Opinions on the RAV4

I know this is a Tacoma forum but I have heard some people mention they also own a RAV4 so I figured I would ask here as well as the RAV forums. My wife and I are looking at the RAV4, specifically the 2014 - 2016 range as a replacement/upgrade from her aging 2005 Pontiac Vibe. For us this would be a family hauler/ daily driver for her/ road trip vehicle. Many people complain that they don't have enough power but I think it will be fine for what we want. Heck they felt like a racecar compared to the Vibe. We have test driven a couple used Limited trim models and the only complaint we have is the ride. I imagine that has something to do with the 18in rims that limited has so I want to drive a lower trim level as well just to check. If we could we would go with the Limited trim and replace the wheels with slightly smaller ones if needed. For those of you who have experience with these cars: What are your thoughts on them? How well do they handle family hauler and road trip duties? We don't have kids yet but plan on having them here soon, so how do rear facing car seats fit?

 

The ride is my biggest bitch on them but they hold up well. My parents had one of that gen 4 cylinder running great at 200k with nothing except brakes and tires ever done to it. Ended up being totaled on a deer and replaced with a 2018 hybrid that does ride much better but is slow as can be

 

Three of my relatives own RAV4s (two 2009s and a 2017, respectively)! They are all great! My aunt's 2009 Limited has 130K miles and shows no signs of dying.

The factory sound system in cousin's 2009 base model 4WD RAV is absolute shit, specifically because the AUX input fried my cousin's iPod and the factory speakers have absolutely no balls (I am a bit biased because I have JBL speakers, a external amp, and an 8-inch powered sub in my truck). My cousin works as a park ranger and has taken his RAV4 to Utah, Wyoming, and Tennessee for various assignments. It has given him no trouble whatsoever, though his has less than 65K miles on it because he only recently started driving a lot.

My cousin bought her 2017 and got 0% financing.

 

It's all subjective, but, I've owned an older Vibe and had a '15 Rav4 SE AWD for a couple years. I didn't have any complaints with either one, including power. But, I admit, I bought both for the gas mileage, not the power.

One thing that really impressed me about the Rav4 was that even though I had the super crappy looking cheap stock tires, I never once came close to getting in trouble in the snow, even when it was several feet deep. Really surprised me, as I expected to have issues, but never did.

 

I like the look of the newer ones a bit more than the older, but find the rearward visibility to be lacking. Like a sports car. And the newer RAVs have bloated up to the size of my '04 Highlander, which I much prefer.

However, I'd strongly consider a nice sample of a bit older RAV.

Just MHO.

 

I had an 09 RAV4 V-6 Sport that ran like a scalded cat! Drove it from Kentucky to San Francisco, no problem, then back through Reno and to Denver on the way home.

 

My wife's 2016 XLE is a great car. Thinking about keeping it as my daily when she gets a 4r

 

I have heard many people love those V6 RAV4s. I haven't been able to find one to test drive though. It seems like people really want to hold onto them.

 

We own a 2009 Rav4 since new.... Limited etc, with the V6 (vroom vroom hold-on!)

Tires/brakes were the only major items..... Several recalls, wipers, power window motors (both), rear wheel bearings, all covered by warranty/recalls

One of the best cars we have ever owned. My son now drives it to college.

 

We had a 2010 Limited V6. It was my wife's and it was way too small for me but I used to drive it around looking to pick fights. It was quick as hell and had plenty of space in the back. It was tight for a tall driver

 

When they did away with the V6 option in them they took a wrong turn in my books. I had an 07 limited AWD with the V6. Was a decent running engine but mine made some noises here and there that ultimately turned to trading it in on my Tacoma in fear that a large bill was in its future. it had 150k on the ticker I believe when I traded it in. the AWD system wasn't too bad in them either.

Scalded cat is an understatement, that V6 in a light body small suv/cross over was legit. after coming from turbo cars I test drove the I4 and a couple foresters and they all seemed lacking grunt. The v6 was an animal though way fun to drive!

 

We have a 2016. We had ours completely loaded for a week at the lake last week. It's easier to take than my truck often just to keep stuff inside and dry. I can't have a tonneau because it makes carrying my bike 5 days a week a hassle.

2016 they added additional noise control to the firewall making it much quieter. They also offered led headlights which are the best upgrade that year by far once you see how good they work at night.

We got the SE with the advanced tech package. It has plenty of power for what it is. No complaints there. Loaded up this last week, I could tell in the suspension, but it was fine power wise. The seat is power adjustable and easy to drive for long trips. The tires at 20k are almost shot, so that has me a little concerned it might be a tire eater, we've been through that in the past with AWD vehicles.

My parents have an 18 CRV. Great car as well. It's got the CVT transmission, I wasn't a fan of it, but I'm sure you would get used to it. I just didn't want the turbo engine after dealing with reliability issues with a turbo in the past.

My mother in law has a 2014 RAV4. The road noise is higher and it's lacking quite a few options, but it's a solid car.

If you haven't seen it yet, the 19 RAV4 looks really good. They nailed the styling. It might be worth waiting for one of those. Good luck with your decision.

 

I'd go for a Subaru Crosstrec over a Rav 4. The Rav 4 seems like a good vehicle for it's class. If it's in the budget the RX350 would get my vote. I might have bought one if I could price them on line, since I was in the market for an AWD w/ leather and other unnecessary necessities.

Forrester I saw today

 

My aunt is going to be selling her '09 Limited AWD with like 130K miles at some point. Has some dents and dings, but it has a clear title and everything works! It even has the JBL system and a factory backup camera!

 

I got a 2018 LE a few monyhs ago as a commuter and grocery getter. It is great. It has plenty of pick up for what it is. I am 6'4" and feel comfortable in it. My wife also likes it as well. I believe they softened the ride in a 2017 refresh, but I cannot say that for sure. My kids and car seats fit great. They are launching a new gen in 2019. Because of this, was able to get a great deal on the '18. My wife also had a 2005. Great car with no problems.

 

How was your mileage with the V6? That is also a concern we have. We wanted something that gets at least close to what the Vibe gets now. Its usually 24 around town and 30 highway. I have been able to squeeze 33 from it a couple times.

 

We like the Crosstrek as well. In fact I enjoyed it a little bit more. The issue I have with it is the Oil consumption issues. I just don't want to roll the dice on that if I don't have to.

 

Whoops, hers is not a 6 cylinder.

But, it gets 30+ out on the highway and sport mode is pretty fun around town.

 

I dont remember. It wasn't that great. We replaced it with an Acura RDX and it's not great on that either.

 

I really do like the look of the 2019 as well as the terrain select the adventure is supposed to have. It kinda looks like a mini 3rd gen taco. We may end up waiting for a while as we save for a larger down payment. So a used one of those may be an option. The CRV is a great car as well. The turbo engine and the buttonless entertainment screen were my gripes with it.