Tossing up Rav4 or Something Else?

billybrown on 18/01/2022 - 14:15

Don't mind the current wait on new cars.

Considering the Rav4 Edge Hybrid AWD. $58k new. Only drawback we found was that the visibility from the driver seat isn't the best. The dashboard is quite high.

Wondering if people have any thoughts on if there are better options for the same price range.

Considering Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander.

Key considerations are reliability, low maintenance and features (that's why we chose the highest model of the rav range). Would be our car for the next 10 years.

Automotive Car SUV Toyota

Comments

  • JohnSy on 18/01/2022 - 15:33

    Take a look at a Subaru Outback. We have one of them and a CX5. Out of the two we prefer to use the outback for the daily everyday use driving the kids around.

    • Paul Atreides on 18/01/2022 - 15:59

      curious, what year outback vs cx-5?

  • lazydesi on 18/01/2022 - 15:35
    +5

    As a owner of 2020 rav4 hybrid.

    I have test driven mazda , kia, hyundai, outlander in medium suv categories along with Rav 4 hybrid.

    The interior of rav4 is crap when compared to Mazda, kia, hyundai.

    the best part of rav 4 is its hybrid engine and smoothness of the drive and rest is so-so.

    PS: looking at kia/hyunda hybrid tech- i wont touch them when it was proven to be reliable.

    • Muzeeb on 18/01/2022 - 15:40
      +2

      i wont touch them when it was proven to be reliable.

      Ok. Up to you. I guess.

    • Dogsrule on 19/01/2022 - 07:58

      2021 Cruiser Hybrid here - generally agree with your thoughts, especially regarding Toyota's hybrid tech vs Hyundai/Kia. Toyota have been doing it for 25 years and have it down to a fine art - reliability and real world fuel economy has been proven over the 17 million examples they have sold. Hyundai/Kia have no such proof.

      • uder on 20/01/2022 - 10:12

        You can't get a Hyundai or Kia mid size SUV with a hybrid powertrain in Australia yet anyway…

  • yellowfever on 18/01/2022 - 15:41
    +6

    the infotainment screen looks terrible for a $58K car. It will age badly in 1 year when you collect the car after being on the waiting list and when all other competitors have much better designed screens.

  • brownsound on 18/01/2022 - 15:46
    +4

    Subaru Forester has very good visibility and IMO superior safety technology in its Eyesight dual camera system. Servicing might be a little more expensive than a Rav4 though.

  • Stopback on 18/01/2022 - 15:55
    +1

    choose a well made popular brand, it will be the last ICE car you will buy, and if you get lucky will appreciate

    • JimB on 19/01/2022 - 11:43
      +2

      ICE sports car yes.

      ICE SUV or family car no.

    • abuch47 on 20/01/2022 - 19:55
      +1

      aka anything japanese or korean. still a horrible price for an econobox with no fun to be had.

  • pharkurnell on 18/01/2022 - 16:42
    +3

    Y62 patrol.

  • belesci on 18/01/2022 - 16:46
    +1

    If hybrid isn’t a must I’d go for VW Tiguan. We are in love with our one!

    • ProlapsedHeinous on 18/01/2022 - 17:09
      +1

      Yes, but VW are monkey gassers. ewww

      • holdenmg on 18/01/2022 - 17:43

        I thought it might be Carbon monoxide…

    • abuch47 on 20/01/2022 - 19:57

      eurotrash with shocking prices, depreciation and mid term quality. probably be as efficient though at base spec or diesel.

  • DingoBlue on 18/01/2022 - 16:51
    +1

    New Outlander smashes

  • Drakesy on 18/01/2022 - 17:17
    +3

    Something something make sure you do you due diligence on kayaks

    • bloom on 18/01/2022 - 17:25
      +3

      Shame Toyota shame!

  • koplik8 on 18/01/2022 - 17:38
    -1

    I had a Rav4 and was lucky to get 350km out of a tank of fuel. I bought it up when my car was getting serviced at the dealership and they said that was normal.

    • spackbace on 18/01/2022 - 17:40
      +9

      That's not normal…

      • koplik8 on 18/01/2022 - 17:45
        +1

        That's what I said! The dealership didn't agree. I always reset the trip odometer when I fill up so I can keep an eye on how many kilometres I drive

        • spackbace on 18/01/2022 - 17:45

          2.0L or hybrid?

          What does the trip meter say you're averaging in L/100kms?

