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2017 Prius Two or Rav 4 Hybrid?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Shelley12, May 25, 2017.

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  1. Shelley12

    Shelley12 New Member

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    I'm very much interested in a car that has a high MPG.
     
    #21 Shelley12, May 25, 2017
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Well that's where marketing comes in lol..

    "People want the features of a van/wagon without the look of a van/wagon."
    "Ok, how about we raise the vehicle, shorten the length and charge the equivalent of the next class up?"
    "Great idea!"

    And the cute-ute was born.


    TBH the RAV4 is probably as good as it gets if you don't want the "van' look. It has the look you want, as good as an MPG you want (given the rest of the criteria), the cargo space you want (particularly the golden retriever), the passenger space you want and it's within your budget.

    Hmm, there is also the C-Max and C-Max Energi (hybrid and plug-in hybrid respectively) but I don't know if that looks like a "van" to you. It's a tall hatchback. C-Max is probably a better bet as the Energi's battery takes up space in the trunk that it'll be hard to carry both dogs and (future) strollers at the same time.

    There's the Rogue Hybrid, new for 2017.

    The CR-V is all-new for 2017.

    Alternatively, you can look for a used Highlander Hybrid (preferably 2nd generation... 2008-2013 MY. There was a slight power bump and mpg bump for 2011 as it switched to the newer 3.5 litre engine vs. the old 3.3 litre).

    How soon do you need a vehicle?

    If you can get by until the first child arrives, Subaru is planning a few more "electrified" vehicles. One candidate is the Crosstrek (currently in mild hybrid form but I wouldn't recommend it as the mpg gains isn't as great. It only gets slightly better mpg than the larger, heavier Highlander Hybrid!) for the new PHEV drivetrain. Other rumours suggest the Forester or Outback might be another candidate. If so, that might work for you if you're ok with an Outback or Forester.

    Subaru PHEV possible next year, pure EV in 2021 - Autoblog
     
    #22 Tideland Prius, May 25, 2017
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  3. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    #23 Prodigyplace, May 26, 2017
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  4. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    In the long run, I think you would be happier with the Rav 4 Hybrid in the long run. Also I think the Rav4 will hold it's value better.
    I bought a new Prius 2 in 2011, dumped it in 2013 for an Avalon Hybrid, never looked back, feel I went from a penalty box to a comfortable car, still get better mileage than most cars.
     
    #24 Munpot42, May 26, 2017
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  5. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    @Shelley12 may I suggest you visit your nearest/favourite Toyota dealership and have a really good look at each of these cars. I have had a test drive in a Rav 4 hybrid and it's very nice, smooth and relatively quiet for a 2.5 liter gas engine. On my drive of mixed urban and highway driving I got over 40mpg (UK) which is about what Tideland P. suggested you'd get in USA. Seats were very comfortable and the room behind the back seats is taller than the space in the Gen 4 Prius. Ok, I chose the Prius because it was so much more economical to run, handled better and it's futuristic technology. Good luck in your choice.
     
    #25 RCO, May 27, 2017
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  6. Shelley12

    Shelley12 New Member

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    Thank you so much. I did test drive both a few weekends ago! I liked how futuristic the Prius was, definitely would be a huge jump from my current 2000 Nissan Maxima, I very much liked how the Rav 4 drove and how open it felt inside. I felt like I coulndt see much out the back window of the Prius :/
     
    #26 Shelley12, May 27, 2017
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  7. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    If you can wait a year or so, the next generation Rav4 hybrid may be released in the fall of 2018 as a 2019 model. It will be based on the TNGA platform (same as the current Prius) which should improve handling and will probably use the next gen Camry Hybrid engine (using current gen Prius tech improvements) which should mean about a 20% improvement in mileage to the upper 30's or maybe even 40 mpg average.
     
    #27 royrose, May 27, 2017
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  8. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Perhaps a good used Prius v would work for you until the new RAV 4 is released.
     
    #28 Prodigyplace, May 27, 2017
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    This.

    Someone posted a screenshot from the LV dealers' meeting. The next Camry Hybrid is expected to get "over 50 mpg". This will (most likely as an educated guess) translate to 40 mpg for a RAV4 Hybrid if it were to use the same next gen hybrid system. (That's basically what the current Camry and Avalon Hybrid get now, so it's a significant bump).
     
    #29 Tideland Prius, May 29, 2017
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  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    WOW! A 50+ mpg Camry would be spectacular. We loved the two 4 cylinder Camrys we had a decade or so ago.
     
    #30 jerrymildred, May 29, 2017
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  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    My brother-in-law is still trying to kill my 1996 Camry.
     
    #31 Prodigyplace, May 29, 2017
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  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    #32 Tideland Prius, May 29, 2017
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  13. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    #33 jerrymildred, May 30, 2017
  14. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    #34 Prodigyplace, May 30, 2017
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  15. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    #35 jerrymildred, May 30, 2017
  16. Prime Example

    Prime Example Junior Member

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    #36 Prime Example, May 30, 2017
  17. Prime Example

    Prime Example Junior Member

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    I have two words for you: Kia Niro
     
    #37 Prime Example, May 30, 2017
  18. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Toyota Hybrid experience & reliability.
     
    #38 Prodigyplace, May 30, 2017
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  19. Shelley12

    Shelley12 New Member

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    I have looked into that one actually! I don't know much about Kia or how reliable it is...plus I'm pretty sure the Niro is Kia's first hybrid...don't know if I want to take a chance on that
     
    #39 Shelley12, May 31, 2017
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  20. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    The Prius gets better than its EPA numbers.

    I see the Niro is supposed to get 52 mpg city / 49 mpg highway.

    Fuelly shows the average if 32 vehicles is 46.7 mpg, below the EPA numbers. Most get 44 mog.

    upload_2017-5-31_17-44-15.png

    From Kia Niro MPG - Actual MPG from 42 Kia Niro owners
     
    #40 Prodigyplace, May 31, 2017
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