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RAV4 vs Prius

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2.1K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  paperboy  
#1 ·
Does anyone on here happen to currently own both? Or have you owned a Prius?
I have a 2017 RAV4 XLE that I am considering trading in on a 2024 Prius.
I know what the salesman will tell me, but I would rather hear your impression of the Prius being better or worse.
 
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#3 ·
We just had to replace our 2011 Prius with 180,000 miles that I loved and would have replaced in a heart beat with another Prius except that the new design no longer meets our needs. Although I've read about and met people who are delighted with the sporty look and drive of the new Prius, I prefer the older quirky design. However, it was mainly due to two additional changes that we had to look at a different car, i.e., smaller cargo space and no spare tire, even a donut tire. With those two criteria plus we wanted a hybrid hatchback, there wasn't much available for us with cargo space comparable to the 2011 Prius and a spare tire. I spent a lot of time in the Prius chat forums where some of the more knowledgeable people recommended we look at the RAV4 and that's what we bought.

I think you have to identify your priorities or the pros/cons of each and determine which car meets your needs/preferences. Good luck!
 
#4 ·
paperboy said:
2017 RAV4 XLE that I am considering trading in on a 2024 Prius.
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The 2024 Prius is FAST!! It is faster than the 5th gen RAV hybrids and gas models 0-60 MPH but not the RAV Prime. The Prius has a 196 HP ICE and is small and much lighter than a gas 5th gen with its 203 HP engine.
 

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#5 ·
We drove my sister’s Prius from San Francisco to their new home in Phoenix. I think just from a space perspective, the choice should be pretty obvious which vehicle footprint works.

The Prius is low to the ground and getting in and out requires more knee, hip, and back flexibility. The cargo space feels like about one-third what our Rav has.

The Prius does allow quicker acceleration under pure battery power than our Rav, though it can’t sustain battery only operation any longer distance. In stop and go traffic, the gas engine fires up significantly less to keep up with traffic. Fuel economy during our time with it was about 20% better than our Rav hybrid.
 
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#6 ·
I have a '21 RAV4 hybrid, and I helped my son buy a '22 Prius. The size difference is obvious. I get max 45 MPG while he gets max 60 MPG.

Decide what you priorities are: size, cargo space, higher visibility, price, economy, then go for it. You can't go wrong with either of them.
 
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#7 ·
Aside from the obvious differences between a small SUV and a car, I suggest doing a long test drive of the Prius. If the new model is anything like my 2010 Prius, it is difficult to see out of the back and very low to get in or out of. It is also much lower to the ground so I occasionally hit parking blocks. Visibility and egress in general is better with the Rav.
 
#8 ·
That low to the ground seating may be a deal breaker. We had a 2016 Camry for 14 months, Traded it in on our 2017 RAV4 because it was hard getting in and out for a couple of old folks. I suspect the Prius will be the same. Too bad. I really like the idea.
I have a 2023 Ford Maverick hybrid. Love the MPG, but that FORD emblem spooks me. We kept the RAV4 for when the Ford goes (back) south.
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#9 ·
paperboy said:
That low to the ground seating may be a deal breaker.
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I parked my '21 RAV XLE AWD next to a brand new '24-'25 Prius and the difference WAS very striking.The Prius was very low. I think the Prius roof line just came up to about the bottom of my rib cage. It was tiny compared to the RAV. I was shocked by the sleek styling. It was great looking in my opinion. I was used to seeing the older frumpy looking ones. When I learned they had a 196 HP ICE in that little car I was amazed. If I did not need an SUV, and if I lived in an urban area the new Prius is probably the first and ONLY hybrid vehicle I would consider buying.
 
#11 ·
I did own a Prius in the past, but it is an entirely different vehicle from the current generation.

Are you looking at specifically Gen5 Prius or a smaller-than-RAV4 Toyota hybrid? If for any smaller hybrid, perhaps the Corolla Cross hybrid is worth a look - in our parts it costs less than the Prius, has standard AWD-e, and is certainly easier to get into and out of. The Corolla non-Cross hybrid could be another option - even cheaper.
 
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