You are on point with the performance. The gas RAV is slowest in it's class. It's mated to the 8-speed transmission to squeeze MPG. Other same class competitors will utilize a turbo charger for power and CVT for gas mileage. It's one of the better naturally aspirated four cylinder, but it is still 184 torque, at I don't want to wait for the rpm's.

Guess, I am a light foot. My normal acceleration shifts at a little less than 3.5k 2.2k rpm.

For you (or wife), seriously consider the RAV Hybrid. The electric motors gives instant torque on the low end, so a little more in line to what you are used to with V6 power. A V6 Highlander will not get the same gas mileage. It's still a compromise today, so that is why look into the RAV Hybrid.

 

You are on point with the performance. The gas RAV is slowest in it's class. It's mated to the 8-speed transmission to squeeze MPG. Other same class competitors will utilize a turbo charger for power and CVT for gas mileage. It's one of the better naturally aspirated four cylinder, but it is still 184 torque, at I don't want to wait for the rpms.

Guess, I am a light foot. My normal acceleration shifts at a little less than 3.5k rpm.

For you (or wife), seriously consider the RAV Hybrid. The electric motors gives instant torque on the low end, so a little more in line to what you are used to with V6 power. A V6 Highlander will not get the same gas mileage. It's still a compromise today, so that is why look into the RAV Hybrid.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm really not into the hybrids, so I think we're either going to have to decide if we live with the lower power, or look to something with a V6 like a Highlander. Not sure what we're gonna do - we're in "want" mode more than "need" right now, so we can consider our options, but I don't think there's any question we came away at least a little disappointed with the RAV4.

Perhaps it is all relative. Bottom line, though: if the power you (or your wife) demanded required the computer to think it needed 6k+ RPMs, and you considered that a normal amount of acceleration, then a non-hybrid Rav is probably not for you.

I don't know what to think. As I said, my wife is a tepid driver (very tepid, in fact) and is the last person to punch a vehicle hard. But I know what I saw on the tach, and I know she was disappointed in the power.

Maybe we need to drive another one and try it again. I want to be fair and give it every fair opportunity.

I certainly appreciate everyone's additional perspectives on the hybrids, but, again, I'm just not interested.

We're going to continue to research and evaluate options. At the moment, we're taking a harder look at things like modestly used V6 Highlanders. Besides, that's also something I know I can work on should the need arise, as I have on our Sienna (do all my own maintenance, brakes, even replaced a steering rack). My overarching preference is for a Toyota, because our experience with them has been nothing short of stellar. Although I'd at least consider a Kia, I'm not sure they're intended to go as long as I'd like - we keep vehicles 12-15 years. Then again, I'm not sure any vehicle these days is intended to go that long LOL.

Thanks again for all the input.

 

I drove a regular 2020 RAV4 FWD for about a week while my 2020 RAV4 Hybrid was in the shop. I didn't like the regular RAV4. It seemed like it was noisier, shifting was very noticeable, less performance, mediocre gas mileage. Test drive the hybrid version................

 

From stoplights, my Rav barely sees more than 2,000 RPM, and maybe 3000 or so at onramps....

If you feel the need for that kind if acceleration during everyday driving, you probably need something else. I've heard neat things about the Porsche Cayenne ad BMW X5 . More truthfully, you went from mid-7s 0-60 times with your Sienna to low-8s 0-60 with the non-hybrid Ravs. Neither were fast, but what you were probably perceiving is the longer torque curve of the smaller engine coupled with the delayed throttle response of modern eco cars.

I absolutely expect my Rav to go an easy 200k miles. Normally I would say an occasional approach to Redline won't hurt anything. However, if screaming RPMs on a regular basis are in you're Rav's future, I am honestly not so sure you won't have more trouble than I'd otherwise expect from a Toyota powertrain.

I do agree, the Hybrid may resolve a lot of these sentiments. Still, if you are really demanding 200+ horsepower with your foot, the engine ain't gonna do it at an RPM you'll like.

 

Well, the RPMs we we're seeing weren't at unusual speeds or with a lead foot. My wife is a tepid driver and the high RPMs even startled her. It just seemed the tranny was itching to pop that puppy high. As for the hybrids, I'll go Highlander V6 gas before any hybrid. Just not interested in the battery expense.

 

I was in that camp before I test drove a Hybrid Rav4. It feels just like my mom's 2017 Sienna, only smaller.

