RAV4 or CRV?

[mav238]

I am planning to trade in my SAAB 9-3 sports sedan, for a small cross-over utility vehicle.

The two that I am considering are: Toyota Rav4 and the Honda CRV.

Both are pretty comparable, both in the performance and overall build and quality.
I am leaning towards the RAV4, for the following reasons:
- Great renowned long term reliability
- more sporty dynamics and also RAV4's 17" wheels vs the CRV's 16"
- available automatic climate control, while the CRV top end model only has airconditioning with filtration


Why the CRV might be a choice:
- more handsome look (the front end is fine with me)
- nicer interior (the RAV4 is a little on the blend side)
- standard 5-speed automatic (RAV4 only 4 speed with the inline 4 cylinder)


Any suggestions?

[GeneralCho]

Not sure what model you are planning to buy but you did mention about the CRV top end model. Assuming you are buying the EX-L. I would rather save up another $5,000 - $6,000 and get the Acura RDX.

I probably go for the Honda CRV if it still comes with the built-in picnic table thingy. And if the front and rear seats are still able to fold back completely and you are able to make a bed out of it.

[mav238]

Not sure what model you are planning to buy but you did mention about the CRV top end model. Assuming you are buying the EX-L. I would rather save up another $5,000 - $6,000 and get the Acura RDX.

I probably go for the Honda CRV if it still comes with the built-in picnic table thingy. And if the front and rear seats are still able to fold back completely and you are able to make a bed out of it.


Yeah, the RDX looks attractive for many reasons, and one of them is the turbocharged engine and overall nicer classier interior.

But I don't quite dig the exterior styling, the CRV looks better in that perspective.

But I am really looking for a CUV, which gives me the 4WD traction when I need it (like the occasional snow storm in vancouver) and the flexibility and economy of 2WD.
Both these vehicles, CRV and RAV4, provide that flexibility and fuel economy. But the RDX requires premum fuel and also return gas mileage of ~ 13.5L per 100km in mixed driving.
The RAV4 and CRV uses only regular octane gas and gets around 9L per 100 km in mixed driving.
I am not looking into performance, but the utility of AWD.

[-phase-]

back in 2004 when my mom was shopping for a car we were looking at the crv and the rav4 as well..what we noticed with the rav4 back then was that it was really loud..and the crv was much quieter

other than that..my mom just liked the styling of the crv more so we ended up getting an 04 ex model

stay with the honda family! :thumbsup:

[mav238]

back in 2004 when my mom was shopping for a car we were looking at the crv and the rav4 as well..what we noticed with the rav4 back then was that it was really loud..and the crv was much quieter

other than that..my mom just liked the styling of the crv more so we ended up getting an 04 ex model

stay with the honda family! :thumbsup:

I agree with you, that if not for the fact that the current CRV EX-L model does not even have an automatic climate control, I would have gone for the CRV. I can't understand why Honda has opted out with the climate control even at the EX-L model. The RAV4 has it for their limited model. I like the convenience of climate control, instead of constantly having to adjust the heat level.

[GeneralCho]

Personally, I don't think having an automatic climate control is a big deal. I still prefer to adjust the temp. manually.

[mav238]

Personally, I don't think having an automatic climate control is a big deal. I still prefer to adjust the temp. manually.

i guess to each his/her own.

But back in the days where the cars had simple manual controls for heating/cooling, I remember having to constantly adjust the airflow rate and heating/cooling setting, because it was either getting too cold or getting too hot.
Plus, with manual controls, on a frigid cold morning, if we were to set heat up high, and have the fan blowing, it will be cold air coming straight in for like the first couple of minutes.
with auto climate control, especially the current ones, typically, hot air will only blow in, if the controller unit detects that the air temperature is warm enough to be let into the cabin.

For me, it's a big deal to be able to have auto climate control.

I am just puzzled why Honda would stinge out on auto climate control, when it's competitor like Toyota will offer it even in their non-luxury class models like the RAV4.

[shay654]

I've always wanted a Rav4 back in high school! hehe Thought it was a nice SUV! Just don't buy the OLD crv, those look yucky! I think that's why I didn't think too much of them back then! Not sure how the crv looks now, but it all depends on what YOU want is what matters! Good luck!

Btw, I really liked your SAAB! It was the wine colored SAAB you posted a while back, right?

