Any news on Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid?
Created July 8, 2005, at 9:45 am by Anonymous
I am trying to find out whether Toyota will bring out a hybrid of its RAV4 in the near future? I khave heard that they are replacing the ordinary RAV4 lineup next year with an all new model. Will this new lineup include a hybrid option? Any comments would be appreciated. Cheers.
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I repeat the question: Any news on Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid?
I was told last November that this year Toyota would release the Hybrid Rav 4 but do not see any news about it or it's expectation. Does any one know about this?
Toyata, get with it, this is the hybrid many people want....stop making the Rav4 bigger, and start making it hybrid....before honda does it with the honda fit
Toyota already has 4 hybrids.Including a Camry.So Toyota doesn't really have to "get with it".Comparing to Nissan which has no hybrids,Or from what I know.
Toyota put alot of money into the making and manufacturing of the Rav 4 EV (all electric vehicle), and it didn't work out. They only sold about 300 vehicles in a year, and there were alot of technical issues. They stopped making it in 2003. I loved my '97 Rav 4, and hoped to replace it with a hybrid Rav 4....but no luck. I think the EV debacle put Toyota off making a small SUV. Too bad, since the Highlander hybrid is more SUV than alot of people need. I ended up going with the Ford Escape HEV in '05 and have been very happy with it. It is a bit bigger than the RAV 4, and handles well. But I miss my Toyota....
Joan,
I've got to correct the misinformation you're spreading:
Nearly every RAV4EV allowed to stay on the road is still on the road. They seldom need any maintenance (no oil changes, few brake changes, no gas, no transmission issues, etc) and run great. The drivers never have to buy gas and couldn't tell you what it costs.
Toyota only sold 300 vehicles because they only offered 300 vehicles for sale for only a few months and only at a few dealers, only in Califormia. Today, these 300 vehicles rarely come on the market and when they do, are being sold for more than they cost new. The drivers love them passionately (see http://www.darelldd.com/ev/ and click on "RAV4EV" on the left, then "owners" at the top).
In addition to the 300 that were sold, Toyota leased about 1000 but only to large fleets of many vehicles. Last year, Toyota started destroying the leased vehicles as they came off lease. In response a group of owners and their friends (www.dontcrush.com) embarrassed Toyota into stopping the destruction. Toyota agreed to make the fleet returns available for purchase or release while they remain in serviceable condition.
ummm...
I got my "misinformation" from the Toyota web site
http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/vehicles/ravev/rav4ev_0_home/index.html
So, I'm not "spreading" this...just posted what I believe to be Toyota's official response to the Rav 4 situation.
Sorry....
burnnn! haha
Regrettably, the best source of mis-information on hybrids and electric cars comes from the incumbent automobile industry. This could help to answer the burning question:
Who Killed the Electric Car?
I, too, am waiting for Toyota to make a hybrid Rav4. I don't want a bigger SUV, and am a big Toyota fan. I particularly like the Rav4. I assumed since they already made the Rav4 EV, they have a model light enough to succeed as a hybrid. I was only aware of the Rav4 EV as a fleet vehicle. I would buy a used EV, but the prices I see the few available offered at are out of my price range. There's one up for auction on ebay now and the bid so far is $36,000.
big oil killed the electric vehicle. They need a vehicle that needs refueling in some form or the distrinution industry loses out.
I'm waiting for the Rav4 Hybrid too. The 2006 Rav4 is really nice. I hope this message will pass on to Toyota, and the future Rav4 Hybrid will shut down all the competitors.
Toyota has stated that they wont introduce a hybrid Rav4 due to the alignment of the engine and inability to engineer a hybrid drivetrain in that setting.
Maybe that will change in the future. If there had been a hybrid Rav 4 I likly would have pruchased it as it makes sense as an option in their line for me and probably a whole ot of folks.
Can you provide a source for that as I am 100% sure I heard a few days ago that the RAV4 hybrid is due soon.
I'm going to add my request to the long list of those hoping Toyota will smartly invest in a RAV 4 Hybrid. I've got a great 1993 Camry that I intend to drive into the ground, or trade in for the new RAV4 Hybrid, whichever comes first.
I just bought a Highlander hybrid but would have loved the option for the RAV4. As was stated, Highlander is more SUV than many need, but it's still a modest size in today's market of behemoths like the Hummer! If the RAV4 goes hybrid, though, it might be a great trade-in when my Highlander lease is up!
