I'm in a position to buy a new or relatively new car. Whatever I get I plan on keeping it for 10+ years. I have narrowed my Choicrs down to the 4Runner and RAV4. I really love both. I realize the 4Runner holds its value and all but I'm just scared about the gas mileage. You never know when gas prices will shoot up. My first car was a 4runner amd I really enjoyed it. The RAV4 would proably be bought new and I would priably order or straight from the factory exactly how I want. But I have heard issues with it like the battery. I hope they have fixed these in the newest model year. And I would try to order it from the factory in Japan for the best quality. The biggest selling factor is I dont need a massive SUV but also I really love the gad mileage. I love them both. I would like your opinion. The gas mileage is what holding me back from the 4runner and then the uncertainty of the reliability of the RAV4 holds me back from that. What would you pick if you were in the position I'm in? Also so thr new Honda Passport not really a major consideration but its rugged looking and has AWD and is large with the V6 and seems a good mixture of both but again not a major consideration unless it's a completely better option.
@baronvonjo
For RAV4 I would go with a 2018 or older, the new 5th generation style has reduced cargo capacity from 37 to 32 cubic inches.
I say get the 4runner and screw the gas mileage. I drive my 04 4runner V8 daily like its a Prius! Who cares about some extra bucks at the pump when you have the ULTIMATE vehicle!
GH
I have a 2007 V6 2WD 4runner I bought used with about 36,000 miles on it. I was warned by my mechanic at the time that 4runners were great cars but got bad gas mileage. I bought one anyway because my 1994 ford exploder was rusting out and just crappy. 11 years later I am very happy I bought the 4runner and get 22 mpg on the highway (which astounded my mechanic) regardless of conditions: 70 mph or 55; AC on or not. being retired I don't do a lot of city driving and don't live in a $%itty but get about 17 mpg in that environment. I mainly bought it to pull a small sailboat and other general hauling chores. But I love driving it except that it is basically a truck. It is quiet, roomy, and handles well. I dont do off road stuff. And I have to think that mechanics love working on the engine because the engine bay is so roomy. Probably not so on a V8 4WD 4runners which are no doubt worse gas hogs. I would not like to use it as an everyday commuter car but being retired would use it as my primary car if I had to. I keep cars for a long time and hope it will be the last SUV I need to buy before "falling off my perch" as our british in-laws say.
I also have a 2004 rav4 that was handled down to me from my two daughters. It is a good beater and runs well in spite of some abuse by my daughters and more so by their less than competent husbands. But I would opt for a 4runner every time.
I would also consider a highlander if I were in the market.
As Scotty always says, you can not predict how are the new models of each manufacturers. A good example of that is Toyota 4Runners and their engine noise. If you buy couple years old car, besides saving money, you will know the issues of particular models and can make a wiser decision.
@yaser
the engine noice is an issue that could come up in any car and plus that is the same with the rav4. the 4runner is basically unchanged I would check out a 2-3 year old 4runner and bring it to a mechanic if its in good shape he should get it if he likes it they are excellent cars I dont like the newer rav4s because of its overall oldness and how it is behind the game like the CR-V.
Not for a manufacturer that makes this car for a long time and haven’t had for previous model years.
That’s ok that You don’t like the RAV4, although it doesn’t mean they are bad. Also the new CRV has engine issues if you don’t know it.
@yaser
that is the 2017-2018 CR-V with the 1.5T. If you get a 2017-2018 with the 2.4 then that is one of the best engines honda ever made (its from the accord coupe i belive). The 2020 models are fine.
The 2020 CRV is 1.5 L turbo for non-hybrid models.
I'd actually be interested in the RAV4 Prime, especially if you're ordering directly from the factory since it's so difficult to find them on dealer lots right now. This answer is more of a question in itself though since I'm not too familiar with them. A plug-in hybrid would be a "future-proof" option, with all the benefits of the RAV4 including the AWD. Plus Toyota has been making hybrids for 20 years!
Keep in mind the RAV4 is one of Toyota's most popular vehicles at the moment, and while that doesn't translate to reliability, that should say something about how great those vehicles are and whether or not you'd "regret" the purchase!
Get the 4runner the newer rav4's aren't that well made sure they can still last long but nothing like the one's 20 years ago the ride and interior is behind it's game a CR-V would be your best bet for a new SUV. The 4runner is a really well made car screw the gas mileage it could hold it's value well and even if gas prices do go up, there will always be people (young people for ex.) wanting a 4runner as a toy car so you could sell it everyone likes them. If you get a rav4 you wont get your moneys worth but with the 4runner you can sell it 15 years later for 10k or more so the decision is up to you.
If I were you I would consider 4runner vs CR-V The Honda CR-V 's are great car's 2019+ would be a great choise check one out vs the rav4 and you'll see what I mean.
4Runner and Highlander are assembled in Japan, Rav4 is assembled in Kentucky. 4Runner has a 4.0L V6 5 speed, Rav4 has a 2.5L I4 8 speed. 4Runner is better off-road, Rav4 is better getting groceries and has terrible back seats but gets more mpg. Rav4 feels really "small" inside, 4Runner feels a little more roomy. Toyota says each can carry 5 people, but they better be really good friends. 4 people is more real. Rav4 is tariff-free, not true with 4Runner ? Rav4 has the new Dynamic Force 2.5L engine, looks good but who knows about reliability ? Open the hood and all you see is wires and pipes and plastic stuff. Our Toyota friend says special order time from Japan has been 7-9 weeks lately, but if you know a big shot he can get "priority" and you see it in maybe 4 weeks.
@jamesedavis
forget about rav4 i say, consider 4runner vs. 2019 CR-V
@jamesedavis
the new rav4's are cheaper made it is very obvious, especially when compared to the fact that the 4runner does not change at all and the competition like Honda and Mazda are becoming more reliable these last couple of years.
If you don't mind the cross company comparisons, the Pilot seems a cross between a Highlander and a 4Runner. It's not quite up to 4Runner pure SUV status, but it's not just a road SUV like the Highlander.
Now with the 4Runner and the RAV4, totally different animals. But both great.
I see the RAV4 as more car like, and the 4Runner as more truck like. And if you do a bunch of out doors stuff where you need the 4Runner, then 4Runner it is. But if out doors is only once in a while and not to extreme, and you need to drive it daily, RAV4 it is.
Or heck, you can toss conventional wisdom out the window and just go with you gut.