[mav238]

I've always wanted a Rav4 back in high school! hehe Thought it was a nice SUV! Just don't buy the OLD crv, those look yucky! I think that's why I didn't think too much of them back then! Not sure how the crv looks now, but it all depends on what YOU want is what matters! Good luck!

Btw, I really liked your SAAB! It was the wine colored SAAB you posted a while back, right?

Wow Shay, your memory is really good! I am impressed! You are observant. hehe...

Yes, it's the Merlot wine red 9-3 sports sedan. I actually really like the SAAB, but having to deal with the ridiculous snow storms and deep snow these past couple of months, getting a CUV is one of the things I am looking into.

[shay654]

^^^^^ Funny thing is, my memory can be shot at times! But yeah, I have my moments! :grinno:

And yessss, I can be very observant! Sometimes too much for my own good! Gawd, if you only know the things I notice that people don't normally do! hahahahahaha :laugh: It's a blessing and a curse! :p

[ChinchillaX]

I've always wanted a Rav4 back in high school! hehe Thought it was a nice SUV! Just don't buy the OLD crv, those look yucky! I think that's why I didn't think too much of them back then! Not sure how the crv looks now, but it all depends on what YOU want is what matters! Good luck!
to each of their own, I think the original CR-V looks the best. The second generation was meh! :tard: The new one is so ugly!!! though the interior is nice though, but the exterior is ugly with the tail end and grille.:Puke:

[mav238]

And the new CRV, it uses a foot actuated parking brake!!!!!!!!!!! Those things only are left for vehicles catering to non-sporty vehicles, and for those luxo barge like the old Buicks and Olds!

[mav238]

As i indicated in the posts above, there are many idiosynchrises with the CRV that makes it not a favourable choice for me.

Canadiandriver today indicated that the RDX has a very capable drivetrain AWD system, but it's power delivery and fuel economy falls short of the RAV4 V6.

Can you imagine? A turbocharged 2.3 L engine is less fuel efficient than a 3.5L V6 engine???

I think, looking at the three models, RAV4, CRV and RDX, it clearly indicates that Toyota has done a great job with the latest version of RAV4. It may not look as nice as the CRV or RDX, but the mechanics and overall package is a more complete and efficient one. IMHO.

[ians]

^^ My old 2.3L turbo S70 T5 use way more gas than my 2.8L I6!

[narci]

In honest truth...you don't need AWD or 4WD if you have a good set of snow tires...it's especially true in these days since most cars come with some form of traction control and especially in vancouver. AWD/4WD might get better grip since all 4 wheels are powered but it doesn't make you stop any faster.

[mav238]

In honest truth...you don't need AWD or 4WD if you have a good set of snow tires...it's especially true in these days since most cars come with some form of traction control and especially in vancouver. AWD/4WD might get better grip since all 4 wheels are powered but it doesn't make you stop any faster.


Narci:

You are from Toronto, and mostly flat level driving. But here in Vancouver, some of us live on mountain community, like in Westwood Plateau.

You are right, AWD does not make for better stopping; it is prudent driving and patient attitude that makes stopping in snow slippery roads safe.
But AWD does make a difference when your car is stuck in snow, or trying to climb up a 45 degree hill where the road is snow and icy.

Snow tires on an AWD vehicle makes traction in the snow far better than snow tires on just the FWD. Of course, in the stopping arena, drivers of either FWD or AWD must exhibit the same prudence and care.

[narci]

actually..i'm in vancouver now hehehe

yes toronto is flat...at some places. ask anyone about one of the busiest stretch of roads on finch between don mills and leslie, it's not flat.

i remember a few years ago that hill was snow covered and people in thier car and busses could not make it up the hill. I watch them go up and slide back down.

I drove a C36 AMG RWD with no traction control and I made it up fine with my set of michelin alpins.

Driving isn't just stepping on the gas and hope it goes straight. A little knowledge and patience is always needed i agree...but if you know a nig hill is on your route, wouldn't it just be safer to take an alternate route with no hill or less of a hill?

[VorteC]

I live at Leslie and Finch... and I used to live at Don Mills and Finch.. anD DAMN that hill is a bitch to get up! We used to have a Ford van.. and that thing couldn't get up that hill... people could barely walk up that hill..

[mav238]

actually..i'm in vancouver now hehehe

yes toronto is flat...at some places. ask anyone about one of the busiest stretch of roads on finch between don mills and leslie, it's not flat.

i remember a few years ago that hill was snow covered and people in thier car and busses could not make it up the hill. I watch them go up and slide back down.