Also, that excuse for battery expense is nonsense these days. Toyota has been in the hybrid game for 20+ years, and they extended the warranties on the hybrid battery for 10 years. If anything, I can see the current gen hybrid vehicles outlasting the regular petrol ones because of the lack of stress on the engine itself.

Adding on: If you have the time, really test out the hybrid Rav. I honestly think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

Suggest having a look at the highly rated Kia Telluride, for example. For about $32K one can have a reasonably equipped one with 291HP V6, 5000 lbs.towing capacity. AWD is about 1K more. Or one can consider other makes as well.

 

Sounds like you might wanna try out a Mazda cx-5.

 

The 2020 RAV is a powerhouse compared to the 2001 RAV I used to own, I'm sure that thing is still running. Not sure how you kept regularly seeing 6k RPM.

 

Me, neither. That's kinda my point. I never expected to see that kind of RPM. Makes me wonder if the one we drove was, somehow, not quite "right." My wife is a schoolteacher, not a dragracer, so as long as she was happy with it, that was fine with me. But I could sense her disappointment, and my jaw dropped when I saw that tach spin up. As I said, maybe we need to drive another one.

 

After owning/driving a Toyota with the 3.5l no four banger (short of turbocharged) will satisfy. The current 2.5l I4 has been in production since 2009. No major problems and longevity is in the hundreds of thousands of miles category. Would I trade my '08 V-6 Limited for a brand new 2020 RAV 4 banger? Nope, not even for a no money exchange.

Look for something else or suffer buyer's remorse. Mind you the RAV4 is an excellent vehicle, top seller, reliable, and the majority love it. Some of us just can't deal with a four cylinder engine. I've had many but they were 5 speed sticks so that helped a lot.

 

Awesome feedback. Thanks.

 

Yea i have a awd 2020 rav4 le and i never seen 6k rpm unless i floor it. Getting onto the highway maybe like 3k to 4k and once there its like 2k steady or less. Are you sure you didn't maybe push it over into manual and it stay in one gear?

 

Surely wouldn't think both my wife and I would have done that on the same test drive. As I mentioned, my wife is a tepid driver and the "rev up" on the tach even startled her. If it had been just me, yeah, I might have inadvertently lead-footed it. But she drove it first.

That's why we're considering driving an entirely different one to see if our experience was just a one-off/bad example.

 

Would you mind elaborate on what is wrong with the hybrid and why are you against it?
I am currently planning to upgrade from my 2010 Forester to either 2020/2021 Forester sport or 2020/2021 RAV4 hybrid.
So interested in other people POV.

 

Question for me or the OP, both ? Just a personal opinion. As mentioned, Hybrids/.EVs are the future. I just trust and prefer the gas models.

Lot of discussion in this forum and elsewhere on the 'net. May want to use the search bar at top for different threads on the subject and visit the Hybrid Forum. Ppl that prefer the gas model are likely in the minority.

 

DEFINITELY get the Porsche or the BMW. You will be delighted with either one.
Maintenance and long term repair is practically NOTHING.
You can drive either one for 300,000 miles and beyond for just a couple of hundred dollars.
Go for it. Get a turbo if you can.

 

DEFINITELY get the Porsche or the BMW. You will be delighted with either one.
Maintenance and long term repair is practically NOTHING.
You can drive either one for 300,000 miles and beyond for just a couple of hundred dollars.
Go for it. Get a turbo if you can.

I've owned many Porsches and BMW's over the years. Did most of the maintenance myself on the Porsches. Compared to many other cars (Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Honda, Toyota. etc.), cost of maintenance is radically higher.............

 

I really hope you are kidding.
Porsche or BMW. Really?

 

What the heck, you only live once. A couple of years with either car, and they will realize that once is more than enough🤣.

 

While I realize they crank up the RPM's to make that little 4-banger put out the power, I was more than a little aghast to see the thing hit close to 6000RPM just accelerating to highway speed! Good heavens, I thought it was because the sales guy who followed us along put the thing in "Turbo" mode when my wife drove it, but when I took my turn and put it back to "Normal" it did essentially the same thing. How long to they expect those little engines to last if they're hitting that kind of RPM in what I would consider fairly normal acceleration? Have these engines been in service long enough to get a feel for how well they're going to hold up long term?

