Featured RAV4 Plug-in Coming In 2020 (Page 4 for deets)

A two car solution works for me. I have a Prius Prime and a 2007 4Runner. I put at least 12,000 miles a year on the Prius, and a few thousand on the 4Runner. The total value of the two vehicles is similar to or less than a single RAV4 Prime or Crosstrek PHEV or Outlander PHEV, and I have more capability. I use the 4Runner to drive off road in places where those other vehicles wouldn't be able to go. And for example last year I went to Death Valley with two friends for a week, and we fit everything in the 4runner.

Since the majority of my miles are on the Prius, my average efficiency is probably higher than a hybrid SUV. I have a spreadsheet, but the RAV4 Prime and Crosstrek PHEV didn't exist when I did the calculation. But a Prius Prime plus 4runner uses less gas than a Nissan leaf plus 4runner because I can use the Prius for more medium and long trips.

The total cost of ownership is higher than one car, but probably not double. Liability insurance for two cars is frustratingly more than just one, even though I'm the only driver and can literally only drive one car at a time.

Maintenance on the 4runner has been a lot cheaper since I stopped daily driving it, but it still needs some. And if you consider parking space to have a cost, that's a big one.

But if they come out with a 4Runner Prime, I'll sell both of these and buy one immediately.

 

Can't say that I'm actually settled on a Leaf or Spark; it's probably going to be whatever has a $10k sticker.

And I'm not completely giving up on the idea of one car doing the roles of the wagon & EV. The pluggy RAV4 could possibly do it. It just doesn't look appealing as it is likely to cost $15k more up-front than the 2-car solution and resale is completely unknown. And it means giving up the orthopedic barcaloungers of the Volvo.

Given that the two roles combined is still only ~7k miles a year, the right lease deal could make the RAV4 work for me.

 

I figure have something more comfortable for long trips that can also haul stuff. Would like to get a friends boat, and the Rav4h's rating is borderline for it. The Outback and XC70 have higher tow ratings. The Rav4 Adventure specs have intrigued me, but the Toyota seating experience hasn't been the best for me.

 

Let me preface my comments and reaction to your educated guess by suggesting I know there is a federal benefit to purchasing a plug in vehicle. However, to get a 40,000+ Rav 4 of any kind seems quite steep in my estimation. It still is a compact crossover vehicle and that seems way over-priced in my estimation. I am not in line to buy one of these vehicles, so they are not necessarily marketing it to me and our family, but my goodness, I cannot imagine they will sell a lot of 40k + rav 4's. I could of course be completely wrong, but that is my first blush 2 cents.

 

if history is any predictor, toyota likes a high msrp, but also high rebates and discounts if things aren't selling to their satisfaction

 

Will those trips still be away from charging stations in 2023?

When they first launch Prius it was not for everyone, but at some point the adoption was high. It will be the same with BEVs, at first many will have complains about charging infrastrukture, but 2 to 3 years down the road

 

Yes, important clarification about CAD.

Based on existing RAV4H pricing, I was also estimating it will top out around $45-$46k for the top end trim. Compared to the PP and factoring in the difference in federal incentives, looks like it will be about $5-6k more than the loaded Prius. But then we need to factor in “higher” fuel costs (depending on driving patterns, with the longer EV, but I drive a lot...), 19” tire/rim costs, crappier interest rates, etc....

I hope they put a ~6.6kw (or +) charger in the Rav, so they can keep a 2.x hour charge time on L2... 3.3kw would be painful for that battery for the relative distance.

 

They're betting on the continued availability of easy auto credit.

Plenty of people will cheerfully roll the last 20 months of their previous 84-month loan into a new one.

 

No signs of change yet.

With only 40kWh, I'd need chargers everywhere.

 

I'm a devoted lover of station wagons and hatchbacks as well. I've owned 3 sedans in my life. Then I went to owning a station wagons and I'll never go back to owning a sedan. I've driven many SUVs before; rented, to relatives, friends and so on. While I get the functionality of a SUV for some people. Overall from my preference and driving experiences. I love wagons/hatchbacks. And maybe a little bit of the nostalgic factor plays into it because I remember sitting in back of the rear facing seats of my relatives station wagon as a kid.

I've been tempted many times in trading my V in for a newer/tech-er car; especially whenever someone I know gets a new car and I get a little bit of envy. However, I end up with cold feet when it comes time to talk about details/test driving/making appointments and just flat out making an excuse why I'm not interested and so on, lol.

I've been tempted in the Volt and I think its a nice looking car although a bit on the small size interior wise for me. But I'd rather not touch anything thats GM related.

I wouldn't be any bit surprised if they decided to end the Prius all together and make the Yaris an all EV option or even a plug in. According to Scotty Kilmer, the Tercel was a crappy car. However, I've seen alot of youtube videos of 30+ year old Tercels that are all rotted and rusted out, sitting in junk yards, but still start up once a fresh battery is put in, lol.
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Hopefully the RAV4 plug in will be decently priced for those who are interested. But if its priced over $38,000 for the base trim, in my opinion, you might as well get a Model 3.

 

How does an all-electric $50,000 sedan (I'm using the four-wheel-drive version for better comparability) that doesn't get the federal tax credit compete against a $38,000 SUV that does get the tax credit and can re-fuel almost anywhere? The net price difference is $19-20,000 and they're entirely different types of cars.

And that's to say nothing about reliability history and dealer and parts support networks, all of which put Tesla in last place or close to it.

 

You do have a valid point. I was more so referring to the electric range aspect of those who are interested is just getting an EV/Tesla. For $35,000. I think you'd be better off going with Tesla. However, if you are dishing out nearly $40,000 for a plug in SUV vs a $50,000 AWD Tesla sedan, the people in that income bracket wouldn't have affordability issues with buying the Tesla. However, you won't get any argument out of me when it comes to reliability history, dealer and support networks. Even If I could afford it myself, I'd rather own a Toyota of any kind vs Tesla.

 

It's a completely false assumption to assume that, just because someone can afford something that they therefore don't care what it costs. In some cases, they can afford it exactly because they do care.

 

I apologize for my blanket statement. However I do think the majority of people in those income brackets do spend just because they can and typically care more about "being one of the jones" or the show off factor. The type of people in my general area are like that and I deal with them daily on a face to face basis. So to say its completely false is just a matter of a difference of opinion and experiences. So if you want to disagree with me, thats fine. I don't feel the need to explain myself or point out my views, opinions and experiences any further.

 

ignore the noise

 

some that drive electric, do so simply because they don't want the issue of having to buy oil, engine maintenance & gas. So there's nothing inherently wrong with either choice, nor any need to preach to the other side of how important "my view" is. As is often restated - YMMV.
A Porsche driving Enthusiast at work told me he recently watched a performance model 3 do a time trial against a new Porsche, though I don't remember the model. 0-100 mph, 180° turn back towards the starting point, a 2nd 0-100mph then slam on the brakes. Low time wins. He was shocked the Porsche lost by nearly a second. Was the Porsche a crappier deal because he lost the race? or because the Porsche was way more expensive? Or because it burned gas? Or because he can't exclusively refuel at home?
No - both were satisfied with their vehicles because they were what they wanted. Odds are, if either kept on why their choice is more practical, all they will end up doing is annoying people.

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No argument from me on anyone who wants to drive a hybrid, plug in, ev or any variation. Nor am I preaching. I'm speaking from my own opinion. If my opinion bothers anyone, then I'm sorry to say, you need to grow tougher skin if this is your first time on the internet.

 

yeah, but those are the whacko's. okay, maybe the gas.

i didn't notice any preaching