Adding another request for RAV4 Hybrid - Toyota your missing out here...waiting on a small suv/cuv hybrid.
I, too, would like to see a hybrid RAV4. Stop making them bigger; make them smarter !
Count me as one more vote for the Hybrid RAV4.
How wonderful to see I am not the only one! I drive a corolla and my intention as well is to drive it into the ground but pray for a high clearance hybrid (smaller than the Highlander) before that day comes. my poor car gets a bit of abuse when I decide to go hiking or camping but in my opinion there is no excuse for these obscenely large gas guzzlers.
I will add I was at a triathlon expo and toyota was a sponsor and I asked when the Rav4 would come out as a hybrid and the rep said they were planning to eventually release all their models with a hybrid option eventually so hopefully soon!
Go for the RAV diesel like the rest of the world
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-full.aspx?RT=765
count me in
Seriously, diesel is not an option if you live in a severe mult-weather location. Toyota is missing the boat competitively without a small SUV hybrid. Honda has already stated that they do not see a market for it, but Ford is making a killing with its Hybrid Escape in many regions of the country.
That's funny, because when the first prius came out, they said their goal was to offer a hybrid version of every vehivle they make.
I don't even own a RAV4, but have sat in the dealership show room imagining the RAV4 was mine.. The only reason I haven't bought one is, I'd really like a hybrid, especially the RAV4.. I'm trying to hold out and cross my fingers like the rest of you.. Good to find this site. I hope Toyota or other car makers read this as well.
Patrick
Why cant the RAV diesel be used in places where
the weather is severe?
I have a 2003 RAV4 and love it. PLEASE - I would buy a hybrid version in a minute! I just read on Edmunds.com that They were coming out with one in Jan/Feb 2007 with one. This was on a board there and am a little leery with the source.
Agreed on all the demand for more choices on a compact hybrid SUV. With Ford making the only offering thru the Escape, my wife and I thought about holding out for a more potentially reliable Toyota model that could be smaller than the Highlander. The Highlander could've worked a few years ago, but we don't need that kind of footprint now, so, I say "Hey Toyota! When are you going to introduce the hybrid RAV 4 (or equivalent)?".
The demand is out there......how long will it take the auto manufacturers to realize that there is a huge market of car drivers who want to buy new fuel efficient cars and reduce oil consumption?
Sheesh! The manufacturers are just getting around to realizing that some people are converting existing hybrids to run more on electricity than on gas, thereby saving even more on fuel and getting mileage close to 100mpg!
I thought long and hard about getting a Ford Escape hybrid, and finally decided against it because of the lack of safety features (no stability control, traction control or advanced AWD - just anti-lock brakes and, as an option, side curtain air bags!).
I'll run my current car for another year, hoping that a Hybrid RAV-4 comes out, but I'm astonished at the lack of a good, safe small crossover hybrid SUV on the market. Come on Toyota or Honda! It can be done, and we'll line up to buy it!
See if you can get Subaru to build a hybrid Forester instead. Better yet, have them build it with their new clean burn diesel as a hybrid of course.
I have a 2003 RAV and will buy a new car when Toyota comes out with a hybrid RAV. It's the perfect size for an all-wheel drive for someone who does alot of driving in the snow. Come on Toyota!
Big oil killed electric cars? How did it manage to do what the consumer had already accomplished? And how does one kill off a great technology? How did big oil (which was cash strapped during the time that
the EV1 was on the market) manage to prevent this wonder car from succeeding? Only gullible fools are
braindead enought to believe that totally implausible and lying fraudulent piece of crap movie by Chris (the Fool) Paine. GM was able to only get 50 morons to sign on the dotted line and in all those years only leased a total of 400 vehicles! I'm amazed they found 400 California airheads willing to pay for the right to be so totally inconvenienced. Without a practical battery there can be no such thing as a practical electric car.
No fool will spend $40,000 on a vehicle that can't get him out of the county , much less out of the state.
Kerry,
You really don't expect me to sit quitely do you?
Actually, I am. Your comments are verbatim from GM's own professional liar - David Barthmus. Please be original with your nonesense.
Two questions for you though:
Did you see the movie?
Did you ever ride in or drive an EV1?
If not, I hardly think you're qualified to make the comments you made since clearly your only source of info is the hundreds of places around the internet where GM has placed their inconsistant excuses.
