Quote:
Originally Posted by EvoFire
I like this thread. Its funny how its all detailed analysis and civil discussions and with no arguments and people willing to admit mistakes. So untypical of online forums lol.
|
This is a Canadian discussion. Canadians are more polite.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EvoFire
From what I'm reading from you guys, perhaps we should all jump in on the first refresh of the new Venza because it doesn't seem to look too good for the next generation and the first refresh will iron out most bugs in the cars.
|
This is true if it follows the lead that the Camry has set, but Toyota's crossover development schedule seems to be different. The 1st generation of the Highlander ran for a longer period than the usual 5 year cycle expected of Toyota's cars. Who knows how long the Venza will run, and whether it will even last to a 2nd generation, considering the ways things are changing these days?
Quote:
Originally Posted by EvoFire
I don't think the Venza slots in between the Rav4 and Highlander very well. It takes the Gen1 Highlander's spot, but that's not necessarily in between the RAV4 and Gen Highlander. The RAV4 is just simply too big to be the smallest offering available.
|
There seems to be a lot of people who consider the the RAV4 to be too big. I don't think it is. It is the same size as all other compact crossover SUVs on the market, including its 2 biggest Canadian competitors, the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V. It merely looks big, and of course, it does offer a powerful V6 engine, which the Honda does not.
I don't think that the size of the RAV4 is the problem. I think that the problem is that the Venza is too close in size to the Highlander. They will both have a very similar footprint.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EvoFire
Back on the Highlander topic. I think the 4cyl will sell well., though not necessarily the 2WD. A lot of people buy the Highlander for its AWD though no one really uses it. Exactly why I'm driving a Highlander, because my parents decided the family needs a AWD SUV for the two days that it ever snows here.
|
The thing with AWD is that it is automatic; you do not have to explicitly turn it on (unless you want to lock in the 50:50 torque split), and so you may never know when the Highlander is running in FWD or 4-wheel mode. I believe that Toyota has crunched the numbers and believe that the FWD, 4-cylinder model will appeal to those who want the large vehicle, but still are concerned about fuel consumption.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EvoFire
Also I don't see the 4cyl bringing much in terms of mileage to the table. My Gen 1 Highlander is the V6 version, which makes 220hp on the old ratings, which I guess would be 200hp on the new SAE rulings. I think it lacks power pulling a 3800lb SUV. Now we are putting in a lesser engine in a Highlander that's bigger and heavier. Do you think its going to work out well? While they might be doing this to pull some more MPGs, realistically and hypothetically, how much more improvement will it make?
|
You think the Gen1 V6 Highlander lacked power? Could it be a perception thing? The 3MZ engine was known to be a very refined, smooth-running engine. Could it be that the engine -- and the vehicle itself -- is so refined and smooth that you do not feel that you are going fast, or accelerating quickly?
Yes, Toyota is now putting in a less powerful engine in the large Highlander, but remember that the smaller engine will not be pulling around the same weight as the V6 Highlander. The 1AR I4 engine is almost 25% smaller in displacment than the 2GR V6 engine, with much less moving parts, so the engine will be smaller and lighter. The I4 Highlander will be pulling around less weight, so that will help things out.
I have a friend who drives a Gen1 FWD I4 (2AZ) Highlander. He does admit that it is not that quick to accelerate onto the highway, but he also claims that he does not consider it to be that slow that it is unsafe.
For those who are concerned about lower fuel consumption, any little bit extra may help. You also have to look at what type of driving conditions you are likely to see. If a driver does more city driving, the 1AR I4 engine with its 6-speed transmission may be the better choice. If, however, the driver is more likely to be doing a lot of highway driving, the 2GR V6 engine may be the better choice.
