My wife's minivan is on its last leg. I've been researching the2009-2012 v6 rav4's. I have a little sticker shock because of he inflate cost. Im looking for some pros and cons of buying the highlander instead. It isn't really anymore money compared to the v6 RAV4. Most 2012 v6 RAV4 are going for $19-20k (4x4).
Piled guy
Comparing apples and oranges between those two models. Most RAV4 V6 owners know what they've got, an almost muscle car in the shape of a little SUV. An "iron fist in a velvet glove." You would have to be a driving enthusiast to appreciate it. The Highlander is larger, still plenty of V6 pep, with a much smoother and quieter boat ride. It is a minivan and a good one, more practical if your "load" involves more than four people with gear.
You might take a look at a late model Kia Sorento for grins. Consumer Reports is very favorable on them--including reliability-- and it is more in the same class as a Highlander for a few thousand $$ less. They don't hold their resale value as much as Toyota, but that might work in your favor.
You might take a look at a late model Kia Sorento for grins. Consumer Reports is very favorable on them--including reliability-- and it is more in the same class as a Highlander for a few thousand $$ less. They don't hold their resale value as much as Toyota, but that might work in your favor.
I compared the Highlander and the RAV4 when I was shopping for a car. I also considered others such as Acura MDX and Hyundai Varacruz. Price wise the Varacruz looked good on paper but I doubt the reliability was good at higher mileage. The MDX shines on safety features and had a turbo. The Highlander was very reliable but pricey. The RAV4 while not in the higher brand SUV offering was afforable and quick. I ended up with a RAV4 Sport V6 because I could find a low mileage car at price range I can afford.
Never had a fast car ever but this one is quiet and my wife does not even know I am speeding or gunning the pedal. Yes quick and quiet and dam fast. It is great for highway passing as it has so much power to overtake most cars. The 18 inch low profile tires and sport suspension helps keep the grip on the road and noticed complete control while speeding at 130 km (70 mph) on the bend. My previous 05 RAV4 never felt comfortable going fast near bends but my Sport can handle very well. :smile:
Never had a fast car ever but this one is quiet and my wife does not even know I am speeding or gunning the pedal. Yes quick and quiet and dam fast. It is great for highway passing as it has so much power to overtake most cars. The 18 inch low profile tires and sport suspension helps keep the grip on the road and noticed complete control while speeding at 130 km (70 mph) on the bend. My previous 05 RAV4 never felt comfortable going fast near bends but my Sport can handle very well. :smile:
My kids like the RAV4. They don't have kids or junk to truck around.
I could never have used the RAV4 the way I use the Highlanders.
Its up to you to decide if Rav is big enough and High isn't too big. And, not that anyone would want to, but the High can tow 5k with the tow package. Something to consider if the pickup breaks down and you need to take the boat or camper home.
I could never have used the RAV4 the way I use the Highlanders.
Its up to you to decide if Rav is big enough and High isn't too big. And, not that anyone would want to, but the High can tow 5k with the tow package. Something to consider if the pickup breaks down and you need to take the boat or camper home.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