I am also waiting for the Rav4 to be available as a hybrid. I will drive my current Volvo until it is released, and then buy one as soon as I can. My father in law's Prius opened my eyes, and I'm waiting with bated breath.
Add me to the list of RAV4 owners waiting for a RAV4 Hybrid. I love my 2002 RAV4 and really hoping my next RAV will be a Hybrid version. Also prefer the shorter model. Toyota, hope you are reading this!
i am waiting and hopin gthat they release a hybrid rav4 i have a 98 rav 4 and want my next one to be a hybrid
If Detroit is listening-which I am sure they are not-it is evident that there is a real market for a small hybrid SUV. Since Toyota and Honda know that Detroit is not smart enough to make one, and the RAV4 and CRV sell well, why would they do it.
I would buy an electric small SUV in a heart-beat, especially living in Dallas with all the photoelectric generators that people are using. Think about it, the combination means no electric or gas usage.
Too bad, makes me very angry cause I would love to be free of gas usage all together!
Hey Dave - what do you think the Ford Escape Hybrid is?? A small hybrid SUV! Wow, I guess Detriot was listening after all! I don't know if you've noticed, but the RAV 4 has gotten a lot bigger, and doesn't get any better mpg than a conventional Escape.
Honda will reportedly offer a hybrid CRV for 2008 model year.
Add me to the list of others who'd like to have a Rav-4 hybrid. I'm on my 3rd Camry (a 2002 model) and I am ready to convert to something that hauls cargo as well as humans efficiently.
Toyota, please listen to your loyal customers!!
Lynn
I was looking into buying another camry, hybrid this time, a Rav4 or the Escape Hybrid. Then I decided to wait two years (2008) to see if Toyota will come out with a Rav4 Hybrid. I just love the 2006 Rav4!
Anyway I am iffy about the Escape Hybrid, so if Honda comes out with a hybrid comparable to Toyota before Toyota gets their game on I guess I will have to leave the toyota family for Honda, what a pity. I LOVE MY TOYOTA!
It's funny to see people speaking as if Ford is going to kill Toyota with the Escape Hybrid if Toyota doesn't make a RAV4 Hybrid. The Escape uses Toyota's old hybrid system. Toyota makes money on every Escape hybrid that Ford sales. (Unless Ford has finally come up with there own practical hybrid system and are using it. Then...umm... woops!) Anyway, I, too, would love to see a RAV4 hybrid. I'd probably consider getting one. After owning a truck for less than a year, I am spoiled and no longer like cars as much. I dig my wife's Camry, but I really miss my truck. A RAV might be close enough to a truck, but I don't think without hybrid its real-world gas mileage will come close to my crappy old Prizm/Corolla.
How about this idea? Subaru takes a Forester, uses the drive system they have already shown at industry shows and puts extra batteries in the well where the spare used to be. They make the car a PHEV and hang the spare on the back a la RAV.
As I read some of the comments about why some people are hesitating on buying a Ford Escape in lieu of a Toyota Rav4 hybrid, they should consider this:Ford and toyota motor company share most of the patents on their hybrid technology. They are essentially one of the same. Ford has actually added many of their own patents on full hybrid technology. I recently purchased an 07 Ford Escape awd and love it. While I am more of a Ford fan, I did own a 05 sienna awd, and thought it was a great vehicle as well ( except that its gas mileage was way below sticker, explaining why they lowered it for 06) When i was going to trade in my Sienna I was actually looking at a 05 RAV4 because I thought they were nice fit for a small SUV (a tad small though for anyone over 5'10"). However, I bought my excape and don't regret a bit, especially after seeing the newer and unexplainably much larger Rav4(considering that a highlander is nearly identical in size).
With the oversized 16 inch rim\tire combo, awd, nearly 3900 curb weight and 1000 lbs towing capacity, I receive real world city\hwy economy of 33 mpg (not all babied miles). Even my brother who hates Fords and loves any Japanese nameplate, was extremely surprised as to how well it drove, its high quality fit and finish, and is considering one himself.
As for any questions about reliability, check out the new 07 consumer guide automobile ratings and you'll see it has a better than average dependability rating.
Doug
Sorry, I forgot to mention that it's a HYBRID escape in my previous article. I might as well also add that the escape hybrid has a greater approach, breakover and departure angle than the regular escape for offroading.