          • koplik8 on 18/01/2022 - 17:51
            +1

            @spackbace: It was a 2.0L. I sold it. No point having a car that's a fuel guzzler. I bought it brand new. Sold it will under 10,000km on the clock

            • Drakesy on 18/01/2022 - 17:58
              +2

              @koplik8: My Q7 was giving me terrible fuel economy (13-14l/100k's)
              Dumped some injector cleaner and DPF cleaner into the fuel tank, ran her on the freeway for a couple of hours and ever since she's been sitting in the low 9's around town.

              I think she'd been backed up with carbon build up and the injectors were pretty clogged (admittedly the Audi is a diesel)?

            • MrThing on 18/01/2022 - 17:58
              +14

              @koplik8: LoL you are probably the only person who bought a 2L rav4

    • Dogsrule on 19/01/2022 - 08:05
      +4

      Another argument for the hybrid. We get 1000km from a 55L tank.

      • netjock on 19/01/2022 - 10:46
        +4

        Not bad. I get 1100kms from 43L tank (Corolla hybrid sedan)

        • Dogsrule on 19/01/2022 - 18:30
          +1

          Those Corolla hybrids are great, I don’t think there is a car on the market with a better TCO. I drove a 3rd gen Prius before the Tesla, and got a solid 4.5L/100km over 10 years/350,000km.

          Given your Corolla hybrid is a 4th gen Prius underneath, I’m not surprised you get such great economy.

          • netjock on 19/01/2022 - 22:43

            @Dogsrule: Just wish they would give us the Corolla wagon. That is the most practical car of all time!

            • Dogsrule on 20/01/2022 - 07:16
              +1

              @netjock: Oh yeah, my Aunt has one of the last of those - huge space and still drives like a normal car. The Prius V is the closest replacement, but they are being discontinued. Toyota want you in a RAV4 hybrid, more profitable.

              • spackbace on 20/01/2022 - 11:13

                @Dogsrule:

                Toyota want you in a RAV4 hybrid, more profitable.

                No, it's because only a minority would buy a wagon, even if it was on sale today

                • Dogsrule on 20/01/2022 - 12:10

                  @spackbace: Makes you wonder, do people buy SUV’s because of the 20 years of heavy marketing, or are they genuinely better than classic wagons?

                  • spackbace on 20/01/2022 - 12:11

                    @Dogsrule: A lot of people are in the "if you cant beat them, join them" camp. I've had people buy a higher car just because of all the other higher cars on the road

                    • Dogsrule on 20/01/2022 - 12:13

                      @spackbace: Fair point. Guess we’ll all be driving Dodge Ram’s soon.

                      • abuch47 on 20/01/2022 - 19:59

                        @Dogsrule: maybe half of us with those prices and the stonking wealth inequality

      • hazwing on 19/01/2022 - 15:26
        +1

        Its good that you get such economy from the rav4 hybrid. But just for the OPs reference, I think that is an outlier figure. I believe most people would get somewhere between 700-900km from a full tank, depending on driving style and temperature control. I personally average around 750-800 from one tank.

        • spackbace on 19/01/2022 - 16:15
          +1

          Bear in mind that when it hits 'empty' there's still fuel left. Under 5.5L/100kms should be doable, which would give 1000+kms

        • Dogsrule on 19/01/2022 - 18:25

          We are a bit better than average at 5.3L/100km for sure, but the owners forum on Whirlpool is full of people getting 5.5-5.7L/100km.

          Certain driving situations like really hilly areas move it up to 6’s, but mid 5’s is very achievable. If you’re getting in the 7’s, you’re either towing or a bit of a leadfoot. And as Spack noted, there is well over 100km of range in the tank when it hits ‘empty’, you may be getting better economy than you realise.

        • netjock on 19/01/2022 - 22:45
          +2

          Toyota seems to have hybrid fuel economy label vs real life close to spot on. I can vouch for that with Corolla hybrid sedan. 3.5L on the label combined. 3.7L with 6k/kms on the ODO. Did get to 3.5L on a good 200km highway run. Driven on normal not eco mode.

  • dcep on 18/01/2022 - 18:13
    +3

    2022 Outlander PHEV

    10 years warrranty and capped price servicing

    • spackbace on 18/01/2022 - 18:27
      +3

      10 years warrranty

      If you service through Mits

      • holdenmg on 18/01/2022 - 18:36
        +6

        Free pair of handcuffs attracts a really odd sort of buyer.

      • Drakesy on 18/01/2022 - 18:50
        +1

        You'd probably prepay that additional 5 years in your first 5 years of servicing with $100 wiper blades and $400 oil changes.

