[skier6]

Well, for now we are very(?) happy with our RAV 4 Hybrid. Can't knock 50 MPG, on a recent drive. And I still had the snow tires on. Especially with these high gas prices. Basically, on this 50 mile drive, round trip used one gallon of gas.

Compare that to our Subaru Tribeca that gets bout 20 MPG.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

If you joined any forum tied to a particular vehicle before buying it, and spent a lot of time researching the reported issues every poster had, you probably wouldn't buy anything, ever.

This forum and the Reddit rav4 club site have had on-going threads literally since 2019 on the subject "which is better gas RAV or Hybrid? " and "Should I buy an ICE or Hybrid Rav" and "which is more reliable gas or hybrid RAV". The answer has ALWAYS been the hybrid is faster and smoother; gets better gas mileage and is more reliable with less maintenance. It is always argued the hybrid is more reliable with less maintenance because it does not have many critical components as the gas model does; the ICE runs intermittently in the hybrid; the eCVT trans is simpler and smoother and has less internal intricacy as does the 8 speed in the gas model. Now with this corrosion issue we find this was all WRONG. The ultimate requirement for reliability in a car is that it starts and runs. The ultimate requirement for low cost maintenance in a car is that you don't have to pay several thousand dollars in repairs every three years to keep it running. This corrosion issue points out just how wrong all the hybrid aficionados who touted up the RAV hybrid all these years were. Also how much utter BS was spouted on the internet about the 5th generation hybrid RAVs reliability and low maintenance. Clearly the gas ICE model is superior in many ways. Gas mileage isn't everything in a car. You will get absolutely wonderful fuel economy from your hybrid if it suffers the corrosion defect and cannot ever run and be driven --you will NEVER have to buy gas at all. Then you will save a whole lot of money compared to the gas RAV which will be chugging along happily getting 30 MPG or more.

 

[nels0300]

This forum and the Reddit rav4 club site have had on-going threads literally since 2019 on the subject "which is better gas RAV or Hybrid? " and "Should I buy an ICE or Hybrid Rav" and "which is more reliable gas or hybrid RAV". The answer has ALWAYS been the hybrid is faster and smoother; gets better gas mileage and is more reliable with less maintenance. It is always argued the hybrid is more reliable with less maintenance because it does not have many critical components as the gas model does; the ICE runs intermittently in the hybrid; the eCVT trans is simpler and smoother and has less internal intricacy as does the 8 speed in the gas model. Now with this corrosion issue we find this was all WRONG. The ultimate requirement for reliability in a car is that it starts and runs. The ultimate requirement for low cost maintenance in a car is that you don't have to pay several thousand dollars in repairs every three years to keep it running. This corrosion issue points out just how wrong all the hybrid aficionados who touted up the RAV hybrid all these years were. Also how much utter BS was spouted on the internet about the 5th generation hybrid RAVs reliability and low maintenance. Clearly the gas ICE model is superior in many ways. Gas mileage isn't everything in a car. You will get absolutely wonderful fuel economy from your hybrid if it suffers the corrosion defect and cannot ever run and be driven --you will NEVER have to buy gas at all. Then you will save a whole lot of money compared to the gas RAV which will be chugging along happily getting 30 MPG or more.

All of that is still true regarding the hybrid, it’s still faster, smoother, quieter, more efficient, with a better behaved transmission too.

It’s just that pesky connector. Who would expect something like that to happen and that Toyota wouldn’t cover it?

It’s not like you’re a genius and knew all along, that’s why you bought a gas model.

It shouldn’t make you feel clever or warm and fuzzy for having the gas model, Toyota so far isn’t doing the right thing…..and Toyota made your RAV4 as well.

 

[Ruthrj]

I mean, I’m inspired to double check the connector on my 21 Hybrid XSE now. I traded in my 19 ICE XLE Premium and don’t regret it. Im just curious if the common cause is salted roads/snow.