Doug is right. Although I haven't driven or riden in the Ford Escape, I've been reading the reviews. Mostly unbias, they'll point out the pluses and minuses.. They're mostly good.
Time is running out for me. I don't think I can't hold out until 2008.. I currently drive a mazda miata, and I've been hit three times- and I haven't been moving in one of them...I HATE those monster ass vehicles.. It's stupid I feel the need to purchase a bigger vehicle just so I won't be killed.
Back on topic-I wish I was able to compare the RAV and Ford Escape side by side. I'm hoping (the Escape) is just as clever (with the design and special compartments) as the RAV4.. And the reliability will be just as good as Toyotas reputation. I haven't stepped off the plank yet.. The most important things for me are fuel emissions, fuel econemy, safety and comfort. Oh yeah, a moon roof and cool compartments. ;)
Hey Dom:
First, the escape SUV hybrid is not "small". Second, it is a piece of crap-check out Consumer Reports filing on it. One of the worst for maintenance. I guess this is why Ford is doing so well. Third, it is not a RAV4 with their record of service and reliability.
Detroit is only listening to their market shares going to Japan and the rest of the world.
On the other hand, as I said before, Toyota should be listening and make a hybrid RAV4. It does not need to be bigger!
Add me to the list of people waiting to buy a Rav4 -- I plan on being AT the dealership placing my order the day it is officially announced! I had a 1984 Landcruiser that I eventually donated to charity in excellent running condition after 21 years of use and close to 300K miles (couldn't afford the gas!). I love, love, love Toyota reliability, but just don't need a huge truck -- just something sporty and reliable that is good in snow.
Amen to everyone else who wants a hybrid, RAV 4 size vehicle with AWD capacity. My niece has an 07 hybrid Camry which does everything it is supposed to do in elegant luxury but obviously it does not have the ground clearance of an RAV or AWD.
The Highlander is just too big for lots of people and the Prius is too small. Ironically, we drove to the same place in an RX300 and parked next to the Hybrid Camry was Prius.
Please Toyota, two things, Hybrid RAV4 AWD size vehicle and make it PHEV.
OK people. Here is a way to ask Toyota for a hybrid RAV4...ask for a PLUG IN please.
jim_press@toyota.com
Mr. Jim Press
US Corporate President
Toyota Motor Corporation
PO Box 2991
Torrance, CA 90509
Beg to differ with you, Dave. My 2005 FEH is NOT a piece of crap. With 23,500 miles on it, I have not had one problem with it. The first RAV4 that I test drove years ago was "tinny" and unsafe feeling. Don't believe that is the case with the RAV4 any longer. HOWEVER, Ford HAS a hybrid 4WD and Toyota does NOT. I promised to buy the first Hybrid 4WD on the market over 5 years ago, and kept that promise. I bought the first FEH in Northern Nevada, and I have not for one moment regreted that decision. I've had it for about 21 months and would not trade it for another vehicle. With 31+ mpg, I love my FEH!!!
Toyota Lovers
I have bought a Lexus 400h, which of course, is made by toyota and I am very pleased with the vehicle. SUV is not as big as Toyota Highlander but It has all the luxury package and accessories come standard such as Bluetooth connectivity and GPS navigation system, It works great!!!
I would like toyota to come out with RAV4 hybrid in more affordable price therefore so I could change my our second car, VW Golf, to another hybrid it would be perfect. So if oyu willing to have an SUV and pay a little extra for it, Lexus RX400h is highly recommended.
Sky, Virginia Beach-VA
Kim,
I`m sorry but FEH doe snot do it for me either..it looks like a cheap SUV, and design is not attractive, not to mention that Ford had made its reputation as american car, not so great.Sorry , the car itself still needs a lot of imporvement.
Sky.
sky,
If you think the Ford Escape is unattractive, then maybe you're one of those who find the Prius or the Yaris to be a visual pleasure, in which case I would say proves the old saying 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. At least you can sit at an intersection in a FEH and not be stared at, but apparently that's not what everybody wants.
Holy $*%^##*$ ... Add me to the long long list of those who want a RAV4 Hybrid. If they do come out with one, there will be a long wait.
