Rav4 vs Rav4 Hybrid vs V6 Venza vs CRV

[DVad3r]

Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a new car and my choices have boiled down to these.

2017 Toyota Rav4 AWD XLE
2017 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XLE
2016 Toyota Venza V6 AWD XLE
2017 Honda CRV LX AWD

I have the Venza in the list because it's a model that's not produced anymore. My dad has one and it's a great car, although thirsty on gas vs the rest on this list. The dealers here still have some in stock, and are offering $ 4000 discounts on them which puts the Venza into the same price range or sometimes even cheaper than the rest on this list here.

I chose these cars based on solid reliability, although I am iffy about the Rav4 hybrid long term reliability, and the CRV with this being the first year of the 2017 redesign, and obviously the new turbo engine.

What would you guys get? Any experience with the Toyota hybrid cars? Are they reliable? What do you think of the new CRV? Are there any high mileage models out there with the 1.5 turbo engine or major problems?

The CRV is definitely fun to drive, I like it more than the Rav4. The Venza has good power and is big. Haven't driven the hybrid yet but will test drive it soon.

My needs are space in a car (I have a family with a baby), reliability, and not crazy costs.

 

[NutBucket]

You mention the turbo engine for the CR-V yet you list the LX model which doesn't have it. Isn't that significantly cheaper than an XLE Rav? Certainly much cheaper than a hybrid no? Just doesn't seem like you're comparing apples to apples.

 

[DVad3r]

The LX line here in Canada all have the 1.5 T engine.

Rav4 XLE AWD $38,394.63
Rav4 hybrid XLE $42,801.58
Toyota Venza V6 AWD XLE $42,171.78
Honda CRV LX AWD $35,688.68

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[Herr Kutz]

The slope of the rear seat and battery pack in the rav4 hybrid and its impact on useable cargo space made it a no-go for me. If you plan to use the back I'd definitely take a look at that beforehand.

 

[NutBucket]

Ah, Canuckistan. That explains the difference.

 

[Yuriman]

Are Toyota hybrids reliable?

In short, yes. They have among the lowest power train failure rates of anything Toyota makes.

 

[gorcorps]

The venza was discontinued after the 2015 model year... So there's either a typo somewhere or you're getting lied to.

Edit: actually that's for the US, so if you're in Canada that would make sense

 

[HitAnyKey]

The Honda seems like the better value to be honest. Better fuel economy, handling, looks. I am not a fan of Turbos with CVTs but its a Honda I guess.

I would definitely look at the Mazda CX-5 before you buy anything. And dare I say Hyundai Santa Fe or Tucson. Lots of deals on these things right now. Shop around before you pull the trigger.

I would even argue that if you want a RAV4, to buy a 2 year old CPO one instead. They haven't changed much in last 3-4 years and the savings might be worth it.

 

[soulcougher73]

I've always liked the Venza's so that would be my choice.

 

[Beer4Me]

2017 Honda CR-V EX trim. Never get the base trim level on any car, IMHO.
Another option would be a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Limited. Hyundai is offering insane discounts on them right now, and you get a 10yr/100k mi powertrain warranty (not sure how that translates in Canada).

EDIT: I thought Toyota cancelled the Venza???

 

[HitAnyKey]

2017 Honda CR-V EX trim. Never get the base trim level on any car, IMHO.
Another option would be a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Limited. Hyundai is offering insane discounts on them right now, and you get a 10yr/100k mi powertrain warranty (not sure how that translates in Canada).

EDIT: I thought Toyota cancelled the Venza???

They did. Some dealers are still selling 2016s as 'new' Venza was a nice vehicle but with many compromises. I think, like Honda, they finally gave up on the segment.

And Hyundai doesn't give us Canadians the same 10yr warranties. Just 5 years for most everything, except 8 years for some emissions stuff. Not nearly as good as USA.

 

[Beer4Me]

Then my pick would be the Honda.