Reliability is the last thing you need to be concerned about with a RAV4. Its reliability is legendary, which is why Toyota can still sell them (and at healthy prices) even though the RAV is outdone by every serious competitor in its class in terms of features. The high revving won't significantly impact the longevity of the engine. The valvetrain is more than up to the task. What will affect the longevity of an engine is boosting an even smaller 4-cylinder so that it puts out gobs of torque at low RPM. It may feel like the turbo engine is not working hard, but generating that much torque at low rpm through a small-displacement engine puts tremendous stress on the pistons and the bearings in the bottom end. That's the kind of stress that impacts engine longevity in a major way.

 

Soonerdave, IMO your real question isn't the longevity of Toyota's I4 engines because just the fact they rev too high for her comfort nixes them. And if hybrids are out apparently fuel mileage isn't a concern no matter how easily and quietly they get up to highway speed.

My advice: If you like the same wonderful 3.5L as in your Sienna pretty much a Highlander (or a newer Sienna) is in your future. And BTW, I have that same 3.5L V6 in our '06 RAV4 - and our '08 Sienna which runs perfect with 191K miles so you have plenty of time to decide.

 

Soonerdave, IMO your real question isn't the longevity of Toyota's I4 engines because just the fact they rev too high for her comfort nixes them. And if hybrids are out apparently fuel mileage isn't a concern no matter how easily and quietly they get up to highway speed.

Well, no disrespect, but it the high RPM's are a concern for me if they have a habit of hitting that kind of RPM routinely. I'm no mechanic expert, but I know ~6K RPM isn't normal. So, yeah, it really is a concern, especially if I want to keep this vehicle for a decade or more.

Our Sienna gets us ~20mpg in town, ~30mpg or more if we take a nice trip. We stay in that area, I'm happy. Is fuel mileage a "concern?" Not enough to get a hybrid.

My advice: If you like the same wonderful 3.5L as in your Sienna pretty much a Highlander (or a newer Sienna) is in your future. And BTW, I have that same 3.5L V6 in our '06 RAV4 - and our '08 Sienna which runs perfect with 191K miles so you have plenty of time to decide.

Absolutely true, and as I'd noted in an earlier reply that's very much an option in play right now - a four-year-old (or thereabouts) Highlander with the same 2GR-FE in the Sienna or my '15 ES 350. I've got some concerns about the 2GR-FKS engine in the later Highlanders, but that's a topic for a different thread

Thanks.

 

DEFINITELY get the Porsche or the BMW. You will be delighted with either one.
Maintenance and long term repair is practically NOTHING.

Porsche.....maybe. BMW? NEVER!!! They are notoriously problematic and incredibly expensive to repair. If you gotta have a Bimmer then lease it only.

 

I had a BMW once, a used 530i I bought from a friend. To change to the oil filter you had to remove the A/C compressor and to do that you had to remove the alternator, or maybe the reverse order. I don't want to remember which. I called it my BMtoubleU.

 

If it's any good for a frame of reference I have an 06 Tacoma with the 4.0 and dont like newer Tacomas because I feel the 3.5 is weak in comparison.

For a small SUV I feel the 2.5 RAV is good, but I do keep in mind it is a small, economy SUV.

 

i came from a 99 forester with the 2.5l with 165hp. i was fine with the limited power of the 4cyl. i got a 2013 rav 4 with the 2.5l and have no issues with it. i noticed with any auto trans if you have the gas floored and a load on the motor will not shift right away and run the high revs to get the load off the motor.

 

Everyone needs to review paperboy's posting history. Nice guy, luv his posts, but make sure your sarcasm meter is on.

Apparently mine was turned off.......went right over my head. Pardon me while I scream DUH to the audience.

 

Thanks! I heard the scream all the way here in CT.
Indeed paperboy does tend to peg the sarcasm meter occasionally but we couldn't do w/o him, or could we?

 

In my 2012 with the 4-speed, due to the gearing it takes a long time to climb the tach when accelerating. Keep in mind the ratios on the new 8-speed are VERY tight together, so each gear will pass very quickly. Think if how short first gear is, and how quick it is to go through when accelerating- all the ratios except 7 and 8 will be like that in the 8-speed. VW used the Toyota 6-speed in our Golf (they use the same 8-speed now) and I know first gear lasts about 0.5 seconds in regular driving - it’s super short.

Having said that, it does seem strange that you both (?) would have stepped hard enough on the pedal to zing to redline if you’re pulling 20-30 mpg from a Sienna on average... Try another unit if you like.

 

Hello, all.

