New RAV 4 My Impressions

[IllusionX]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Well if you like it thats all that matters.



The new one is almost literally twice as big as the first ones that came out.

The first one came out as a competition to the Suzuki x90?

[Kal-El]

As hard as it is to believe, the RAV4 is indeed a compact crossover SUV, not a mid-size. It competes in a very crowded field that includes the CRV, Escape, Cherokee,...

I think these are sized just right now. The original's size would look silly in today's market and wouldn't sell well.

Size progression is as follows (using Toyota's lineup):

Compact: RAV4
Mid-size: Highlander, 4Runner
Full-size: Sequoia, Land Cruiser

Just stand near a Sequoia and a RAV4 becomes small again.

An example of a sub-compact SUV is the Buick Encore which is actually a unique player in the market.

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

I think these are sized just right now. The original's size would look silly in today's market and wouldn't sell well.

If you want to be a slave to rising gas prices just buy bigger and bigger vehicles.

If youd rather not be a slave, buy the smallest vehicle out there. Its silly driving a 300 inch cubed engine with just you in it to work. Thats what 75% of trips are.

Maybe we could get together a large car death squad and bump some of these people off? Kind of like ISIS.

[Kal-El]

Originally Posted by bronsin

If you want to be slave to rising gas prices just buy bigger and vehiclesehicles.

If youd rather not be a slave, buy the smallest vehicle out there. Its silly driving a 300 inch cubed engine with just you in it to work. Thats what 75% of trips are.

Maybe we could get together a large car death squad and bump some of these people off? Kind of like ISIS.

Most families, 4 or more, want or need something bigger than a sub-compact. You need a vehicle for all of your needs, not strictly what gets you to work most efficiently. Most don't want to have numerous cars for different purposes. That's why electric cars don't sell because you need to have a gas car too. A family going on a road trip wants comfortable space for everyone and all their gear for their destination. That's where these SUV'S come in. They are extremely practical even if they eat more gas than what is ideal.

My current plans for my next vehicle is the Toyota Highlander. This 3rd gen is fantastic. My family has gone from 2 to 4 since buying my Yaris and I'm really iching for more.

[IllusionX]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

As hard as it is to believe, the RAV4 is indeed a compact crossover SUV, not a mid-size. It competes in a very crowded field that includes the CRV, Escape, Cherokee,...

I think these are sized just right now. The original's size would look silly in today's market and wouldn't sell well.

Size progression is as follows (using Toyota's lineup):

Compact: RAV4
Mid-size: Highlander, 4Runner
Full-size: Sequoia, Land Cruiser

Just stand near a Sequoia and a RAV4 becomes small again.

An example of a sub-compact SUV is the Buick Encore which is actually a unique player in the market.

You are actually right. The original RAV was in the mini SUV category.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by IllusionX

The first one came out as a competition to the Suzuki x90?

I saw one of those on 3/17/15. First one I've seen in years. The spoiler was missing, leaving holes in the trunk where the spoiler mount is located . The shape of the dash = similar to the 2001 Suzuki Swift I bought new (car I had right before my blue Yaris).