      • donga100 on 18/01/2022 - 20:41

        Is that even legal?

        • spackbace on 18/01/2022 - 20:43
          -1

          Yep, coz it's considered an extended warranty

          Toyota will offer 10yr warranty on a hybrid battery if it gets checked every year at Toyota, otherwise it's a 5 year warranty.

          ACCC only consider that a vehicle should come with a minimum 5 year warranty

          • antler on 19/01/2022 - 23:37
            +2

            @spackbace:

            ACCC only consider that a vehicle should come with a minimum 5 year warranty

            Tell that to BMW. Still shipping cars in 2022 with 3yr warranty. Selling the 5yr warranty as extended!

        • abuch47 on 20/01/2022 - 20:00

          anythings legal for business

    • pepto on 19/01/2022 - 17:15

      Has pricing been announced yet?

  • nephilim on 18/01/2022 - 18:36
    +3

    We were in a similar position, then someone on FB marketplace was selling a outlander PHEV 2mins away from us. Which we haggled down to low 30's with 60,000km on clock.
    We looked at the Rav4, Mazda range, Tiguan, xtrail and CRV.

    Funny enough, Tiguan was prob the best buy new, 50k with luxury package and sound package in floor stock.

  • EightImmortals on 18/01/2022 - 19:22

    "Only drawback we found was that the visibility from the driver seat isn't the best. The dashboard is quite high."

    Huh?

    If you are that short then I'm not sure the other brands will be much different. We've had the cruiser for about 6 months and have zero vis problems?

  • Ryk on 18/01/2022 - 19:30
    +4

    Toyota Camry.

    • hutcho on 20/01/2022 - 05:48
      +2

      This! Bring back the station wagon!

  • Islund on 18/01/2022 - 19:53

    Tiguan R

  • spedohero on 19/01/2022 - 07:39

    Why no one mention honda crv?

    • MrThing on 19/01/2022 - 20:34
      +1

      honda, whos that?

    • Fobsessive on 20/01/2022 - 21:03

      Honda Australia is a joke now

  • ModBot on 19/01/2022 - 08:31
    +2

    Does hybrid really make a difference in city driving with the rare road trips ? I've read quite a few articles. But apparently most of them say by the time you recover the cost difference, you are due for a battery change. Anyone have a personal opinion on this one ?

    • netjock on 19/01/2022 - 10:49

      You need to do about 10,000 - 15,000 kms a year to recover your cost. Also depends on cost of fuel. Higher cost of fuel and faster your pay back.

      Also depends on the vehicle. Say Corolla hybrid sedan. Is the petrol really 6L/100km it is usually under stated a little. Even hybrid at 3.5L I can only get 3.7L at the moment. 10% off at 6L is a lot more than 3.5L in litres.

      Some hybrid taxis are on the same battery at 200k - 300k kilometers.

      • jv on 19/01/2022 - 13:38

        Some hybrid taxis are on the same battery at 200k - 300k kilometers.

        So that battery only lasts about a year or two ???

        • netjock on 19/01/2022 - 14:12

          99% of the population don't drive like a taxi.

          Australian average is around 11k/km per year.

          It is basically 15year+ of driving.

          • jv on 19/01/2022 - 14:30

            @netjock: How do you know if the battery is affected by km or by time ?

            • netjock on 19/01/2022 - 14:57
              +1

              @jv: Just like normal car battery, it is affected by both. Also charge and discharge cycles.

              Read all about it

              There is enough articles out there. Don't waste people's time when you haven't done your own research.

              • jv on 19/01/2022 - 15:05

                @netjock:

                Just like normal car battery, it is affected by both.

                So it doesn't really make sense to compare what a taxi is doing compared to a private car.

                • netjock on 19/01/2022 - 22:47
                  +1

                  @jv: So you're also saying Tesla batteries won't stand up to age.

                  • jv on 19/01/2022 - 23:19

                    @netjock:

                    So you're also saying Tesla batteries won't stand up to age.

                    It's quite possible…

                    What are Tesla going to do with all the batteries after they are dead???

                    • abuch47 on 20/01/2022 - 20:02

                      @jv: sell more of course, while the public purse creates an industry to actually recycle and help reduce waste.

    • spackbace on 19/01/2022 - 11:11
      +1

      It makes a difference in the RAV4 range. $3k extra gets you more power/torque, and real world at least 3L/100km fuel difference with the 2.0L model.