I drove a C36 AMG RWD with no traction control and I made it up fine with my set of michelin alpins.

Driving isn't just stepping on the gas and hope it goes straight. A little knowledge and patience is always needed i agree...but if you know a nig hill is on your route, wouldn't it just be safer to take an alternate route with no hill or less of a hill?


I'll forgive your lack of knowledge of the terrain in Greater Vancouver. :)

Where I live, it is served only by two hill roads, both sloping about 45 degrees up. There is no alternate route with no hill or less of a hill.

You are right about "Driving isn't just stepping on the gas and hope it goes straight".
One of my friend, has a Mecedes E-Class, RWD with snow tires, we were driving up theis ONE and only hill road to another friend's house, it was about a 45 degree slope, he couldn't even make the first 10 feet! The roads were snowed and slippery with slush.

I know Torontonians have the "reputation" of being more "savvy" in driving in the snow and winter conditions, but the steep hills in some parts of Vancouver, is another question altogether. An AWD or 4WD vehicle definitely is a big advantage here...even with snow tires...

[Zeeshan]

ive never been a fan of either...but for the new models they really stepped it up.

I would say drive them both, they are both good buys. I noticed that RAV 4's are REALLY holding their values right now, and used ones are selling HIGHER than blue book. I havent researched the CR-V's yet. (i was actually looking at used rav4's this afternoon)

I would say Rav4 just because im a bit more of a toyota fan than honda, but really you can't go wrong either way.

[mav238]

ive never been a fan of either...but for the new models they really stepped it up.

I would say drive them both, they are both good buys. I noticed that RAV 4's are REALLY holding their values right now, and used ones are selling HIGHER than blue book. I havent researched the CR-V's yet. (i was actually looking at used rav4's this afternoon)

I would say Rav4 just because im a bit more of a toyota fan than honda, but really you can't go wrong either way.

Thanks, for the feedback.

Yeah, I am leaning towards the RAV4 as well. Not looking for the V6 though, don't think I will need the 270Hp in the congested roads of Vancouver.
The only problem with the 4 cylinder model, is the 4-speed automatic, but I heard it is well suited to the 4-cylinder engine, no "hunting" of gears. What I like most is the potential good gas mileage, 10L/100 km in the city.

[chyllintsx]

RDX baby =) ... the only thing i like about the rav4 is the available 3rd row seat

[gerardo]

hey mav238

i was douing a little research and with the acount of what you have said, and others feedback, its kinda clear that you might be happyest with the RAV4, but before you do that you might really want to look in to the Subaru B9 Tribeca, for around 3k more it has EVERYTHING you need plus tons of accesories. seems like it was built for your kind of terrain. although the exterior design is eather a like or dislike, the interior is amazing, (i personaly like the esterior, it has that mean agressive look) you should really consider this vehicle, trust me, go check it out, it has everything you need. EVERYTHING @_@

features temp. controll, 5 speed sport shift trany (auto) independant 4 wheel drive, navy leather all that good stuff. check it out.

[mav238]

hey mav238

i was douing a little research and with the acount of what you have said, and others feedback, its kinda clear that you might be happyest with the RAV4, but before you do that you might really want to look in to the Subaru B9 Tribeca, for around 3k more it has EVERYTHING you need plus tons of accesories. seems like it was built for your kind of terrain. although the exterior design is eather a like or dislike, the interior is amazing, (i personaly like the esterior, it has that mean agressive look) you should really consider this vehicle, trust me, go check it out, it has everything you need. EVERYTHING @_@

features temp. controll, 5 speed sport shift trany (auto) independant 4 wheel drive, navy leather all that good stuff. check it out.

Thanks Gerardo for your comments.

I did consider the Subaru Tribeca. But it is CAD10,000 more than the RAV4 here in Canada. It is definitely much nicer interior wise, and I am not too fond of the exterior. Plus, it's a V6, full-time AWD = poor gas mileage.

[narci]

Hmmm..how about a honda element? It's an overall nice vehicle...just the way it looks can instantly turn on or off a person.

[ians]

Thanks Gerardo for your comments.

I did consider the Subaru Tribeca. But it is CAD10,000 more than the RAV4 here in Canada. It is definitely much nicer interior wise, and I am not too fond of the exterior. Plus, it's a V6, full-time AWD = poor gas mileage.