 

[RavMania]

If the CarCareNut, who is from a high salt area, comes out and says "this is going to be a major issue", then you may want to reconsider. But to base a purchase decision based on what you read from "Das Momma", that is to be taken with a grain of salt. If you joined any forum tied to a particular vehicle before buying it, and spent a lot of time researching the reported issues every poster had, you probably wouldn't buy anything, ever.

Amen. It’s the same with oil….. when I used to do the wrx thing way back in the day, people on the Subaru forums said if you use mobile 1 oil, you will have head gasket issues, etc.

I owned a 2005 and 2009 wrx. I only used mobile one oil. Guess me how many engine issues I had haha. My only hint is it rhymes with hero.

If people are getting rid of this car to be proactive for an issue that may or may not occur, you also may as well have this mentality with every car you own because every car will have it’s set of issues.

 

[14v6]

I'm hoping Toyota is going to extend the warranty on this HV cable. With 2 RAV4 Hybrids, financially, it's too much of exposure to keep both of them past the 3/36. RAV's are primitive and basic. It's like a throwback to a Honda CRV of 2009. They're supposed to be reliable workhorses and they are almost there but a 4k repair for a design flaw that Toyota won't cover is unacceptable. What really annoys me is I just ordered the second hybrid (I also have a 21 XLE gas, 21 LE hybrid) and researched the issue. Toyota has a press release stating that the hybrid battery warranty would be 10yrs 150k miles and all other hybrid components would be for the 8 years (I forget the mileage). Then in the fine print the Moroney there are exclusions. Even with a Platinum extended warranty. Toyota can always fall back on corrosion as a reason to deny. I'm not even sure if the part is covered on the Platinum warranty, no one seems to know. This is all unfortunate because I'm looking for something to match the reliability of the older CRV's. In my family we've had over 16 Hondas/Acuras going back to 1980 and somewhere around 2014 Honda cut corners on reliability and workmanship so I'm almost done exiting the brand. I figure Toyota was a logical choice, picking a model in its third and 4th years of production and so far so good but we are in salt country here and these cables are way too exposed to the elements even with the updated cable.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

All of that is still true regarding the hybrid, it’s still faster, smoother, quieter, more efficient, with a better behaved transmission too.

Yes but only if it actually runs -- and it still doesn't get much better MPG than the gas model at sustained highway speeds above 65 MPH.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

RAV's are primitive and basic. It's like a throwback to a Honda CRV of 2009. They're supposed to be reliable workhorses and they are almost there but a 4k repair for a design flaw that Toyota won't cover is unacceptable.

This is all unfortunate because I'm looking for something to match the reliability of the older CRV's.

we are in salt country here and these cables are way too exposed to the elements even with the updated cable.

The gas model 5th generation RAV4 is just such a reliable workhorse car as you desire now. The bugs have been worked out with the various TSBs (Trans, DCM, Mirror) and some of these RAV bugs were shared with the hybrids. The only issue that is still popping up in the forums in the gas models is the roof leak due to the poor seals on the roof rail trim which might now be corrected with the new orange gaskets ( too soon to determine). It should be noted the hybrids had the same roof leak issue.

 

[Rav4Outdoorsman]

This forum and the Reddit rav4 club site have had on-going threads literally since 2019 on the subject "which is better gas RAV or Hybrid? " and "Should I buy an ICE or Hybrid Rav" and "which is more reliable gas or hybrid RAV". The answer has ALWAYS been the hybrid is faster and smoother; gets better gas mileage and is more reliable with less maintenance. It is always argued the hybrid is more reliable with less maintenance because it does not have many critical components as the gas model does; the ICE runs intermittently in the hybrid; the eCVT trans is simpler and smoother and has less internal intricacy as does the 8 speed in the gas model. Now with this corrosion issue we find this was all WRONG. The ultimate requirement for reliability in a car is that it starts and runs. The ultimate requirement for low cost maintenance in a car is that you don't have to pay several thousand dollars in repairs every three years to keep it running. This corrosion issue points out just how wrong all the hybrid aficionados who touted up the RAV hybrid all these years were. Also how much utter BS was spouted on the internet about the 5th generation hybrid RAVs reliability and low maintenance. Clearly the gas ICE model is superior in many ways. Gas mileage isn't everything in a car. You will get absolutely wonderful fuel economy from your hybrid if it suffers the corrosion defect and cannot ever run and be driven --you will NEVER have to buy gas at all. Then you will save a whole lot of money compared to the gas RAV which will be chugging along happily getting 30 MPG or more.

