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19 Rav4 Hybrid

Discussion in 'Toyota Hybrids and EVs' started by stephensprius, Jan 17, 2019.

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  1. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    I know there are some reviews out for the next gen Rav 4 hybrid for 2019. My dealership believes they will be out in March.

    Question though: I have not seen gas only versions yet. Only in photos. The car does not appear to be all that aerodynamic. I wonder why they went more brute suv/mini truck i.e. tacoma, 4runner look, versus a more sleak design that would allow for better fuel economy possibly? Does anyone have any feedback or thoughts? Thanks
     
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Different priorities. The RAV4 is targeted to those with an active lifestyle that want a vehicle that they can take to work on the weekends and to the trails or ski hills on the weekend whike carrying their family, dog, and associated accompaniments. That it comes in a hybrid form is just icing on the cake.
     
  3. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    That makes sense. I like it because of the space, cargo capacity. I would never take it offroad, especially in hybrid trim. I do wish they made an updated Prius V. I don't really need all wheel drive or the appearance of having an offroad ready suv. Just my personal two cents. But I will give it my final judgement when I actually see and test drive.
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Hybrid version offers 41mpg, what more do you want? Great mpg for SUV
     
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  5. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    that's true. if it really meets 41.
     
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  6. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Can't use looks to judge actual aerodynamics. The Prius c, a typical appearing subcompact hatch, is slippery than the Insight2, a gen2 Prius clone.
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Was looking at the 2018 vs 2019, made a composite image:

    upload_2019-1-17_10-10-37.png
    (2018 at top)

    I like the direction the 2019 is going, pray the Prius does similar. The expanses of black plastic at wheel well arches and rocker panels is maybe a little over the top.
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This sample picture you have of the 2019 is the top Adventure model. Hopefully the black plastic wheel arches don't make it to other models. They had a similar launch with gray plastic wheel arches on the 4runner a decade ago. After 1 model year, they made them all body colored. Not sure why they are making the same mistake again (with black this time)
     
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  9. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    41 mpg is city mileage. Highway is 37, combined 39.

    Eye of the beholder. Doesn't bother me at all



    My wife and I test drove the gas version yesterday, liked it. We are waiting for the hybrid, only $800 more than the gas version. Hybrid has both better fuel economy and better acceleration.

    As far as the possibly less aerodynamic more rugged look look, the Rav4 is not a dedicated hybrid (like the Prius is) and has to appeal to a wide variety of buyers. Reviewers in general like the new look.
     
    #9 royrose, Jan 17, 2019
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2019
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Dianne at Southcoast Toyota in CA has been already giving good discounts on the gas versions of 2019. But she did say when the hybrids are out, expect to pay MSRP on them, limited quantities and higher demand.
     
  11. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    The Adventure is suppose to be the off road trim. Using plastic to protect lower body panels makes sense, though I don't care for the disconnect between the wheel arches and other pieces.
    Of course, using 19 inch wheels on your off road trim doesn't make sense. Aside from that, the Adventure is perfect on paper as a second car for me.
     
  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Well I'll soon be liquidating my Prius collection to move onto the new SUV crave. I'm eyeing the 2nd tier Rav4 Hybrid with SKS. I don't care for the other stuff
     
  13. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    Hopefully that won't last forever.
     
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I don't know how long it'll last, but a nice looking reliable SUV with over 41mpg city will be hard to beat. There may be a line for them like when the Prius gen2 came out.
     
  15. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    I am not saying I don't like the style of the 2019 rav 4. I just think it's a bit over-the-top suv/mini tacoma looking. I think it will sell like hotcakes. I just would've preferred something more aerodynamic. We will see how the real fuel econ looks.
     
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  16. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    Maybe that's the reason I don't love the style of these. The cladding stuff. I bet that will really get worn out too.
     
  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This class of vehicle has never been about aerodynamics. You have the 4th gen Prius for aerodynamics, look what a messed up job that turned out to be.
     
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  18. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    Good point. I wonder if Honda crv will bring the hybrid trim to America. It got pretty great reviews over in Europe, China. It would be a worthy competitor. I wouldn't spend anytime at a Nissan store to see the Rogue.
     
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  19. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    that's a fair point. Although, many on this forum love the style of the gen 4 Prius. But, i agree, not my cup of tea. My wife has a gen 3 and we really like it.
     
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  20. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    that's the key. It's not 40 combined. Will be very interesting to see how many people can actually get close to 40 mpg. I also wonder how it will compare to the Prius V (fuel econ wise). :)
     
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