Bruce
With Ford on the verge of total collapse, I would never buy a Ford product (look at the resale value). If either Toyota or Honda makes it to market with a small hybrid SUV, I will be there. I currently own a 2000 Honda CRV and I am offered twice its market value at least twice a month, especially when they hear my MPG (currently averaging 55 City/75 Highway). It's been in 3 major accidents by the largest SUVs and took the impacts extraordinarily well. Plus, I regularly haul large items in the spacious back. For my next vehicle, I live in a cold climate, so diesel is out. Plug In hybrids are as bad as regular gas for the environment, you pay for the electric and is a total inconvenience, as well, for long hauls. However, with Toyota giving mixed views (some articles claiming Toyota sees a very limited market) and Honda saying straight out no (they believe it is not economical to make for the next 8-10 years), I believe I will probably wait it out another couple of years before I have a viable option.
Patrick,
Is you honda converted hybrid or modified? I see the epa rating is 22/25, how do you get 55/75?
That's amazing!
I'm yet another person who wants a hybrid AWD car with good ground clearance - I'm a doc and I sometimes have to drive through pretty stinky weather in the middle of the night. We got a Prius last spring and I'm really worried about the winter. What I DON'T want is a big SUV. Even the RAV4 has gotten too big for my tastes. I hope that Toyota and Honda realize that there's a market for a SMALL vehicle with AWD capability and hybrid technology. I'm afraid I'm going to have to get a non-hybrid Surabu soon because I can't keep waiting for Toyota and Honda to wake up!
I was expecting to buy a RAV 4 EV when I sized my solar PV system. Too bad that they were discontinued just before my now oversized system came on line. I have really been frustrated because of this move by Toyota and I have been donating over $400.00 worth of electricity to PG&E annually for more that 3 years now.
I really would like to see a PHEV version of the RAV 4 with an all electric range of 30 to 50 miles on a charge with a cruising electric only speed of 65mph. I realize this may require supercaps as well as Li Ion batteries, but that concept has been adequately demonstrated by others.
Add me to the list of people who would jump on the Rav4 hybrid were it available. I'm a big Toyota guy, have owned Camry, Cellica, and now a Matrix. Always loved the rav4. I'm a single guy who lives in the city where space is confined. Also take sporadic countryside trips and the roads here in Puerto Rico are pretty bad so a small SUV option is perfect...and Im dying to go greener like any other person with half a brain I guess.
If a Rav4 hybrid were available today, I would trade my Matrix xrs(which I love dearly) tomorrow. I am would be very dissapointed if the option or its facsimile is not available 3-4 years from now when I will be looking to replace my '03 MATRIX.
I'm waiting to buy one as soon as Toyota or Honda come out with one.
I had heard last year that they are supposed to be making the Rav4 Hybrid and that it was supposed to come out in '07 or '08. As to the process now I don't know. I do agree that I am waiting for the Rav4 Hybrid as well. I had a Rav4 before I got my 2002 Prius. I love my prius but it's really up there in miles. 133,356 miles now and counting and I have been waiting for the Rav4 to come out in Hybrid form before selling my Prius. I would get one in a heartbeat 'cause I miss my Rav4 I loved that car but needed to trade it for a car w/better mileage and the ability to drive in HOV here in VA by myself b/c of where I work.
Hurry up Toyota...bring it out soon!! :)
I have to clear up this misinformation. Modern Diesels have no more problems in cold climates that any gasoline powered vehicle. In fact, I've heard that the cold is really hard on hybrid batteries:
http://www.hybridcars.com/forums/buying-diesal-hybrid-t1149.html
Just as some think there is a real market for a small hybrid SUV, this same market also could use a small clean diesel SUV. MPG would probably be about the same. VW may be bringing such a vehicle:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/SUVs_Wagons/Preview_2008_Volkswagen_Tiguan.S181.A11451.html
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=159990
Yeah, maybe I'm a troll from the diesel forums, but I'm just trying to show that there are options.
-------------------
VeeDub in da house
The problem with diesels in cold climates is just the starting factor. If you are out and unable to plug in the block heater, they don't start. Other than that there is no difference.
Check it: http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/10394/toyota-rav4-limited-4wd-v-6.html
Um, sorry but that's more wrong information. :rolleyes:
Starting problems in cold climates is probably only the case with old diesel engines. Modern diesel cars have little things called "glow plugs" on the engine, which are kind of like mini heaters, that enable the car to start in cold climates. A block heater is still a good idea to warm the engine up before starting it, thereby reducing the time needed to reach a good operating temperature when started, and consequently improving mpg. But they are not required.