Can you show me on the doll where the hybrid owners touched you?

 

[njbill]

Can you show me on the doll where the hybrid owners touched you?

 

[14v6]

The gas model 5th generation RAV4 is just such a reliable workhorse car as you desire now. The bugs have been worked out with the various TSBs (Trans, DCM, Mirror) and some of these RAV bugs were shared with the hybrids. The only issue that is still popping up in the forums in the gas models is the roof leak due to the poor seals on the roof rail trim which might now be corrected with the new orange gaskets ( too soon to determine). It should be noted the hybrids had the same roof leak issue.

We have a 21 XLE gas and agreed, if the roof doesn't leak hopefully it will match the CRV's of the past but the Hybrid I find to drive better. Obviously, this doesn't offset the problem with a cable but when I look at Car Complaints there should be a rash of complaints and there aren't from what I can see. Same goes for the roof leaks, I can't find anything that shows statistically alarming numbers. If Toyota doesn't fix this, I'll have to dump at the end of the 3/36 but hopefully the problem will manifest itself before then. We get pounded with salt here.

 

[RetiredGamer]

I can’t say I blame you, especially with the used car values up so much.

I am still waiting on a 2022 RAV4 hybrid and these posts about Toyota sticking owners with a $4,500 bill has me 2nd guessing.

I usually buy new cars when the model is late in the product cycle, never a 1st or 2nd year after major redesign.

This gen 5 had major problems, bad engines, bad hybrid wiring harnesses and leaking roofs.

If I had a leaky roof and a bad engine or wiring harness, I would absolutely bail out on the RAV4 and Toyota.

I hope this stuff is corrected with the 2022s and I’m having a hard time with the idea of giving Toyota my money considering the issues and treatment of customers with the gen 5.

People bag on Hyundai/Kia about their warranties and willingness to honor them….well, is this any better? Hyundai/Kia are replacing engines in cars with over 100K miles. Toyota tells you to take a hike after 36K and you’re on your own with the wiring harness?

I live in the tropics no leaky roof yet I think that thing is wayyy overblown. I been on a lot of car forums with different cars I owned in the past. Always some "scary" issue like for Honda it was the transmission in 3rd gear for an accord I used to own. Never had an issue it still runs. Land Rover same thing, actually I never had a single problem with a new land Rover and that thing was awesome. But anyways tired of hearing a few people talk a bout a leaky roof when it pours rain every day here harder than a garden hose and it's all good.maybe I'm just moody from no coffee. Haha. Or I'm out of nicotine patches.

 

[sinbad]

Was that a Subaru Ascent? I was thinking of one, to replace my 2012 Subaru Tribeca. The Ascent is kind of the successor to the discontinued Tribeca. While we have our RV4 Hybrid now, it can only tow 1750 lbs. We need the Tribeca, or an Ascent (?) to tow our 17' Boston Whaler.
We've been happy with our RAV4 Hybrid, only thing I am worried about is this corrosion in the HV cable to MG2. Waiting to get under the car, and see if I have the latest open orange connector which can be flushed with water..