If it come to AWD, I still think Subaru is the best. I think Jeff told me that Toronto Subaru dealer willing to give huge discount on Tribeca so it won't be 10G more than a RAV4. If you think V6 is too much then how about the Outback or Legacy?

[gerardo]

the RAV4 is awsome man, go with your gut!

[gerardo]

or you can go all out with the new FJ?!!! =O woot :ben:

[mav238]

Finally test drove the RAV4, and it really does drive like a car, the handling is pretty good for a CUV. It still feels smaller than what I was expecting to see in the interior. The suspension also soak up the ruts in the road well, no harsh thumps...
Only gripe is the materials used in the interior seems pretty mediocre. When I pop open the small glove compartment, the plastic cover feels very "economy" like... The central console housing the stereo and climate controls, was very plasticky and coarse to the feel... In fact, the whole cabin feels very plasticky...

hmmm... I am beginning to rethink if this is what I would get for a CUV...

[pcdawg]

In comparing the CR-V and the Rav4. The Rav4 is the best of its class, the small SUV market.

The CR-V has always been trying to catch up as the RAV4 outsells all the other smaller suvs. from what i hear the new CR-V interior is alot smaller than the RAV4.

[TSXDude]

I'm actually considering returning my car when my lease ends and get the CR-V, if only we get the diesel with the 6sp, then it's a go!

The RAV4 is a little too big for my liking. I sometimes confused the RAV4 with the Highlander

[pcdawg]

^

Say it aint so dan! Ur silver euror will be missed! When does it expire?

[mav238]

In comparing the CR-V and the Rav4. The Rav4 is the best of its class, the small SUV market.

The CR-V has always been trying to catch up as the RAV4 outsells all the other smaller suvs. from what i hear the new CR-V interior is alot smaller than the RAV4.


The main reason why I might go for the RAV4, is the long term reliability and good resale value for toyota vehicles. The CRV also falls into this category.

But the Mitsubishi Outlander is looking really nice compared with the RAV4 and CRV. The only issue is the potential reliability (but it has the 160,000km/5 year warranty) and the resale value (mitsubishi is not really a popular brand here).

[TSXDude]

^

Say it aint so dan! Ur silver euror will be missed! When does it expire?

lease ends in 1.5 year. Still uncertain at this point, but i'm either gonna pick something stupidly fast and fun to drive (to satisfy the kid inside me), or something boring but practical. If i can't find anything worth getting, than i might stick with the TSX, which is a great all around car.

[TSX69]

The new Rav4 looks huge to me -- I am not sure how it compares to the new CRV but it seems a lot bigger. Toyota built it larger & made a very efficient 6 cylinder available but I think that it was still outsold by the CRV - even before the newer one came out.

As for the interiors - that is my biggest complaint about Toyota - they cut a lot of corners; even the new Camry has some cheap plastics in it.

Anyhoo - if you need something larger or power, I would go for the Rav4 bc the CRV cannot compete there but if those do not matter, I say go w/ the CRV w/ the nicer interior.

Of course, RDXs are selling @ about 1/3 of what they anticipated so you can probably get a really good deal ....

[pcdawg]

lease ends in 1.5 year. Still uncertain at this point, but i'm either gonna pick something stupidly fast and fun to drive (to satisfy the kid inside me), or something boring but practical. If i can't find anything worth getting, than i might stick with the TSX, which is a great all around car.

I would presume the next gen TSX coupe if it comes out might be the one to get LOL

TSX69. Right on. the new RAV$ is larger than the CRV but its still considered a small SUV. Heard the interior of the rav4 aint too shabby.

[mav238]

I would presume the next gen TSX coupe if it comes out might be the one to get LOL

TSX69. Right on. the new RAV$ is larger than the CRV but its still considered a small SUV. Heard the interior of the rav4 aint too shabby.

Actually, as in my previous post in this thread, the plastics used in the interior is really poor quality. Hate to say this, but it reminds me of Hyundai in the old days, trying to make a good quality product, but end up with a cheap looking and feeling interior space.

I was really disappointed with how toyota cheaped out on the RAV4 interior. Even the current Hyundai and Kia probably equal or better it in some cases.

[VorteC]

the rav4 has like 280hp and it's damn fast

[mav238]

the rav4 has like 280hp and it's damn fast


Hmmm...

