CR: Toyota RAV4 is most fuel efficient SUV ever tested

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by elhigh

According to Fueleconomy.gov, the Subaru Crosstrek only delivers 31mpg combined (30c/34h) but my daily drive would actually spend more time in a thriftier regime than the RAV4 (34c/31h). So it's the most economical by their yardstick, but there are many different sticks to use.

And if you need the space but not the offroad capability - which the vast majority of owners never ever use - you could get by with a 25-year-old Wagovan and beat the snot out of all of them, including the Prius V.

A 25-year-old Wagovan can go offroad if you're careful. I'm sure I've been further offroad than most SUV drivers! And I have no trouble in a foot of unplowed snow with the right tires.

[redpoint5]

What is the tow rating of the RAV4? Prius has a rating of 0 lbs, which might be a show stopper for some. For me, I'll tow 2,000 lbs with it.

The used Prius market has plummeted in price, so it's a great value while fuel prices are low, especially since the gen 4 release. Once Prime launches, the PiP will be extremely cheap.

I just took the Prius up Ed's trail to Silver Star mountain again. Only scraped 4 times on this drive. People laughed when they saw the Prius on the steep potholed logging road. It takes a lot of steering to keep the frame (mostly) off the washouts. Also, a willingness to use the paint on the encroaching vegetation.

[MetroMPG]

Timely:



2016 Toyota Prius can tow a 1,600-pound trailer

With a maximum towing capacity of 725 kg (1,598 lbs), the new-gen Prius has been engineered to tow a trailer or light caravan, for the first time in its 19-year history.

New Toyota Prius Tech Adds Towing Capacity

[NeilBlanchard]

I thought the Honda CRV (or the new HRV?) got better mileage than the RAV4?

What about the Tesla Model X? It is a lot more efficient - and it can tow ~5,000 pounds (I think?). It definitely has a optional factory tow hitch.

[CFECO]

By the number of people we see out off the pavement during our travels....there are MANY who could use this. But I guess if the Government keeps locking the gates to all but the super hikers, I'd say eventually, not many. I guess the Disabled don't need to see the backcountry.

[Xringer]

I really like the Rav4 stopping distance on winter roads..

https://youtu.be/eCsV-jfouxI?t=1m45s

I can't believe the hybrid version is only a little more money..
But, I've not been looking at the prices lately..

For getting up hills, it seems like the Subaru is a pretty good choice..

[Xringer]

Never going to buy another Subaru, but I'm now looking at the 2015 Rav4 to replace my Escape..
It looks like I'll be climbing some hills this winter. So, I'll be getting rid of the FWD Ford, with only 8,500 miles on the odometer..

[MobilOne]

What's a Wagovan?

[Xringer]

Originally Posted by MobilOne

What's a Wagovan?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_...huttle.2FWagon

I never heard of it either..

[samwichse]

Note: The Wagovan also came in a rare 4wd version

Best of both worlds.