I've had a 03 WRX wagon that was near bullet proof for 110000 miles, replace it with a 15 Forester XT that had several warranty and non warranty issues, totaling to me $2500 over 110000 miles, replaced it with a RAV 4 Prime a few months ago. It will tow 2500 lbs, which may be enough for a 17' Whaler (Montauk?). I'm picking up my 15' BW Dauntless from winter storage next week, and anticipate no towing issues, since I gained 500 to 1000 lbs towing over the Subaru's. The Ascent has a poor reliability rating in that consumer magazine, the Outback is better, although the Prime's fuel costs make the Outback XT look pretty thirsty. If you want more room and towing as well as low fuel costs, I'd look at a hybrid Highlander or AWD Sienna. A bit slower, but not bad.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

Can you show me on the doll where the hybrid owners touched you?

Over the years since 2019 often in this hybrid forum and especially and frequently in the Reddit forum the hybrid owners bad-mouthed and criticized the gas model. Especially on Reddit the hybrid owners outright used insults. In both forums hybrid owners TOLD newbies asking which to buy NOT to get the gas model.

 

[nels0300]

Over the years since 2019 often in this hybrid forum and especially and frequently in the Reddit forum the hybrid owners bad-mouthed and criticized the gas model. Especially on Reddit the hybrid owners outright used insults. In both forums hybrid owners TOLD newbies asking which to buy NOT to get the gas model.

And it’s still true!

What specific RAV4 forum are you participating in right now?

That’s right, you’re a gas owner in the hybrid forum.

A bad hybrid connector doesn’t fix your thrashy engine or your confused 8 speed transmission.

I am only interested in the hybrid RAV4.

If I was going to get a non hybrid, I’d get something else because there are better non-hybrid options.

 

[Rav4Outdoorsman]

Over the years since 2019 often in this hybrid forum and especially and frequently in the Reddit forum the hybrid owners bad-mouthed and criticized the gas model. Especially on Reddit the hybrid owners outright used insults. In both forums hybrid owners TOLD newbies asking which to buy NOT to get the gas model.

I think you’re taking too much offense to this. Both are excellent vehicles. IMO the hybrid is better for my usage. That doesn’t mean it’s better than your non-hybrid for yours. I think the the hybrid checks more boxes for many on paper. Personally I needed a fuel efficient crossover with AWD capability that I could easily work on (I’ve been working on and servicing Toyota for the past 7 years as side work when I have the time). The LE fits the bill for me, especially purchasing it precovid for just over $27k. I don’t think what we have here is a widespread issue that Toyota will fail to address. Ultimately it’s still a very reliable vehicle and better than the standard gas model IMO.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

A bad hybrid connector doesn’t fix your thrashy engine

You have the same 2.5 Dynamic Force engine under the hood of your hybrid -- is it really thrashing you?

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

If I was going to get a non hybrid, I’d get something else because there are better non-hybrid options.

Sure I'd prefer a new Corolla GR or a Lambo and maybe a Bugatti over a RAV4. There ARE much better gas model cars than a RAV4--I agree with you!

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

I think you’re taking too much offense to this. Both are excellent vehicles. IMO the hybrid is better for my usage. That doesn’t mean it’s better than your non-hybrid for yours. I think the the hybrid checks more boxes for many on paper. Personally I needed a fuel efficient crossover with AWD capability that I could easily work on (I’ve been working on and servicing Toyota for the past 7 years as side work when I have the time). The LE fits the bill for me, especially purchasing it precovid for just over $27k. I don’t think what we have here is a widespread issue that Toyota will fail to address. Ultimately it’s still a very reliable vehicle and better than the standard gas model IMO.

You have given a very fair evaluation and your post is polite. I have no problem with it. My animosity is directed to those many hybrid posters who were much less fair than you and were rude and insulting about the gas models.

 

[nels0300]

You have the same 2.5 Dynamic Force engine under the hood of your hybrid -- is it really thrashing you?

No, it’s more polite when it has help. Yours is on its own.

I don’t even have one yet, I’m just going by what every publication has said, that the hybrid is quieter.

And I’m not talking about Mustangs and Corolla GRs. More like a Mazda CX50 or something. The Mazda 2.5 is much more refined sounding.