Highlander vs RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

I sat in an 08 Highlander LTD the other day. Then, just to do due diligence, I sat in a Rav4. Absolutely no comparison. Tenderloin vs Chuck Roast. Ritz Carlton vs Motel 6.

The Rav has this cute little storage hatch above its glove compartment proper, with this "OPEN/CLOSE" button. You push it down and it mechanically slides the door open, push it again and it mechanically slides it closed. It felt so mechanical and cheap, I'd be surprised if you got 100 pushes out of that thing. It's like that all over--it's "cute", not "quality".

I mean--it's a Toyota so it's quality TOO, but... mainly it's "cute".

Replies to this message:

gc4auto (Sep 17, 2007 9:17 pm)

#6 of 12 Re: No comparison [ratbastid] by gc4auto

Sep 17, 2007 (9:17 pm)

Replying to: ratbastid (Sep 15, 2007 5:50 pm)

I started out looking at the highlander too - but in the end its also too big for me.

The only reason i would choose a RAV4 over the CRV is if i absolutely had to go V6. I test drove both, the brand new RAV4 i test drove actually had a half-hanging panel underneath the steering wheel.. to me, and this is IMHO, the CRV is better constructed and more refined. Also Toyota should move the spare and redesign the tail-gate for 2009.. it's really a pain to use.

#7 of 12 Re: Highlander vs Rav4 (vs honda CR-V) [budrew] by br3nda

Jul 13, 2009 (6:27 am)

Replying to: budrew (Sep 12, 2007 4:20 pm)

Why is the Subaru no longer an option for you? I ask because I'm in the market for a new SUV and the Outback caught my eye but I don't know any current owners.

Replies to this message:

johnsc (Jul 13, 2009 9:16 am)

#8 of 12 Re: Highlander vs Rav4 (vs honda CR-V) [br3nda] by johnsc

Jul 13, 2009 (9:16 am)

Replying to: br3nda (Jul 13, 2009 6:27 am)

I tend to agree that the only reason for the Rav4 would be the V6. I just got a CRV and couldn't be happier. It's getting 27-28 in light city use, short trips, 45-65 mph with several traffic lights. I read owner reviews and the CRV got better mileage and handled better. For comparison, the 08 Kia Spectra5 2.0 compact car got the same 27-28 around town and much worse on the highway. The CRV has a 5 speed transmission. It is a very solid ride and handles amazingly well. It has plenty of power for me but if you need a V6 then the Rav4 has that option that also has the 5 speed transimission. I speak for the Subaru but always read that they don't get good mpg. If you don't need AWD it does get worse mpg. The CRV also has a FWD, and if one tire is spinning it shifts to the other, or you can get AWD.

#9 of 12 Re: Highlander vs Rav4 (vs honda CR-V) [budrew] by wwest

Jul 13, 2009 (9:40 am)

Replying to: budrew (Sep 12, 2007 4:20 pm)

Sounds as if you're a good buyer candidate for the new Venza.

And I would NEVER again buy a captive GPS/Nav system.

Replies to this message:

cbmorton (Jul 13, 2009 12:38 pm)
- godeacs (Jul 13, 2009 1:58 pm)
  - johnsc (Jul 13, 2009 4:42 pm)

#10 of 12 Re: Highlander vs Rav4 (vs honda CR-V) [wwest] by cbmorton

Jul 13, 2009 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Jul 13, 2009 9:40 am)

Hopefully he's made up his mind and chosen a vehicle already since his original post in September 2007.

Replies to this message:

godeacs (Jul 13, 2009 1:58 pm)
- johnsc (Jul 13, 2009 4:42 pm)

#11 of 12 Re: Highlander vs Rav4 (vs honda CR-V) [cbmorton] by godeacs

Jul 13, 2009 (1:58 pm)

Replying to: cbmorton (Jul 13, 2009 12:38 pm)

Was thinking the same thing! Not sure these folks realize how old the post is they are responding to.....LOL

Replies to this message:

johnsc (Jul 13, 2009 4:42 pm)

#12 of 12 Re: Highlander vs Rav4 (vs honda CR-V) [godeacs] by johnsc

Jul 13, 2009 (4:42 pm)

Replying to: godeacs (Jul 13, 2009 1:58 pm)

yes I did notice the original post was 07, but the Rav4 and CRV are still very competitive choice.. so why not discuss them? I mean you understand that other people will be reading these post not just the OP

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