      Hell, you'd likely pay back the $3k difference on resale alone

    • denzel on 21/01/2022 - 01:49

      Yes it makes a difference. We were averaging 4.8L/100km around the city, because we used the EV mode, but it went up to 5.3L once we started using the highways regularly.

  • JayM on 19/01/2022 - 08:31

    Look into a Hyundai Kona N. Sporty SUV. Starts at $55k

    The N range will make driving fun! I know, I have an i30N

    • ass3ts on 20/01/2022 - 14:15
      +1

      I was offered an extended test drive and it did make driving an SUV a lot more fun. It made my SUV costing nearly 4x more feel like an oversized boat with half the tech.

  • Kuro on 19/01/2022 - 09:07

    Good comparison video here and very detailed.
    https://youtu.be/C5252Bu9cGU

  • Blakus on 19/01/2022 - 09:14

    Seems everything is the wrong side of 50K now. I bought a 2017 cx5 new, Akera, for 44K and thought at the time cars from all the brands discussed here were under 50K.

    I like the Tiguan, provided they finally have heads up display?

    My CX5 is great but had three Mazdas in a row now. First two had 6 months service intervals!

  • SteveB00 on 19/01/2022 - 10:33
    +1

    Subaru Outback & Forester, Kia Sportage & Sorento, Hyundai Tucson & Santa Fe and Honda CRV have full size spare tyres. All Mazda, VW and most others have some version of a space-saver which, if you ever intend to get more than a few kms from civilisation, is a deal breaker for me.

    • Blakus on 19/01/2022 - 10:46

      The cx5 is a proper wheel and tyre, just smaller rim size and narrower. It’s not a pizza wheel type.

      • SteveB00 on 19/01/2022 - 10:55

        The cx5 is a proper wheel and tyre, just smaller rim size and narrower.

        That's an oxymoron to me. It's speed limited to 80 kph, which is the deal breaker.

    • bbinc on 19/01/2022 - 11:46

      I’ve seen reports that you can fit a full size spare in the RAV4 Cruiser, but Toyota don’t admit that. Does anyone know for sure? I’m in the same kayak looking to replace a 10yr old SUV (Renault Koleos) - which has been great, but want more up to date safety plus hybrid. Full size spare is a must.

      • teamfletch on 19/01/2022 - 13:06

        If does fit, I recall seeing someone mention recently that the floor cover didn’t sit 100% flush, but wasn’t noticeable especially if you have a rubber mat over the top

      • spackbace on 19/01/2022 - 13:42

        Full conversion is over 2k if you want to change plastics etc from the GX (with full size spare).

        How many flat tyres do you get?

        • teamfletch on 19/01/2022 - 14:09

          Quite a few in the Rav forum have made it work without changing plastics.

          I feel the same way though, haven’t had a flat in a very long time (touch wood), so personally wouldn’t bother changing it.

        • bbinc on 22/01/2022 - 12:05
          +1

          A few, but it’s when I get them! Always a public holiday on a country trip for a special function - or at least they are the ones I remember.
          Thanks for the conversion info, very helpful.

      • Discotheque on 19/01/2022 - 20:27

        I have a full size spare in mine. 2021 Rav4 GX Hybrid

  • Rockah on 19/01/2022 - 10:37
    +2

    We've had 2 Rav4s - around a 2007 model bought second hand and I had that for about 7 years, and we got a new one in 2016 too (just before the Hybrids came out). They have both been great and reliable cars, but of course I will be biased in saying so.

    However my friend got a Hybrid this year, and he and his wife love it. They have a medium-large dog, a baby due soon, and like to go on road trips. They love the car, and the fuel efficiency over the petrol the same size (e.g. my 2016) is so much better. I sold the older rav and got a new hybrid corolla, and while it's no beast in terms of performance, I couldn't go back to an all petrol car knowing that I easily get over 800km to (I think) 43ish litre tank of petrol. Obviously the rav wont be as good, but when I jump back into our 2016 and see how many kms are left until refuelling on a relatively full tank, I want to cry.

    • Blakus on 19/01/2022 - 10:48

      Just over 5L/100km is pretty good! My long term (50000km) average in my CX5 is 9L/100. But most of that is city driving.

  • WT on 19/01/2022 - 12:28
    +7

    58k for a toyota just seems wrong

    • kl2999 on 20/01/2022 - 09:53

      Toyota landcruiser top spec is 150k. They got a more expensive sub-brand called Lexus.

