Rented a RAV4 LE AWD for the week as I was going on an approx 2000mi trip and I wanted to preserve the miles on my lease and also needed the extra trunk space.
When I arrived I had the choice between a few small SUVs and I opted for the RAV4 because I always thought this current version is one of the better looking crossover SUVs on the market.
Man oh man am I disappointed in the RAV4. It is clunky, the multimedia display sticks out like a sore thumb, the graphics are similar of a 2010 display, the rear view camera is all fisheye distorted. They made these huge two oversized round dials for AC and temperature but only a tiny button for the volume in a place that’s kinda a far reach on the multimedia display. Seats are not comfortable and by far the worst things about this suv is ride quality and noise. It’s a truck-like rough bouncy ride and the wheel and wind noise is very noticeable. I understand I have the base model but everything about this suv feels inferior and just slapped together to me. I’ve driven other SUVs in this class and they’re not as rough of a ride.
Only positive is very good gas mileage. Was pushing 80+ mph most of the way and was getting ~32mpg average.
Just felt like venting, especially since the RAV4 is a popular SUV to lease during normal times due to price point. Big disappointment. Wonder if the Lexus NX has a similar suspension since it’s based on the RAV4, I would hope not.
Hmmm, that is interesting so thanks for sharing! I haven’t had any experience behind the wheel, that I can recall, but they certainly seem to sell well.
One of the worst rentals that I can recall was a Chevy Equinox. I literally got a couple of miles from the HLE, and I turned back to exchange. I couldn’t bear the thought of “owning” that thing for a long weekend, it was that bad.
To be fair, you’re driving a rental spec ~$27k LE, so you’re judging based on the crappiest possible version of it… There are at least a dozen configurations, all the way up to a nearly $50k Prime version and you’ll pick up very different seats, tech, wheels, powertrain along the way.
yes but that’s a very popular car people lease a lot on this site. It’s about a ~$300ish/mo lease during good times. I doubt the wind noise goes down in the $50k version
Whew, that is bold lol. I’m not a GM fan either, but the Equinox is absolutely garbage, all around. I’m baffled that people PAY to drive one of those. But then again, I haven’t driven the RAV4 so…
Mostly the image of “i’m a hardcore offroader” Honestly building up a TRD offroad with the suspension you want is a better option. It has all the good diff and locker stuff
Agree and echo this across all toyota products. i delivered a highlander xle last week and was stunned at how crappy the interior was and how dated everything looked. the pathfinder is a far better truck.
I have not driven any rav4s but just from pictures, the rav4 is far behind the new rogue in terms of just how nice the interior is.
