Rental review - 2024 RAV4 "Adventure"

[SC Maintenance]

I did not drive this RAV4. But Grand Highlander is very cramped compared to others in that class, especially Atlas. The third row and trunk are comparable. 1st and 2nd row? Class lower in size.
Sequoia is similar compared to other SUVs in that class, especially the trunk and third row.
I think there is a trend here.

I not only tried most of the Rav4 size vehicles, but made a spreadsheet based on factory specs! I didn't try any luxury brands, not what I was looking for. The Rav4 was larger than all of them with the exception of the CR-V, which had a little more cargo space - like a cubic foot. The new CR-V had gotten slightly bigger in the passenger area, but has actually given up a very small amount of cargo space. Still looks like there the largest though, probably their target.

Interestingly the GM whatever they call it had more space in the front - IIRC - but you probably couldn't drive a tent stake between the front and back seats.

Remember these vehicles still start around $30K. There cheap cars for the masses. All of the vehicles in the intermediate CUV class are small.

 

[RTexasF]

I haven't been in a car without heated seats in a long time, especially at this price point.
Considering your location, is a heated seat a necessity?

 

[edyvw]

I not only tried most of the Rav4 size vehicles, but made a spreadsheet based on factory specs! I didn't try any luxury brands, not what I was looking for. The Rav4 was larger than all of them with the exception of the CR-V, which had a little more cargo space - like a cubic foot. The new CR-V had gotten slightly bigger in the passenger area, but has actually given up a very small amount of cargo space. Still looks like there the largest though, probably their target.

Interestingly the GM whatever they call it had more space in the front - IIRC - but you probably couldn't drive a tent stake between the front and back seats.

Remember these vehicles still start around $30K. There cheap cars for the masses. All of the vehicles in the intermediate CUV class are small.

A lot of vehicles have a design where they seem smaller, the feeling driver has is that it is smaller.
It could be when it comes to RAV4. Grand Highlander? I went to check it, sat in the front seat, and walked away after 2 minutes. Not to mention those Mickey Mouse seats. The same goes for the new Sequoia. I checked the trunk and never actually drove it after that.

 

[SC Maintenance]

A lot of vehicles have a design where they seem smaller, the feeling driver has is that it is smaller.
It could be when it comes to RAV4. Grand Highlander? I went to check it, sat in the front seat, and walked away after 2 minutes. Not to mention those Mickey Mouse seats. The same goes for the new Sequoia. I checked the trunk and never actually drove it after that.

I do feel like I am squeezing into it when I occasionally drive it. I always assumed it was just because I am used to my truck. However once in it seems good - plenty of space. I do think if your much over 6 feet your head would likely be closer to the ceiling than you would care to be though.

 

[02SE]

Exactly. So the seat falling apart points to poor engineering or a really fat previous renter. The latter good engineering should account for.

OR, what I said IS the possible reason for the seat cover no longer being attached properly. Someone TRIES to steal parts off the car, but fails due to their own incompetence. So it gets returned as-is.

At any rate, it has been an issue in the car rental business, according to the family member who was in that line of work...

 

[dishdude]

OR, what I said IS the possible reason for the seat cover no longer being attached properly. Someone TRIES to steal parts off the car, but fails due to their own incompetence. So it gets returned as-is.

At any rate, it has been an issue in the car rental business, according to the family member who was in that line of work...

That's great but there is no evidence anyone tried to steal the seat cover.

 

[02SE]

That's great but there is no evidence anyone tried to steal the seat cover.

I'd say there's evidence they DID try to steal the seat cover.

As I've already said: Based on the experience of the family member who was in that industry for years, and has seen first hand just how low some are willing to go to save a buck, I wouldn't be surprised if some thieving scumbag tried to steal the seat cover.

A popular item to swap out, were tires. Cars with only a few thousand miles would sometimes come back with tires nearly bald, with a build date on the tires years before the car they were now on was even built...

Bottom line: Neither of us knows for sure.

 

[Nick1994]

I haven't been in a car without heated seats in a long time, especially at this price point.
Considering your location, is a heated seat a necessity?

Not a necessity but definitely nice to have. Here in the desert it does get pretty cold, especially for those of us without a garage.

 

[THORROMIG]

Again, the Rav4 is not a high performance vehicle. Its built for economy and safety. Number one selling vehicle for Toyota. Overtook the Camry in sales acouple years ago. The 2.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force engine in Rav4 Hybrids have more umphhh then your standard 2.5L..

 

[JGmazda]

...Another "off road" wannabee.... There are so many better vehicles out there for that kind of money. But, to each his own.

 

[THORROMIG]

...Another "off road" wannabee.... There are so many better vehicles out there for that kind of money. But, to each his own.

Hows the 2012 HYUNDAI Sante Fe do off road? Betcha thats a real "lady killer" besides.

 

[Silverado12]

I actually like the orange trim but I'm kind of weird too. My brother's wife has a 2023 Rav 4 company car and it's cramped compared to her Subaru Forester and my Cadillac XT4. It's been problem free, though. Even my Caddy has an off road mode on its AWD system but I couldn't imagine ever being off road in a CUV. I just use the AWD for the slim possibility that it will snow here in south central Virginia.

 

[JGmazda]

Hows the 2012 HYUNDAI Sante Fe do off road? Betcha thats a real "lady killer" besides.

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is a road/highway car and never goes "off road". It's in excellent shape because it's used as intended. And yes, the ladies LOVE it, especially my wife. Now, if we happen to be going "off road" or planning a trip with "off road" in mind, I'll take my brother's Wrangler which does nicely.

 

[dogememe]

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is a road/highway car and never goes "off road". It's in excellent shape because it's used as intended. And yes, the ladies LOVE it, especially my wife. Now, if we happen to be going "off road" or planning a trip with "off road" in mind, I'll take my brother's Wrangler which does nicely.

It's funny, it's almost like there are different vehicles for different use cases, right?

 

[JGmazda]

It's funny, it's almost like there are different vehicles for different use cases, right?

Exactly! I mean, it's actually a bit funny to me how many prospective car buyers are swayed by all the "off road" marketing and badges. Manufactures KNOW this and that's the sole reason they slap on the rugged tires, raise the ride height, stitch the seats and slap "off road" badges everywhere. In reality, it's all marketing and very little is added to make the vehicle truly "off road". Those of us that have really gone "off road" know this. These marketing ploys (Which really do sell units) are there obviously to sell more vehicles. The RAV4 in this thread would take a beating if really used "off road". Now... some washboard trails or dirt roads.... fine. But "off road"? C'mon.

 

[Brons2]

What are you comparing it too? None in that class are great. If you give more passenger space your cargo suffers. More in the front means less in the back. I found the CX5 much more cramped. The CR-V is a bit more spacious in front but I think the rear seats were less so. Everyone I suppose has a different set of needs.

For a 6'7" person, the CX5 is way better than the Rav4. I've tried both.

 

[SC Maintenance]

For a 6'7" person, the CX5 is way better than the Rav4. I've tried both.

Given your in the 99th percentile in height, they gave more of there limited cabin volume - which is already significantly smaller than others in the segment - to your height and leg room likely. Since people like me nearer the 50th percentile are unable to use that space, the smaller space offset elsewhere makes it feel more cramped.

You proved my point mathematically! Everyone is different.

 

[ryster]

A turbo would make one of these really nice. My friend has a 2023 and I liked the powertrain, the transmission was chef’s kiss compared to the Tucson.

The RAV4 Prime is the version to get if you want more power. 0-60 under 6 seconds. And arguably, the PHEV powertrain will be more reliable [and efficient] than a turbo.