I read that somewhere too. This was not enough to keep me from getting the hybrid. There are so many variables such as tire inflation, weight, tread wear, etc.. The hybrid brakes are excellent as far as I can tell. And I seem to drive more conservatively now that I have a hybrid. This more than compensates for the possible 10 foot loss in stopping distance.
Gas = better braking?
Think I’m going to go with gas model. I hear the brakes (gas) give you more braking power. I understand it’s over a 10ft difference between gas vs. hybrid. Love to save gas and go with hybrid but hate to sacrifice braking power. Any input please appreciated. Is this actually the case or am I misled?
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
Thanks for the feedback on the hybrid brakes. 10 feet is 10 feet. Makes a 10 foot difference no matter how one drives no?I read that somewhere too. This was not enough to keep me from getting the hybrid. There are so many variables such as tire inflation, weight, tread wear, etc.. The hybrid brakes are excellent as far as I can tell. And I seem to drive more conservatively now that I have a hybrid. This more than compensates for the possible 10 foot loss in stopping distance.
Why is maximum-performamce braking such a significant factor in your purchase? I hear Miatas stop pretty quickly 
.
.I think that is a silly question. I hope you never learn why maximum-performance braking is important in my purchases. Got no more to say on that.Why is maximum-performamce braking such a significant factor in your purchase? I hear Miatas stop pretty quickly
Literally yes, but I make an effort to drive so I won't need that 10 feet. And in the Motor Trend test I don't think they mentioned if both models (hybrid XSE vs Adventure) had the same tires installed. The difference in stopping distance could be as simple as the tires. But if minimum stopping distance is the most critical factor for you then you should get the non-hybrid Adventure model.Thanks for the feedback on the hybrid brakes. 10 feet is 10 feet. Makes a 10 foot difference no matter how one drives no?
Cannot control how other people drive. So I’ll take the ten feet +.Literally yes, but I make an effort to drive so I won't need that 10 feet. And in the Motor Trend test I don't think they mentioned if both models (hybrid XSE vs Adventure) had the same tires installed. The difference in stopping distance could be as simple as the tires. But if minimum stopping distance is the most critical factor for you then you should get the non-hybrid Adventure model.
They probably did not have the same tires. This also means in 20k miles the results could be reversed.
Also probably weight is the reason, no? Hybrid has all the batteries.
When you do a comparison...it has to be like to like. If different tires were on each vehicle its not a proper test and the results are skewed in the feature that you are looking for. I bet dollars to doughnuts and a six pack that if you put a non-reduced friction tire on the the Hybrid it would brake just fine.
And how many times was the test performed and how repeatable are the results? You could also put a better pad on the Hybrid too that operates better cold. That ten feet is like the 3-6 HP you get for dropping in a cotton filter in your car. So subjective.
But it sounds like you want the Adventure. So go get it!
And how many times was the test performed and how repeatable are the results? You could also put a better pad on the Hybrid too that operates better cold. That ten feet is like the 3-6 HP you get for dropping in a cotton filter in your car. So subjective.
But it sounds like you want the Adventure. So go get it!
Let's see: 60 mph, the speed stopping distances are tested from = 88 feet/second. So 10 feet = .114 seconds or 114 ms.I think that is a silly question. I hope you never learn why maximum-performance braking is important in my purchases. Got no more to say on that.
To gain an extra 1/10 of a second in reaction time which would be 9 of the 10 feet I'd suggest left foot braking. Since my right knee has recently been painful to twist due to Lyme disease I've switched to left foot braking to save having to pivot from the accelerator to the brake pedal. Does take a little getting used to but by hovering my left over the brake pedal I'm sure I could shave nearly 10 feet off of my stopping distance. And since CR tested a stopping distance of 139 for the hybrid vs. 131 for the gas, in a hybrid my left foot could probably out panic stop a pivot-foot gas RAV4 driver by as much as one foot, maybe even two.
CR doesn't have tests on the specific tires they listed as coming on the 2021 gas (Toyo) and hybrid (Dunlop) RAV4s, but what is apparent is that in general their tire testing shows the best All Season tires have no better than Good or Very Good dry stopping ratings. But any of the top five Ultra High Performance All Season Michelin, General, Ironman, Atlas and Bridgestone tires they tested are rated Excellent in dry braking. How much shorter stopping that equates to isn't quantified but if stopping was at the top of my have-to-have list I'd be replacing the stock tires with one of the above ASA I bought the RAV4, certainly before I ever got up to 60 MPH.When you do a comparison...it has to be like to like. If different tires were on each vehicle its not a proper test and the results are skewed in the feature that you are looking for.