The RAV4 only really has 269HP, and not the overstated 280HP. Easy to make that mistake though, I test drove it the other night, and yes, it is pretty fast for an SUV. I might say, it feels faster than the X3, though the engine is not as refined as the inline six in the bimmer.

I test drove the RDX this afternoon, and I must say the handling is very good... much better than the RAV4, interior is in a different class of it's own from the RAV4 (which is more plasticky).

The rear trunk space is a little less in the RDX, but I am now seriously leaning towards the RDX. The turbocharge power and the SH-AWD is very convincing...

[TSX69]

Even tho they are not exactly in the same class I did some research comparisons:

The base RDX does cost about $6,000 more than the Limited v6 4wd Rav4- altho the slow sales will probably lead Acura to give you a bigger discount than Toyota. Based upon the below differences, I think that the RDX offers enough to justify the price difference.

The Rav4 has 29 more HP but the RDX has 14 more lbs of torque. The big difference is mpg (under the old system) or 19/23 vs 21/28. Even w/ a bigger engine, the Rav4 gets better mileage (might even run on regular gas - not sure).

Acura will give you an extra year of warranty including all the luxury benefits like road side assistance & loaner cars.

Rav4 is slightly larger.

RDX has standard that Rav4 lacks: trip computer, subwoofer, heated front seats, leather seats, moonroof, daytime running lights, HIDS

Rav4 has standard that RDX lacks: removable 3rd row seating, cargo net

The biggest difference in my opinion is the interior aesthetics. Compare for yourself:
http://carsmedia.ign.com/cars/image/article/726/726021/06RAV4_Limited16_1155771311.jpg
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2006/0602_naias_04+2007_acura_rdx_concept+front_interio r_view.jpg

[mav238]

Choice made today at Burrard Acura...

Traded in my 2003 SAAB 9-3 sports sedan for the 2007 RDX, and got the Nav Technology package as well... White pearl colour...

Wife and I both agreed that the RAV4 just doesn't cut it in terms of luxury feel and the overall interior and exterior looks...

Most of the RDX's were sold out, especially ones which include the Nav package... so got to wait for special order...for 3 weeks...

[hoOnzABPtsX]

good choice on the RDX. Still dont see many around and it looks good

[mav238]

good choice on the RDX. Still dont see many around and it looks good


Apparently, the sales in the US didn't fair as well as in Vancouver, BC Canada here. I was actually surprised to find out that cars in the dealer's lot were going out faster than it was being brought in to the dealership.

I guess there might an issue with dealing with the not so great fuel consumption with the Turbocharged engine. I just have to be very conservative with the gas pedal.

[hoOnzABPtsX]

It seems like you fell in love with the RDX. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it. As far as the gas mileage is concerned, I'm sure you can make out just fine. Not too long ago when you started this thread you wanted a small economy CUV vehicle but you ended up with a more luxurious and even opted for the navi so I dont know it dont seem like that few more bucks in gas should bother you too much ;)

Apparently, the sales in the US didn't fair as well as in Vancouver, BC Canada here. I was actually surprised to find out that cars in the dealer's lot were going out faster than it was being brought in to the dealership.

I guess there might an issue with dealing with the not so great fuel consumption with the Turbocharged engine. I just have to be very conservative with the gas pedal.

[gerardo]

any chance of a photo shoot?? maybe one with both TSX & RDX?? :donno:

[mav238]

It seems like you fell in love with the RDX. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it. As far as the gas mileage is concerned, I'm sure you can make out just fine. Not too long ago when you started this thread you wanted a small economy CUV vehicle but you ended up with a more luxurious and even opted for the navi so I dont know it dont seem like that few more bucks in gas should bother you too much ;)

Yup, you are right...

I did start my car search for a fuel efficient CUV, which the RAV4 was looking really good in that department...

But the blendness and outright boring layout of the interior and exterior of the RAV4, just made me turn towards the CRV and ultimately the RDX.

The CRV didn't cut it, because, for another CAD6,000, the RDX was offering a much more sophisticated AWD system, much more HP and torque, more luxurious interior, better overall performance... I actually quite like the exterior of the CRV...
In comparison with the BMW X3, the RDX is much more bang for the buck...Aside from the blue/white propeller emblem and the silky smooth inline six, the X3 would have cost about CAD15,000 more for a similarly equipped RDX.

I am going to just have to be prudent with how I drive the RDX. My previous experience with the turbocharged SAAB 9-3, was pretty good in terms of gas mileage.