My wife has been interested in a Rav4 for a time now, and today we finally had the chance to drive a 2020 FWD model.

In all honesty, we both came away a little underimpressed. Thought I'd solicit some opinions.

While I realize they crank up the RPM's to make that little 4-banger put out the power, I was more than a little aghast to see the thing hit close to 6000RPM just accelerating to highway speed! Good heavens, I thought it was because the sales guy who followed us along put the thing in "Turbo" mode when my wife drove it, but when I took my turn and put it back to "Normal" it did essentially the same thing. How long to they expect those little engines to last if they're hitting that kind of RPM in what I would consider fairly normal acceleration? Have these engines been in service long enough to get a feel for how well they're going to hold up long term?

Both of us felt that, despite the high RPMs, the thing still seemed underpowered. Not badly, but enough to notice. Now, in fairness, we're comparing it to a 12-year-old Sienna with a 2GR-FE 6Cyl that has just purred for 138K miles, so I know it won't have that kind of power...but I was expecting more than I got. Anyone else feel the same way?

Lastly, one thing I did not know was that (at least in the model we drove), the PCM shuts down the engine when stopped at an intersection, and then just restarts it on acceleration. Yes, I know you can turn that (annoying) feature off, but I'd prefer to disable it permanently. Anyone do that? Can it be programmed out?

Whenever we "drop the hammer," it will be my wife's daily driver, so its more important to please her than me, but she seemed genuinely disappointed to me - and she's been looking at Rav4's at least casually for a while now. We're starting to think more about going back a few years and looking at a used Highlander, preferably pre 2GR-FKS, in the alternative. Any thoughts? Am I/are we being too picky?

Thanks for any feedback.

-sd

Going to 6k rpms does seem high unless your are in a hurry. Like it or not, the future(closer than you think) is with Evs and 4 cylinder engines.Try finding a v8 , unless it's in a truck. The EVs have terrific acceleration . Try another test drive with a FWD (unless your in snow country) and make sure your in normal mode. I have no issues with power from the 4 cylinder , which is very techy with both fuel injection and direct injection. I also drive a Corvette, so I would be sensitive to issues like this.

 

Just checked the RPM on my 2020 XLE while doing a 0-65 freeway entrance. RPM never hit 4000, and the acceleration was quite swift.

 

Hello, all.

My wife has been interested in a Rav4 for a time now, and today we finally had the chance to drive a 2020 FWD model.

In all honesty, we both came away a little underimpressed. Thought I'd solicit some opinions.

While I realize they crank up the RPM's to make that little 4-banger put out the power, I was more than a little aghast to see the thing hit close to 6000RPM just accelerating to highway speed! Good heavens, I thought it was because the sales guy who followed us along put the thing in "Turbo" mode when my wife drove it, but when I took my turn and put it back to "Normal" it did essentially the same thing. How long to they expect those little engines to last if they're hitting that kind of RPM in what I would consider fairly normal acceleration? Have these engines been in service long enough to get a feel for how well they're going to hold up long term?

Both of us felt that, despite the high RPMs, the thing still seemed underpowered. Not badly, but enough to notice. Now, in fairness, we're comparing it to a 12-year-old Sienna with a 2GR-FE 6Cyl that has just purred for 138K miles, so I know it won't have that kind of power...but I was expecting more than I got. Anyone else feel the same way?

Lastly, one thing I did not know was that (at least in the model we drove), the PCM shuts down the engine when stopped at an intersection, and then just restarts it on acceleration. Yes, I know you can turn that (annoying) feature off, but I'd prefer to disable it permanently. Anyone do that? Can it be programmed out?

Whenever we "drop the hammer," it will be my wife's daily driver, so its more important to please her than me, but she seemed genuinely disappointed to me - and she's been looking at Rav4's at least casually for a while now. We're starting to think more about going back a few years and looking at a used Highlander, preferably pre 2GR-FKS, in the alternative. Any thoughts? Am I/are we being too picky?

Thanks for any feedback.