I realize the original post to this discussion is now 2 years old, but I was still hoping Toyota would be coming out with a hybrid RAV4 sometime soon, so I contacted toyota and asked. The reply was that they had no plans to make a hybrid RAV4 in the u.s. at this time. I strongly urge anyone who wants this suv to go to toyota.com and contact them letting them know you want one. They did say they would document my desire for one, maybe if enough people do that toyota will get moving!!
I, too, am holding out with fingers crossed that my '99 sentra will last until toyota comes out with the hybrid RAV-4...in the meantime I'm making good use of my new schwinn 21 speed bicycle! ;)
well I got the 07 RAV4 - unfortunately it's not a hybrid.
here's some news though and this comes from my area Toyota President Rep.
Toyota does have a RAV4 hybrid but only in Japan.
they release the vehicle as a Japan only for real world testing for a couple years before being released elsewhere.
I guess the Prius was in Japan 3 years before a North American release.
So this could mean a RAV 4 Hybrid in a few more years.
As fr Subaru--- well Toyota now own's part of Subaru (bought from GM)
Subaru and Toyota are working right now at getting a Hybrid Legacy.
Toyota is building Camry's in Subaru's Louisianna factory in exchange for getting a Subaru hybrid going. The challenge here is making the electric motor fit in properly with Subaru's boxer engine design.
Another thing to think about... Toyota's hybrid system can work on it's own.
Ford's cannot, and thus doesn't give as good fuel mileage as Toyota's hybrid system.
I'm really hoping i can get the RAV hybrid at the end of my current lease (4 years) in the meantime we'll all have to wait.
Subaru is also working on a boxer diesel engine for their lineup. Europe will of course be getting that... but maybe we'll get lucky and see it in the US as well.
:confused:
What in the world are you talking about? Ford's system is very similar to Toyota's, so much so that they had to work out some copyright issues back before the Escape Hybrid's release. And the Escape hybrid can run on electric only under 25mph, if that's what you're referring to.
For those waiting on a Rav4 hybrid, why not buy an Escape instead? I'd say they're about the same size now anyway. True, styling is totally different...
domboy
my bad! - Another thing to think about... Toyota's hybrid system can work on it's own.
Ford's cannot, and thus doesn't give as good fuel mileage as Toyota's hybrid system. replace Ford with GM
i meant to say all of GM's hybrids... which are considered "mild-hybrid's"
I have been shopping recently for a small/midsize suv that gets reasonable mileage and moderate offroading capability. I'll probably buy the Rav4, and I would have gone for a Hybrid Rav4 if it were available. Some comments:
- The Rav4 V6 4x4 non-hybrid gets BETTER highway mileage than the Lexus Hybrid and only 1 highway mpg less than the Hybrid Escape 4x4.
- Average mpg of (city + hwy)/2, the Rav4 above gets only 2.5 mpg less than the Lexus and only 5.5 less than the Ford.
- Rav4 has higher clearance and better approach/departure angles than the Lexus, in spite of being a smaller vehicle. It also has locking differential and the ability to lock it into 4WD, which are usually only found in larger 4x4's.
- Escape Hybrid is EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND. The nearest dealer that has one is over 400 miles away. So much for choosing my favorite color or options! When I looked for the Hybrid at my local Ford dealer, the salesman talked down hybrids and tried to get me into the non-hybrid model. No doubt, they were trying to sell what was in inventory. The non-hybrid V6 Escape actually drove pretty well, but it gets only 1mpg better than the Nissan X-Terra or the Toyota 4Runner!
Ford probably has a great vehicle with the Escape Hybrid. But if they can't get it to the customer, then what's the point?
Earlierr today i was thinking what a great Idea to make the Rav4 a hybrid and apparently all of the above do to I think if toyota put a hybrid engine in the rav4 it could become the most fuel efficient suv on the planet and if it doesent it could say the most fuel efficient vehicle with a third row seat!!!!! and I would love to own a rav4 hybrid and no matter what the cost I would probbably get one under 30,000 dollars.
I stopped to talk with a guy yesterday who was driving a 2008 Highlander Hybrid with MFG plates. When I said that I was waiting for RAV4 hybrid he just smiled and said "that may be showing up sooner than you might think". I have no idea who he was or what his job is, but I thought it was interesting. Probably means nothing, but we can always hope...
