Hybrid Rav4 coming?

no. not that I know of.

For the moment the Ford Escape Hybrid or Toyota Highlander seem to be the best alternatives. What makes the prius less useful then the RAV IV for you? The older model is not that big. That said the latest RAV IV is not a small call anymore!

I was considering the highlander hybrid before I bought the Prius and it honestly doesn't give you that much more room.

 

There are currently three hybrid "small" SUVs. The Ford Escape hybrid, the Highlander hybrid, and a Saturn (due this year). Mazda will start selling their version of the Escape hybrid this spring/summer (the Escape is a Ford/Mazda vehicle). None of them are actually small. They are all at least 3500 lbs and use about twice the fuel that a Prius uses.

Toyota is rumored to be doing a RAV4 hybrid, but currently they are pausing introduction of new vehicles to return to their legendary quality.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clintd555 @ Feb 1 2007, 07:56 AM) [snapback]383877[/snapback]</div>

The Prius is bigger than the Jetta and with the rear seats folded down and with it being a hatchback, you get a lot more flexibility for hauling stuff. The Prius is not termed a "compact car" either. If you want something bigger, then you aren't going to get the 40 to 60 mpg, your choice. If you haven't spent some time in a Prius, I think it is worth your time to do so before you purchase anything.

(Former Jetta owner -- fun car to drive, typical so-so German reliability, loads of depreciation, etc)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clintd555 @ Feb 1 2007, 10:56 AM) [snapback]383877[/snapback]</div>

There's the Ford Escape, and Highlander Hybrid, as someone mentioned. My first wife has an '04 RAV4, it's not that much roomier than my Prius, the big advantage is probably rear seat headroom, and there's not as much cargo capacity behind the rear seats as you might think. You can do the seat flip thing, though, for bulky cargo, which is a plus. Basically a Corolla wagon. I'd think a Camry or Highlander would offer much more room, but it really depends on your family.

 

What exactly do you need a SUV for?
If it's cargo, the Prius can hold a lot. It is roomier than a Jetta, and it isn't a compact. Granted the hatch back has less space than a similiar wagon shape vehicle, and it can limit head space for the tall. A Matrix has more cargo space than the Prius, and has similiar mpg to the hybrid suvs. So does the Focus wagon, and it has the same cargo capacity as the current Rav4. In CARB states, and as an option in border states, the Focus is rated has a PZEV SULEV vehicle. Unfortunely, the redesigned '08 Focus doesn't have a wagon trim.

If you want 4WD, the Matrix is available with AWD.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ShellyT @ Feb 1 2007, 08:20 AM) [snapback]383897[/snapback]</div>

I have a friend, who after having ridden in my Prius, told me it has as much head room as his Ford Explorer. He's 6ft 6 inches. Of course, part of the issue may be in whether more of your height is in your legs or your torso.

Dave M.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ShellyT @ Feb 1 2007, 11:20 AM) [snapback]383897[/snapback]</div>

I certainly wouldn't be upset if Toyota would come out with a hybrid Matrix sometime. It would make a perfect second car for us.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 2 2007, 02:02 AM) [snapback]384221[/snapback]</div>

Well, I don't know about RAV4 Hybrids but if they brought back the RAV4EV I'd be at the front of the line. We drove one in DC a few weeks back and it blew our mind... There's a video review coming soon on my YouTube site.

I honestly don't think it's take much for Toyota to actually do that - but then there's a question of fuel economy. A Rav4HV isn't going to be as fuel efficient as a Prius. It would also probably use different wheels to the regular RAV4 - as the RAV4 EV did. Where's that Darryl when you need him. Don't you have a straight RAV4EV? What do you think about a hybrid RAV4?

As for the size comparatives I don't think there's much in it. The Prius is deceptively large inside and out. You could always use a roof rack (and watch your MPG plummet) if you need more space for luggage

Nikki.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ShellyT @ Feb 1 2007, 08:20 AM) [snapback]383897[/snapback]</div>

Incorrect. AWD was dropped as an option for 2007.

 

My friend has a Jetta, and it has lousy leg space in the rear. The Prius cabin space is viritually the same as the Camry, at least the previous one. For some, the rear head room might crowded due to the curve of the hatch.
If you are regularly hauling boxes upon boxes, then yeah, a SUV or wagon would be better with their squared off backs. If you are looking to just have some more versatility over a sedan, then the Prius should do.
Try renting the ones your are looking at for an extended test drive.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clintd555 @ Feb 2 2007, 01:17 PM) [snapback]384487[/snapback]</div>

Try them both out, and see which one you like better. The new RAV4 is bigger than the '04 model that I drive on occasion, and in the real world, that '04 gets low 20's around town and 27-28 on a trip. I don't feel like it's that much roomier than a Corolla, but you do have the station wagon potential with the seats flipped, and room for tall cargo behind the rear seats even with the seats up.

If I had a family of four, with I'm assuming growing children, I might be considering a minivan or bigger SUV, but that's just me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Feb 1 2007, 11:43 AM) [snapback]383860[/snapback]</div>

Highlander is small? I've never heard it catagorized like that by any standard ... unless you're just comparing it to a suburban.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Feb 1 2007, 09:43 AM) [snapback]383860[/snapback]</div>

And the Mercury Mariner

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clintd555 @ Feb 1 2007, 10:56 AM) [snapback]383877[/snapback]</div>

The Prius is not a compact car. It is a midsize sedan that seats 5 and still has room for cargo.

Define "see".

Did you just look at the outside? Or did you sit inside? Did you sit in the back? Did you explore the hatchback area?

The Prius is like a moebius car. It's bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.