CR lists the gas RAV4 at 3510 lbs Curb Weight and the hybrid at 3745 lbs. So does that mean if you had your 235 lb mother-in-law riding shotgun in your gasser it would panic stop the same as your brother's hybrid.Also probably weight is the reason, no? Hybrid has all the batteries.
I agree. Tires are very important especially when you think that its the only thing touching the ground. Pricey too in some but not all cases. It always makes me confused when I see "Tuner" cars with fancy brakes...and the cheapest tire that can be found. A good tire and pad with a blank (versus slotted or other fancy type) will perform the best for most.CR doesn't have tests on the specific tires they listed as coming on the 2021 gas (Toyo) and hybrid (Dunlop) RAV4s, but what is apparent is that in general their tire testing shows the best All Season tires have no better than Good or Very Good dry stopping ratings. But any of the top five Ultra High Performance All Season Michelin, General, Ironman, Atlas and Bridgestone tires they tested are rated Excellent in dry braking. How much shorter stopping that equates to isn't quantified but if stopping was at the top of my have-to-have list I'd be replacing the stock tires with one of the above ASA I bought the RAV4, certainly before I ever got up to 60 MPH.
Those brakes are for looks, tires are all round and black.I agree. Tires are very important especially when you think that its the only thing touching the ground. Pricey too in some but not all cases. It always makes me confused when I see "Tuner" cars with fancy brakes...and the cheapest tire that can be found. A good tire and pad with a blank (versus slotted or other fancy type) will perform the best for most.
Those brakes are for looks, tires are all round and black.
That's why I modified my hybrid with 6 pot Brembos and sport summer tires. Still testing my emergency braking drogue, should cut about 10 more feet from stopping distance.CR lists the gas RAV4 at 3510 lbs Curb Weight and the hybrid at 3745 lbs. So does that mean if you had your 235 lb mother-in-law riding shotgun in your gasser it would panic stop the same as your brother's hybrid.
+1 on tires, too many variables: Rubber Matters: Tires Test - Automobile Magazine
Just some numbers for fun:
Motor Trend has the hybrid 1 feet better (121 to 120) at 60-0: 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE First Test Review
Car and driver goes with 70-0 and a wider margin of (182 to 166) or 16 feet with the gas model stopping faster.
2019 Hybrid Limited: The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Is the RAV4 to Have
2019 Adventure AWD: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Although comparable in numbers in distance, coming from a 2016 Honda CRV, I noticed my gas RAV does not have that good bite and stopping is really not that great. I just leave extra room with this RAV. I am not scientific, only my foot and butt test, lol.
A brake upgrade as well, would not be a bad idea if stopping distance is a major factor. The oem rotor and pads should be a easy sell off.
Just some numbers for fun:
Motor Trend has the hybrid 1 feet better (121 to 120) at 60-0: 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE First Test Review
Car and driver goes with 70-0 and a wider margin of (182 to 166) or 16 feet with the gas model stopping faster.
2019 Hybrid Limited: The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Is the RAV4 to Have
2019 Adventure AWD: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Although comparable in numbers in distance, coming from a 2016 Honda CRV, I noticed my gas RAV does not have that good bite and stopping is really not that great. I just leave extra room with this RAV. I am not scientific, only my foot and butt test, lol.
A brake upgrade as well, would not be a bad idea if stopping distance is a major factor. The oem rotor and pads should be a easy sell off.
If it is such a priority, there are much better vehicles to achieve this specific goal.I think that is a silly question. I hope you never learn why maximum-performance braking is important in my purchases. Got no more to say on that.
The 2019 CRV, for example, apparently stops 30 feet shorter.
I think that is a silly answer. If MAXIMUM performance braking is important in your purchases, you'd be looking at a 2018 Corvette. 60-0 in 91 feet.I think that is a silly question. I hope you never learn why maximum-performance braking is important in my purchases. Got no more to say on that.
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Toyota RAV4 Forums
Rav 4 World is the internet's largest Toyota Rav4 SUV and EV online forum community. Discuss towing, modifications, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