    • abuch47 on 20/01/2022 - 20:04
      +1

      the best quality car brand in the world? you got no idea about cars and their prices then

  • teamfletch on 19/01/2022 - 13:04

    At least the wait time on the Hybrid Edge should be shorter than the Cruiser.
    One of the well known brokers has been advertising that he’s aware of Hybrid Edges that are unallocated stock arriving for the Feb launch.

    If you wanted one that soon you could try reaching out to him. Happy to give you his details.

  • enthusiast on 19/01/2022 - 14:30
    +4

    One of my colleagues bought a Haval H6 SUV last year and loves it… I remember looking into them at the time and IIRC her 2.0 turbo petrol was about 9.8 L/100km, and a new H6 Hybrid is coming out that was around 5.2 L/100km - with good power/torque specs:

    https://www.gwmhaval.com.au/register-your-interest-h6hev

    The Korean and Japanese cars are definitely nicely designed these days and very reliable. The above is a little more out of left field if you don't mind driving something similar from China. (I'd be checking the safety ratings / crash test results.)

  • striker5950 on 19/01/2022 - 15:55

    kona N? idk if its in your line of cars but that thing in space grey looks f**k!n sexy

  • Fobsessive on 19/01/2022 - 18:05
    -3

    SUVs suck

  • Discotheque on 19/01/2022 - 20:26
    +1

    Have a 2021 Rav4 Hybrid GX as a work car. Love it. I only have one downside to the visibility which is the A-pillar. I've had near misses cause I didn't see the car to my right. Otherwise front and rear visibility is fine. Dash sits well, I don't think it sits high IMO. I do mixed highway and city km's and clock 5.4L/100km . Efficient for it's size! Boot space is great. The floor can drop to about an inch to give you that extra bit of space if you don't opt for a full size spare wheel. Plenty of space in the back seats as well. rear seats manually recline. There is some road noise when you get on coarse chip roads. Entertainment has your standard wired Apple Car Play or Android Auto - full screen 8 inch.

    The mother in law had a 2018 Kia Sportage GT-Line with all the bells and whistles. Found it more cramped than the Rav4. Can't say what the new ones are like. Overall a very nice car but I still find the Japanese cars finished just a bit better than the Koreans; again my own opinion.

    Had a Mercedes GLC200 for a rental. Was a really really nice drive. Again felt smaller than the Rav. Gear selector was on the steering column which took a bit to get used to. Full LCD screens on the drivers dash and centre console. Entry level has most safety features. You pay extra for memory/heated-cooled seats/steering wheel, HUD, etc.

    Drove the 2018 Hyundai Tucson. Again old generation model but was very plain in comparison to the Kia Sportage even though they're built on the same platform. Felt cheap.

    Have heard that Hyndai's come out of the factory a tinge better than the Kia's but I don't know how much to believe of that. Today's cars are pretty spectacular and can be hard to tell them apart. Plus they're new!

    If I was to purchase one of what you're looking for, I would probably get the Rav 4 Cruiser Hybrid. There is a new model coming that sits between the GXL and Cruiser that you may want to look at when the Rav4 goes through it's first facelift.

    https://www.toyota.com.au/news/toyota-expands-rav4-range-wit…

  • Out24q on 19/01/2022 - 21:15
    +2

    We were recently in a similar situation. Ended up with a Skoda Kamiq. They also had a deal where you could pay 5 years Service upfront, and get 2 years for free, and with 7 years Warranty. Car is only a few weeks old, however it's a fantastic car. :)

  • kl2999 on 19/01/2022 - 22:57

    Chasing cars did a 11 SUV test check it out, included pretty much all cars mentioned in this thread.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5252Bu9cGU&t=2s

    • spackbace on 19/01/2022 - 23:10

      Skips to end

      Niiiiiiice :D

  • oblivianz on 20/01/2022 - 09:47

    I was in the same boat. Researched and realise that the RAV4 Hybrid is the best option out of the lot in terms of value. A big consideration is the wait time. I ordered a Rav4 Hybrid Cruiser since July 2021 and am still waiting.

    • kl2999 on 20/01/2022 - 10:22

      I saw on Toyota website they doing better build speed with MY22 model, people on MY21 build wait list should contact their dealer and update. Not sure the price difference though.

      • oblivianz on 20/01/2022 - 10:28
        +1

        They were doing better then it went worse again. Last I read, the wait times are at 12 months at the moment for new orders. Everyone on MY21 still on the queue has been automatically moved to MY22 with a price increase subject to the dealership.

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