Features added and dropped for the 2013 RAV4

[Bombadil]

Originally Posted by NewRav2013

Softex: I think it's a preference as to which is better; Never having leather or knowing the leather quality in the 4.3, I cannot say. I think the Softex will be easier to care for and no worse in the summer heat. Supposedly Softex will sell better to those sensitive to animal products.

Those are good points. I just wonder if Toyota (and others) are using it to rip people off. You pay extra for leather because good leather is expensive. I don't know if Softex is expensive. Are they throwing it on the higher end vehicles because it looks like leather?

Edmunds' reviewers thought it was of very poor quality, worse than having cloth seats.

If you were buying a sofa for your house, would you pay a premium to get a Softex imitation leather sofa over a good quality fabric sofa? I've never considered imitation leather to be highly desirable.

Now if it is eco-friendly, breathes, and has strong leather-like qualities and thus is a high quality product, then fine.

[NewRav2013]

Yes, I hesitated with the Softex; was going for the CRv Ex-L when the 4.4 Limited showed up on inventory.

I've seen bad leather which is cracked on seats which put me off, and leather on older cars that looks perfect. Most seats are leather trimmed for the seating surfaces so their part vinyl anyway. One comment I read about thought the 4.3 leather seats were lower quality. But there's no option if you want the Limited and I liked the Toyota options.
Anyway, I've put my $ down and it's fine to me. I'll let everyone know in May or June when the heat starts. I figure I'll have to at least buy a seat cushion like i see in other cars.

Has anyone read about Softex and any claims of versatility, durability, stain resistance, breatheability, how it's made? Prius has owners who love it or hate it but nothing factual that I've seen.

[Bombadil]

Another review of the Softex seats, this one from AOL Autos:
"The five seats can be covered in two fabric types or a synthetic leather substitute that Toyota calls Softex. After sampling all options, we definitely prefer the cloth – we find it hard to believe anyone will be fooled by the imitation leather. Sadly, opting for Limited trim necessitates the Softex interior treatment."

[Scout706]

Softex - Marketing speak for vinyl. Remember vinyl?

[rns]

Originally Posted by DVS

Wow, they got rid of Downhill Assist Control??? Such a neat feature! One less "softroader" feature moms don't have to worry about, I guess.

I scared a bit, but specs here in Europe claim Awds with automatic transmissions will have DAC.

My guess if Ecus will be same, you can upgrade into Dac with switch and some wirings.

[JuneBug]

Originally Posted by Scout706

Softex - Marketing speak for vinyl. Remember vinyl?

I remember when it was called Naugahyde:

[JuneBug]

And now for the features I still can't believe were left out of the new RAV4:

Flip-out rear quarter windows
Flip-up glass on the hatch
HomeLink option
Power passenger seat option
Hybrid version
Better cargo lighting
Better interior soundproofing
A REAL horn--not a meep-meep!

Any others?

[vanib]

I thought that the soundproofing was supposed to be better on the 4.4 .

[bigbird1]

I can't believe they deleted the 110V AC power plug on the LTD. Even the lowly '13 Escape has it standard on their second lowest trim line, the SE. That's sad that Toyota pinched pennies by dropping it.
For travelling, it sure was nice to plug in a laptop directly. Now I'll need that damn inverter.

[NewRav2013]

Toyota is already teasing with it's owners manual...
In the manual they 'talk' about a windshield fast defroster (if equipped) and auto high beam control (if equipped) in detail, neither on my limited. I got all excited for awhile....
I'll bet the led tail lights make it back as a mod or package. Same with cargo lighting, built in inverter, add back a sunglass holder, rear seat lighting and/or footwell improved lighting, rear 12 v outlet.....