2019 Hybrid RAV4 as a "backup" to 2017 Tacoma

My wife needs a new car (OK, she doesn't know that, but I think she does). She has an '09 Corolla, which is fine for her, but way too little legroom for me when I drive it, fortunately not often.

I'm intrigued by the new hybrid RAV4, which could be our 'round town vehicle (parking spaces can be tight in Seattle), as well as a vehicle for longer road trips. Often enough I find myself driving my truck when it's not doing any essential "truck-y" things and wished it got better MPG's. I recall the RAV4 hybrid is near 40 MPG.

Anyone else looking at the RAV4 as a backup, spouse / partner vehicle, or even a replacement for their Tacoma?

 

I think the RAV4 hybrid would be a great choice. My wife drives a Prius C and now that we are retired she wants to use it all the time because it gets 50mpg and my Taco get 20. I have been trying to talk her into a RAV4 hybrid so I could have some room (I’m 6’2” and 300lbs) so it’s a squeeze in that dang Prius!

 

The Rav4 came before the Tacoma at our house. Great around town grocery getter, and very nice on the highway. Lots of legroom in the front and back. Ours is a 2015 XLE, didn't really need the XLE but got it for a great price. Ours is not a hybrid but it averages low to mid 20s in the city with Sport mode turned on. I like driving the Rav4 as much as I like my truck.

 

If you are going to get one and it’s not all about having the latest and greatest just get a 2018. They are already currently running great cash back etc. In the future it’s only gonna get better incentives to get rid of them to make room for the newer model. My wife has a 2018 XLE and it’s pretty nice honestly. Don’t get the new one if you aren’t getting it based on the looks and new design features, save some money and you will be happier in the long run.

 

Haven't done much homework on the RAV4, but recall reading somewhere that the '19 was larger and, in the models with more options, etc., much more refined than its predecessors. This is all just casual noodling around at this time, and I don't think I would pull the trigger on a purchase until the '19 hybrid had been available for awhile. So I'll probably wander into the dealership later this spring and check out the RAV4 hybrid.

 

I bought a 2018 RAV-4 (AWD) for my wife. She has been extremely happy with it. Just took a trip from E. TN. to NOLA in it, very comfortable on long trips.

 

I went to my dealer and saw the new Rav4 in the XLE package. It had leather seats, and JBL audio.

 

Wife owns a friken Kia Soul. Lots of space inside....to fit all the paper work from the dealership when we have to take it in to fix shit.

She's getting a RAV4 in a few years...she don't know it lol

 

I too am thinking about a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid but keeping my 2017 Taco. Selling/trading our two current hybrids, a 2008 Mariner Hybrid and a 2015 Ford Focus Hybrid. Intrigued by the big jump in gas mileage from the 2018 to the 2019, from 32 mpg to 39 mpg combined. We want to reduce our stable from 3 to 2 vehicles. Keeping some semblance of good gas mileage is important for us as well, hence the hybrid...

 

I can guess the color of the interior of your house. Upholstery, curtains, pillows, sheets, countertop, dishes, etc.

 

Betcha can't. Hint: The orange/black is only on the vehicles, it does extend into the house.

 

I'm looking at getting my mom a 2019 rav4 adventure however I would ask for an extended warranty. The engine in the rav4's since I think 05 06 have a 'balancing unit' its basically two shafts with weights that ride off the crankshaft in the engine. The issue is that in some engines the bearings for those balancing shafts would spin. This was common in the 2ar in addition to the oil consumption issues that engine is known for. @Torspd and I patched our friends tc by removing those balancing shafts. Another issue is that the vehicle is more electricly demanding so dont expect that battery to last more than a year or two. Just something to consider.

 

I don't much about the new or current RAV, they seem to be pretty solid. The 19 looks like it has a Tacoma grill, I'm guessing the dimensions are not the same.

 

I would get the adventure rav4

 

Get a block heater for your cold months.

 

Had a 2001 Rav4 before my Tacoma and it was more reliable than my Tacoma. I've had a few of the newer ones as loaners over the years and they've come a long way since the early days. It's a great all-purpose vehicle and everyone I know who has one loves it.