjoying it so far. Been only a couple of weeks though.
She looked at the 2018 Suburu forester and the 2018 Honda CRV to compare. The Subaru is nice too and was more money. The Honda CRV is nothing special for the price.
Got a deal on the RAV since we had already already bought numerous vehicles from my salesman.

 

[IslandJim]

Not sure about the 2018's but the 2017's were 100% made in Japan.

They previously were made in Canada. We are hoping to get one for my wife soon because our street occasionally floods during monsoon season and the little Scion is just too low for her to make it home.

 

[philsey]

Guess I should follow up on my own thread ...

This purchase took a turn that surprised me. Upon a good friend's recommendation, we went to look at Kia.

We were impressed with the Sportage. Mostly with what I'll call value - defined as content, and perceived reliability, for a price-point.

I liked the easy dealer experience, well-informed sales rep, and great recommendations from friends. In short, it's a nice car, and SWMBO liked it.

The deal-sealer was cost. Not only was it the best priced, but they gave me $2,000.00 more than anyone for her Accord. Did they "buy my business"? Perhaps, but for a second car that rarely leaves town, top safety ratings, top owner-sat ratings, so what?

As to competitors: Suby - she had zero interest. CRV - neither of us liked driving the little turbo 1.5L, it was coarse-sounding-and-feeling, plus it has gotten bigger than she needs, and expensive. (Both of us were surprised, because the CRV has long been a favorite, owning two before). RAV - it was just OK, but also expensive, and just didn't do much for either of us.

In retrospect, I wish I'd have included the Mazda CX5, it seems a nice car, but she had grown tired of looking/driving.

We've had it for a few months now, and so-far-so-good. It's got all the tech she wants, plenty of features, adequate power, and she likes it.

 

[CookieRoe]

Good luck on the Sportage, they are honestly pretty nice. Your "parameters" on getting a second car totally make sense. The RAV4 is a solid SUV, (a past due vanilla flavored toaster oven IMO), but I've too noticed that they have gotten pricey. Same for the CRV. I love the CRV, but not a fan of the 1980s instrument cluster or the course engine. $40K for a Touring??? Yikes. The 1.5turbo is awesome on paper, but apparently something else in the real world. Mazda never did anything for me. Domestic models are invisible to me.

Let me guess, you are shopping on which retrofit lights to get for the Sportage? LOL

Just noticed your sig: You're getting a 2018 4Runner?

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

You could not pay me to drive a KIA or Hyundai.

 

[philsey]

The 1.5turbo is awesome on paper, but apparently something else in the real world.

True. I actually stalled on replacing her car waiting to drive the new motor. Putting forced induction on a little motor does not necessarily make it better. Too bad, there are damned few better packages than a CRV.

Domestic models are invisible to me.

Ha! Amen to that.

Let me guess, you are shopping on which retrofit lights to get for the Sportage? LOL

Um, no. But mine are done and done.

Just noticed your sig: You're getting a 2018 4Runner?

Ed, did you not see the "traded for" part?

:lookout: