Questions about XSE Hybrid AWD in Winter Mountains

3079 Views 14 Replies 14 Participants Last post by CheyennePress, Jun 15, 2019

rav4hybridhopeful

Discussion Starter · Jun 11, 2019

Hi, I'm an Outback owner considering purchasing an XSE hybrid AWD. I was hoping people might share their experience with 2018-2019 RAV4 AWD systems in snow/ice in mountains and passes.

a) If there is compact ice and snow on a highway hill with this vehicle, would you need chains?
b) Can you rely on the AWD around downhill curves in these conditions?
c) Does the Sport shift provide actual engine braking or just simulated slowing?
d) Would winter tires be advisable given the 2019 hybrid configuration?

With my Outback, I can rely on its AWD and occasionally engine breaking e.g. Sport gears ... and I've been fine.

I've not been able yet to get a clear answer from Toyota the dealership on this. I'm not looking at the gas powered Dynamic Torque trims either, though I assume these would perform more like the Subaru.

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Nick Muggli

· #2 · Jun 11, 2019

I wouldn't imagine to many if us know how the hybrids will actually do in the winter as they came out mid spring.

If you live somewhere like you and I do, I'm in Edmonton Canada, we have real winters so winter tires are always recommended. You'd probably even want studded winters. I'm not technical enough to answer your other questions, sorry.

hcfd1075

· #3 · Jun 11, 2019

There's really no way to predict exactly how the RAV4 Hybrid will actually perform on icy, handpicked surfaces however there is no reason not to expect good performance with the right tires. I run studded snow tires on a Toyota Tacoma and the '04 Honda CRV that my RAV4 Hybrid replaced in snowy Western Maryland with good success. The RAV4 Hybrid drive system should do just fine, the tires would be the determining factor IMO.

rdgrimes

· #4 · Jun 11, 2019

rav4hybridhopeful said:
Hi, I'm an Outback owner considering purchasing an XSE hybrid AWD. I was hoping people might share their experience with 2018-2019 RAV4 AWD systems in snow/ice in mountains and passes.

1st, the 2019 is a completely different car from the 2018. However its generally improved in performance and handling.
With respect to ice/snow you'll be hard pressed to find much difference compared to the gas powered model, apart from the increased weight.

If you think that an AWD system can eliminate the need for snow tires, you are misinformed. It's all about the tires. In any case, the Rav4 HV will handle most anything you throw at it. I wouldn't give this question much influence over your buying decision.

speedbump101

· #5 · Jun 11, 2019

Nick Muggli said:
I wouldn't imagine to many if us know how the hybrids will actually do in the winter as they came out mid spring.

If you live somewhere like you and I do, I'm in Edmonton Canada, we have real winters so winter tires are always recommended. You'd probably even want studded winters. I'm not technical enough to answer your other questions, sorry.

Also in Edmonton with a 2019 Blizzard Pearl / nutmeg (tan) Limited Hybrid.

Re winter... I totally agree that good winter tires are probably more important than AWD. This is the first AWD vehicle I’ve owned and I’ve driven to ski country in the Canadian Rockies for decades... I even owned a Subaru at one point... a 1982 wagon, which was a 2 WD version. It was a great little car, but rust got it long before it wore out mechanically.

ftoader

· #6 · Jun 11, 2019

Hey, for whatever is worth here is an article about driving the 2019 RAV4 HV in the winter in Detroit:

Check out this story on detroitnews.com: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/o...6/review-2019-toyota-rav-4-hybrid/2761487002/

Reactions: 1

lowkey

· #7 · Jun 11, 2019

Not a winter video but this guy is putting the XSE through the paces.

Doc Brown

· #8 · Jun 11, 2019

A few videos I found regarding the RAV4 Hybrid Snow/Off-Road

(Great video just posted today)

(snow)

Reactions: 1

rvs007

· #9 · Jun 11, 2019

Any recommendations on a good set of dedicated winter tires for the RAV4?

mtaylor

· #10 · Jun 12, 2019

I can't speak for the rav4 yet, but I have been using winter tires for half of my driving career. I personally like Hankook tires, the RW11 iPike is available for the Rav. I had those tires on my truck a few years ago, and had no complaints. I plan to get them for my new XSE come next winter. (Mine will have studs, but you don't need them in that tire) Yokohamma Ice Guards are a great studless option, or the classic blizzack is a safe bet..

Reactions: 1

v6ixy

· #11 · Jun 14, 2019

If you are concerned about safety and regularly encounter snow/ice and/or do mountain passes, then regardless of your vehicle you should buy winter tires. Even the best AWD system won't help you brake in icy or slushy conditions. You need a rubber compound that can handle cold weather.

I drive a 2010 4WD Rav4 and it's a beast in the snow - soley because it's equipped with high quality winter tires.

Reactions: 1

v6ixy

· #12 · Jun 14, 2019

To add to this, when skiing this winter on a particularly nasty day, I encountered a new Subaru Outback that was stuck in the parking lot. The owner was left flabbergasted as he watched me effortlessly pull out of my spot and cruise through the parking lot. I asked if he'd like some help freeing his car and he ranted about how he was returning his car to the dealership the next day... how could my old car (a lowly Toyota to boot!) outperform his Subaru?? etc. I explained that I run winter tires... and, well, let's just say (like a lot of folks) he didn't want to hear it. Some people just don't want to accept the reality that your tires are more important than your AWD system in most wintery conditions.

My sister-in-law just sold her 18 month old car because "it can't handle the snow". Did she bother to try winter tires? Nope.

The reality is that you can throw winter tires on 2WD cars and they climb and brake in snow and ice better than most AWD cars equipped with summer or all season tires.

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Reactions: 1

rcorbin

· #13 · Jun 14, 2019

Our 2016 hybrid AWD with Michelin Ice-X tires does well in varied ice and snow conditions...

mach1408c

· #14 · Jun 15, 2019

tires will make or break a vehicle. overall ride, noise, rain, snow, handling.

CheyennePress

· #15 · Jun 15, 2019

In my eyes, living in a very snowy portion of Montana where we can get a foot of snow or more at a time, nothing beats winter tires, but AWD and ground clearance are also musts. I personally hate studded tires, as they tear the roads up, wear down more quickly, and aren't any better than the soft rubber of a Blizzak or iPike. The extra ground clearance of the new RAV is great for fresh snow, and I wouldn't even consider the old ones You really run into problems when you start dragging bottom in deep snow, especially going uphill.

Chains depend entirely on the depth of snow and the slope of your ascent/descent. I always carry a set of the new ones you can just strap to a stuck vehicle. Those can really get you out of a jam.

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