-sd

There is no “Turbo” mode on a 2020 RAV4. Perhaps you meant “Sport Mode”?
I have an AWD gas model 2020 RAV4. After reading your comments I decided to watch my tach as I accelerated up several steep inclined hills. I did so very aggressively, which is not my normal driving style to see if it would get to 6,000 rpms. Only once when flooring it up the steepest hillside did I get it up to 5,000 rpms. On one other steep hill I got the tach up to 4,000 rpms. Under all other hard acceleration the tach breifly rose up to 2,000 to 3,000 rpms before I quickly got up to highway speed. So much so that I had to brake to slow down in order to match the slower speed of the car in front of me. At highway speed the tach was reading just under 1,500 rpms.
I have to conclude that you either have a lead foot and do not realize it, or somehow are operating the car in a different mode. The RAV4 does not rev that high under normal hard acceleration, even when I tried forcing it to do so.
I can understand how some drivers love V6s. If that type of feeling is what you crave, then look for another such vehicle. But I do wish to add my experience to the others who have commented to say that their RAV4s do not rev up to 6,000 rpms when accelerating. My experience has been as an owner who drives it on a daily basis, not somebody who took one test drive.
I hope you find a car that pleases you. Sounds like you need a V6, unless you are willing to try a hybrid or the plug in prime that is in short supply. But you have indicated you do not want those for other reasons, concerns. Or you can follow paperboys advice, jk

PS: My wife loves this car, and she rarely likes cars. Every time I go on an errand now she wants to join me, and drive it whenever possible.

 

I have an AWD gas model 2020 RAV4. After reading your comments I decided to watch my tach as I accelerated up several steep inclined hills. I did so very aggressively, which is not my normal driving style to see if it would get to 6,000 rpms. Only once when flooring it up the steepest hillside did I get it up to 5,000 rpms. ...
But I do wish to add my experience to the others who have commented to say that their RAV4s do not rev up to 6,000 rpms when accelerating. My experience has been as an owner who drives it on a daily basis, not somebody who took one test drive.

Thanks for the reality check.
I'm beginning to think Soonerdave and his "tepid driver" wife must've employed my used car test drive procedure. I find a place where I can start from a stop and get up to 75 mph w/o any interference. Then I mash the gas to the floor and hold it there until I hit 70-75. It passes if it goes to redline in every gear completely smoothly. I love watching the tach even more than the speedometer. And BTW the redline on the 2GR-FE V6 is 6400 rpm.

Of course I'm the guy who does the same thing on every Harley I tune except their limiter is at 6200 rpm.

 

The 6k rpms is definitely a gross exaggeration. The I4 engine is louder and doesn’t feel as refined as a V6, but it’s definitely not hurting the drivetrain.

As another user suggested, a CX5 GTR or Signature with a turbo is likely in your future to get a driving experience closer to what you’re seeking.

 

Hello, all.

My wife has been interested in a Rav4 for a time now, and today we finally had the chance to drive a 2020 FWD model.

In all honesty, we both came away a little underimpressed. Thought I'd solicit some opinions.

While I realize they crank up the RPM's to make that little 4-banger put out the power, I was more than a little aghast to see the thing hit close to 6000RPM just accelerating to highway speed! Good heavens, I thought it was because the sales guy who followed us along put the thing in "Turbo" mode when my wife drove it, but when I took my turn and put it back to "Normal" it did essentially the same thing. How long to they expect those little engines to last if they're hitting that kind of RPM in what I would consider fairly normal acceleration? Have these engines been in service long enough to get a feel for how well they're going to hold up long term?

Both of us felt that, despite the high RPMs, the thing still seemed underpowered. Not badly, but enough to notice. Now, in fairness, we're comparing it to a 12-year-old Sienna with a 2GR-FE 6Cyl that has just purred for 138K miles, so I know it won't have that kind of power...but I was expecting more than I got. Anyone else feel the same way?

Lastly, one thing I did not know was that (at least in the model we drove), the PCM shuts down the engine when stopped at an intersection, and then just restarts it on acceleration. Yes, I know you can turn that (annoying) feature off, but I'd prefer to disable it permanently. Anyone do that? Can it be programmed out?

Whenever we "drop the hammer," it will be my wife's daily driver, so its more important to please her than me, but she seemed genuinely disappointed to me - and she's been looking at Rav4's at least casually for a while now. We're starting to think more about going back a few years and looking at a used Highlander, preferably pre 2GR-FKS, in the alternative. Any thoughts? Am I/are we being too picky?

Thanks for any feedback.

-sd

My wife had the same feeling of dissatisfaction..As soon as she drove the hybrid she was sold. Way smoother, quieter, power Is what she thought it should be, and far better MPG. After I got used to the CVT I prefer it! AWD system comes standard in all hybrids and has impressed us, and we live in Montana so it’s a must have feature.