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Prius v replacement

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by mikefocke, May 20, 2019.

  1. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Today I drove a Rav4h today for the second time. 30 minutes up to 70 MPH. My impressions keeping in mind I drive a v....

    1. Much more powerful, almost V6 like. Compared to the v it is a rocket.
    2. Quieter. Some tire noise depending on tire tread and pavement.
    3. MPG within 2-3 MPG of v on fuelly from a mere 3 reporters but rav4world comments consistent with 38-42.
    4. Spacious.
    5. Sloped hatch takes vertical room from trunk. Trunk floor flat and same size as v.
    6. Seats much more adjustable than mine. Side boosters on seats more pronounced and narrower than the v.
    7. I didn't read the manual, play with any electronics, or drive a high end model.
    8. More expensive than v ever was but much more car.
    9. Seemed big.
    10. Hybrid action masked. I had to switch to eco until I could feel it was a hybrid.
    11. Dash gauges seemed dim, hard to read, didn't adjust brightness.
    12. Center display easy to read. Brighter.
    13. Felt big. Been since 2012 since I had a suv.

    No idea what MPG I got, I was focusing on power, comfort, noise. Did a pass at 65 and wow.

    I've been following early buyers of the Rav4h on the forums and I think I'll start the process of buying one which will require ordering as I want a specific model with specific options. I also considered the CRV but the issue of fuel dilution of the oil disqualified it.
     
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    when my son goosed his, he spun the tires
     
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  3. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    e-Vroom! e-Vroom!
     
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  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    It was raining out here last weekend and when I took her uncle out for a spin in the Prime, I squeezed the tires:).

    He was surprised ;).

    Then we did a 20 mile trip totally on the battery and that blew his mind(y).
     
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  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    I have driven both and fully agree with your observations. During my test drive, I averaged 40's on a base-trim LE Hybrid.

    If it wasn't for a recent major purchase there would be a RAV4 Hybrid on my driveway right now.
     
    #5 The Critic, May 22, 2019
    Last edited: May 22, 2019
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  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You sure that isn’t called an investment in your future :love:?
     
  7. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Only in her eyes...
     
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  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Happy future wife, Happy Life(y).
     
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  9. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Inquiring minds want to know the purpose and benefit of squeezing the tires was. Maybe squealing?
     
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  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Squealing: yes;).

    iPhone autocorrect: :mad:.
     
  11. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Offering another data point for the 2019 Rav4 Hybrid. My very first tank: 520 miles to fuel light, 47 MPG actual.
    Coming originally from a 2013 Prius-v, then a 2016 Rav4 Hybrid, I couldn't be happier with this car. Still not quite as much room in the back as the V, but there's enough.
     
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  12. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Back seat or trunk suffering by comparison? I measured the trunk floor (I seldom stack things to the roof) with two of my standard loads and they were very similar in the way I had to pack them. Understand the back seat is a little tighter but that is for the grandkids and usually short trips of 50 miles max.
     
  13. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    The Rav4 is wider and shorter with the back seats down, and not as flat, but more head space. And of course the Rav4 can only dream about the cavernous space available for back seat passengers in the v. Still its not "small", just average.

    The 2019 Rav is whisper quiet in comparison to a v, and way smoother, more comfy, better seats, etc, etc, etc.
    I'm not sure how, but they figured out how to make the 2.5L ICE burn a lot less fuel in the 2019 too, or perhaps just spend more time in EV.
     
  14. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Just back from my wife driving for 16 minutes in an ICE version because all the hybrids are sold. She like it and said she would enjoy driving it but wanted to keep her 2011 Avalon another year. But I have approval. Now to work out an acceptable deal. I have an out of region quote coming tomorrow. Armed with that I'll see what the local dealer will do. I'd like to buy local as the fairly new sales guy actually knew what 95% of the buttons were for. On the limited disappointed that the passenger seat doesn't have as much adjust-ability as the drivers seat.
     
  15. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    From what I've seen the SE region is seeing very few of them thus far. In my region it was just a matter of grabbing one out of the pipeline as long as one isn't picky about color. Most of what I see on dealer lots right now are LE and XLE, the loaded Limiteds are usually sold before they arrive. If you get the panoramic roof it will come from Tokyo, W/O that it will come from Canada. Forget "deals" for at least another couple months.
     
  16. Gruntzen

    Gruntzen Junior Member

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    Seriously considering a Blue Flame XLE with Cold Weather Package (to get heated seats and steering wheel)...

    How much better is the ride and noise of a RAV4 Hybrid compared to the V? I know the power is a lot better, but the most annoying things with my V are the fairly loud interior and the harsh ride. I know reviews have mentioned that this RAV4 rides stiffer than the past one, but is it better than the V?

    Also, I'd be super bummed to lose the second glovebox and the rear underfloor storage space in the V - the cargo practicality of the V is simply amazing!
     
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  17. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The new Rav4 hybrid is much better on the ride and is quiet. Not sure if it has active noise cancellation but competitors like the CRV do. In effect, the standard gas only Rav4 is a different car than the hybrid. It has a conventional transmission while the hybrid has a smoother cvt. The engines are different with the hybrid having the most overall power and performance. The hybrid has a standard awd, although the rear drive is electric only. Since a hybrid shuts the gas engine off often and usually has the electric helping the gas engine it is also quieter.

    You have to realize any car depends on quality tires to get a good ride and reduce road noise. Get the cheap tires, oversized tires, overinflated tires, etc and the ride goes south. Obviously the road surface matters as well. Best ride will be on relatively smooth asphalt followed by concrete with expansion strips.
     
    #17 rjparker, Jun 6, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 6, 2019
  18. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    The vented seats are wonderful. These are different from the plain heated ones.
    Compared to a v, the Rav is in a completely different class for ride comfort and noise. Seriously, no comparison.
    The Rav's rear storage is more or less non-existent. A little space surrounding the spare under the deck, and that's it. Rav has an open cubby on both sides of the dash, so you wouldn't miss the second glove box very much.
     
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  19. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    Just to let all of you who are interested in the 2019 Rav4, Toyota increased the price of all trim levels by $150, both gas and hybrid models. So if you can find one on a dealers lot the sticker price will be $150 less than those shipped from around June 1 on.
     
  20. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    ^^^
    LOL. If you can find one on a dealer's lot, buy it.