Topic: First Drive: 2019 Toyota RAV4

[Great_Big_Abyss]

^^^ I'm in a 2018 Trail right now (loaner car) and I have to say, it kinda seems like a useless trim package.  You get some plasticky bits on the outside that actually just cheapen the overall look of the vehicle.

There is nothing that actually makes the RAV more off-road worthy.  Skip the Trail Package.

[G.Bombay]

^^^ I'm in a 2018 Trail right now (loaner car) and I have to say, it kinda seems like a useless trim package.  You get some plasticky bits on the outside that actually just cheapen the overall look of the vehicle.

There is nothing that actually makes the RAV more off-road worthy.  Skip the Trail Package.

Unless you want to tow up to 3500 lbs.

Can the hybrid tow?

[Fobroader]

I like the looks of it, no way I'm taking a lifted Corolla wagon onto the Rubicon Trail.

[AAAAAAA]

No pano roof not interested. I can't believe Canada isn't getting it.

Something I didn't see in this article was if it had a heated steering wheel.
I was about to get the new V6 camry until I found out it didn't have heated steering wheel. Such a nice feature, can never buy a new car without it.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

I would put pano sunroof and heated steering wheel under the 'nice to have' column, but no way does the lack of that equipment rule out purchasing a certain vehicle for me.

[Fobroader]

I would put pano sunroof and heated steering wheel under the 'nice to have' column, but no way does the lack of that equipment rule out purchasing a certain vehicle for me.

Heated steering wheel is definitely in the must have category for my next vehicle. After trying it out, I love it.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Anyways, the 2018 XLE that I'm in has heated steering wheel, so any reason to think an equivalent 2019 wouldn't have one?

[valuator]

Anyways, the 2018 XLE that I'm in has heated steering wheel, so any reason to think an equivalent 2019 wouldn't have one?

Does the XLE you're driving have a pano roof?

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Anyways, the 2018 XLE that I'm in has heated steering wheel, so any reason to think an equivalent 2019 wouldn't have one?

Does the XLE you're driving have a pano roof?

No, just a regular moonroof.

[Weels]

Anyways, the 2018 XLE that I'm in has heated steering wheel, so any reason to think an equivalent 2019 wouldn't have one?

Heated wheel is on all except the base LE.  Assume that would be same for the 19's

Being the family car know-it-all, I've been tasked with finding a replacement for step-daughters 2013 Tucson. 
She is not a car person in the least.  Doubt she would know a Toyota from a Lamborghini.  Well, maybe.
She is a greeny, so I know a Hybrid would appeal to her immensely. 
So, I am looking into a remaining 2018 Hybrid for her... seeing if I can parlay the new 2019 model's much lower Hybrid price difference (i'm guessing it will be about $1,500 vs the current roughly $3K) into a deal on an '18. 

[Dante]

There is nothing that actually makes the RAV more off-road worthy.  Skip the Trail Package.

Not for 2018 MY but for the 2019 MY discussed here there is actually.  Different AWD plus more ground clearance at least.

Not off-road - I don't think any of these SUVs are off-road vehicles by any means,  but more all-weather capable rather.

[dirtyjeffer]

i kind of wish you could get a FWD hybrid (especially in higher trim)...i get the fact they want to simplify the line-up for cost savings, but if i could get an upper trim Hybrid FWD, i'd likely get that over the AWD version and use that money for quality winter tires and fuel savings.

[aquadorhj]

I would put pano sunroof and heated steering wheel under the 'nice to have' column, but no way does the lack of that equipment rule out purchasing a certain vehicle for me.

Heated steering wheel is definitely in the must have category for my next vehicle. After trying it out, I love it.

funnily enough, my lexus heated wheels didn't wow me enough that it's a "must".   it's nice to have, but not a must for me.

it's the same wheels as what's on IS and RX too, so i assume they function the same way.  steering wheel feels somehow hallow and only heats 3 and 9 oclock positions. 

i kind of wish you could get a FWD hybrid (especially in higher trim)...i get the fact they want to simplify the line-up for cost savings, but if i could get an upper trim Hybrid FWD, i'd likely get that over the AWD version and use that money for quality winter tires and fuel savings.

i think the Hybrid model's AWD only, because the rear wheels are powered by electric motors only. 
NX hybrid is the same.  there's no driveshaft going backward on the car.  just electric power to the rear.   

so technically, all RAV4 hybrid  are FWD.   (with rear electric power assist)

[johngenx]

Love it. My plan right now is to keep the HL until the prices of a used RAV Hybrid match my budget. I know they hold their value well, but even RAVs depreciate.

Toyota will sell a ton of hybrids with this pricing stately. Brilliant.

[rrocket]

One US tester got 44MPG driving it "gently, not hypermilling, but gently".   

[Great_Big_Abyss]

funnily enough, my lexus heated wheels didn't wow me enough that it's a "must".   it's nice to have, but not a must for me.

it's the same wheels as what's on IS and RX too, so i assume they function the same way.  steering wheel feels somehow hallow and only heats 3 and 9 oclock positions. 

That is currently the case with the RAV I'm in right now.  3 and 9 o clock positions only.  Feels like a bit of a gyp.  I've been on other vehicles where the entire wheel is heated.

[draghon]

A rental Pacifica I drove recently had a heated wheel (entire wheel). It was nice for sure but not a deal breaker for me if one wasn't available.

[conwelpic]

funnily enough, my lexus heated wheels didn't wow me enough that it's a "must".   it's nice to have, but not a must for me.

it's the same wheels as what's on IS and RX too, so i assume they function the same way.  steering wheel feels somehow hallow and only heats 3 and 9 oclock positions. 

That is currently the case with the RAV I'm in right now.  3 and 9 o clock positions only.  Feels like a bit of a gyp.  I've been on other vehicles where the entire wheel is heated.

the entire steering wheel is heated in my Soul    Once you've had it you want don't want to do without it, same with heated seats.

[mlin32]

That tacked on centre screen looks a bit chintzy and quite a bit far away to manipulate for the driver.......

Add me to the camp of "No reason not to get the hybrid". It'll sell in droves.

[greengs]

I read that the price differential in US is only $800 for the equivalent Hybrid.  If it's close to that here, why wouldn't you go with it.

My step-daughter wants to replace her 2013 Tucson as it is showing signs of aging rapidly.
Looked into what kind of deals are available on the '18 RAV as I know the new one is just around the corner.  Answer is nada, zip.  All they had (as of 2 days ago) was $1,000 cash back, which goes bye bye if you finance, and 0% financing up to 36 months.

Now the cover is off the new one, and Black Friday...now waiting to see if any carrots get dangled.

It seems that Toyota doesn't often offer incentives.

I see you have a 2018 Tundra?  There is a $8,000 incentive on them right now, $3,000-$4,000 from dealer and another $750 bonus from Toyota.ca means close to $13,000 off.  Just depends on the model I guess.