No 2018 Prius v ?

No longer sold in the US and stocks of 2017s were drying up fast last year as they pushed the Rav4 Hybrid in its place. A new 2019 RAV4 may get equivalent mpg with a 600 mile range. However the v is still sold in Canada and Europe. Maybe in other Asian markets as well.

 

Wish there was a new generation coming. Not everyone likes the awd rav 4 and the size. Just not necessary to all.

 

Any tips and tricks for importing Prii from the Great White North to the U.S.?

 

The 2019 Rav4 Hybrid is looking good right now to take my 2012's Prius v spot in the garage. Probably have to be a year from now by the time it releases. Engines are 2.5L gas or hybrid, no turbo. Transmissions are 8 speed lockup (probably gas only versions) or CVT. Sounds like basically the same setup as the Camry Hybrid which gets about 47mpg today.

From Toyota News Release Link:

• All-New Robust Design and Unparalleled Driving Experience
• 2.5L Inline-4 and Toyota Hybrid System Powertrains Offering More Power and MPG
• TNGA K Platform with Multi-Link Rear Suspension
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0)
• Debut of All-New Sporty Hybrid Grade, XSE Hybrid
• Standard Entune 3.0 with Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay Compatibility
• True Off-Road Capabilities with Available Multi-Terrain Select and an Available Toyota-First, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect

The Rav4 Hybrid is said to have a 600 mile driving range which means it does get high mpg, at least 42mpg since range is usually 90% of a full tank. Toyota has indicated the Rav4 hybrid tank will have the same tank as a gas only version. The normal tank is 15.9 gallons which makes the gallons in the range calc about 14.3.

Details: All-New 2019 Toyota RAV4 Serves Up a Breakthrough Debut at New York International Auto Show | Toyota

 

But the new Rav4 will have all new engines and transmissions and you'd be wise to let others provide the early testing. I too think the v form factor is just right for my needs and if there were a modern version I'd be buying again. The Rav4 and CRV seem huge on the outside and yet the cargo space seems smaller for my typical loads.

 

Thanks for your prompt and comprehensive reply!

 

But are there warranty or maintenance implications of the importation? It is one thing to import a old classic like a Porsche where 50 years later there are parts and experts still available. But to add importation to the age of the model and the local discontinuance wouldn't reassure me.

 

Good and valid points.

 

I don't know, but now theorize that the issue becomes one when a 2018 v is not sold in the U.S., even if still sold in Canada.

True, it's not much different from a 2015-2017 v, but it may be difficult for a U.S.-based dealership to, for example, order parts in the U.S., or even enter data on a U.S.-based TMNA terminal, where the product does not theoretically exist for sale or repair.

 

I think if a new car is imported and not currently sold in the US the government want one to go through its certification I believe there are exceptions for older, classic vehicles.

 

FWIW I received a call yesterday from the dealership we bought our 2016 Prius v Three about an upgrade event. I told the young lady that since Toyota discontinued the 2018 Prius v model I wasn't interested. It's too bad because we had discussed updating to a newer model year at some point when we bought the car. Too bad they discontinued that model...☹️

 

What were they offering as an upgrade? A Prime with a luggage trailer:

 

Aside from the RAV4 alternative, for 2019 Toyota is selling a new Corolla station wagon to replace the IM, it is on the new global platform and might also work as a sub for the V.

 

Hybrid?