I Too am waiting and waiting for a hybrid small RAV 4 as I have the 97 model and love it, but would love even more the hybrid version. Does anyone know who at Toyota we can contact about considering putting the small Rav 4 into a hybrid?? I agree with some of the posts. Most of us live in a city, in an apartment and cannot search the city (I live in LA, too big) an electrical plug, that might be why the EV didn't do as well. THere are many many single women or single people who don't have kids, but want the room, power and convenience of a SMALL SUV as opposed to a large HIghlander SUV. By the way, that Highlander hybrid really doesn't have that great a gas mileage. AND instead, they came out with a BIGGER Rav4, as if they don't already have a million models of large SUVSs out there! We need to think more like Europe, smaller and more efficient.
If you want to let the auto makers know what you want, the best avenue is their corporate customer support. Here are the numbers for all of the big guys:
Chevrolet (800) 222-1020
Ford (800) 392-FORD (or 800-392-3673)
Ford Motor Company, Customer Relationship Center, PO Box 6248, Dearborn, Michigan 48126
Honda (800) 999-1009
Honda Automobile Customer Service, 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7D
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Nissan (800) NISSAN-1 (or 800-647-7261)
Nissan Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 685003, Franklin TN 37068-5003
Mercedes-Benz USA (800) FOR-MERCEDES or (1-800-367-6372)
Customer Assistance Center, 3 Paragon Drive, Montvale, N.J. 07645
Mitsubishi (888) MITSU2007 (or 888-648-7820)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., PO Box 6014, Cypress, CA 90630-0014
Saturn (800) 553-6000
Customer Assistance Center , 100 Saturn Parkway, MD-371-999-S24, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Subaru of America (800) SUBARU3 (or 800-782-2783) | email
Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Plaza, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
Attn: Customer/Dealer Services
Toyota (800) 331-4331
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 19001 South Western Ave. Dept. WC11, Torrance, CA 90501
Thanks to Plug-in America for pulling these all together.
Amen and Thank You. I was surprised and appalled at Toyota injecting steroids into their RAV4 lineup. It is the perfect model for them to go hybrid with next.
Add me to the RAV4 Hybrid list. this is a pretty good site showing what's on the horizon in the hybrid mkt. no sign of the rav4. they're no dummies at toyota - there's more $ to be made in with the highlander. just a matter of time b4 the rav4 H arrives.
http://www.hybridcenter.org/hybrid-timeline.html
Count me in here. I was asking about a RAV4 Hybrid ever since it came out and can't believe that Toyota has dragged it feet so long on what their customers so obviously want. Isn't this called good customer service? FYI, I just emailed this page of comments to Jim Press who is listed as the President of Toyota on the www.don't crush.com website. Maybe it will help.
My 2004 Rav4 is simply the best car I've ever owned. My next care WILL be a hybrid and the Rav4 has earned seniority in my choice...BUT, the current new Rav has a console configuration that doesn't allow my long legs (I'm 6'5") to rest anywhere without hard contact on the right leg. (It's a sure clot-maker.) No adjustments will allow me the comfort that my '04 has offered for 120,000 miles.
Does anybody know if a Rav hybrid will be four wheel drive? If not, and it's only front wheel drive, then maybe the floor/console configuration will be roomier because of the lack of a rear drive shaft. Yes? No? Maybe?
GG
I'm just lying in wait with my gas-guzzling but rugged 4WD Nissan Xterra, waiting for someone--hopefully, Toyota with the Rav4--to create a small, rugged (off-road), hybrid SUV. Oh, did I mention "cute"? :-)
I have a 97 Rav4 and absolutely love it but am also waiting and wishing for a hybrid version. Someone should start a petition and send it off to Toyota.
please do something with rav4 hybrid..
because it's best suv and if you have hybrid option then it would be the best car in the history.
I agree!! This is ridiculous. If Lexus can be Hybrid than why not RAV4 ????
another gas guzzling Xterra owner here thats waiting for either toyota, honda or nissan to step up and get compact hybrid SUV on the market. I may break down and just get an escape....
Nissan Pathfinder owner here. Waiting for a Rav4 Hybrid. I would have gotten one already, if they had it. I would never buy an American car again... so no Ford Escape for me. Maybe Camry hybrid, but don't really want a car. Waiting continues....
Yes! Add me to the list. I hope the wait for Toyota Rav 4 hybrid doesn't turn out like the hard to fine Wii lol.
compact hybrid SUV?
Is this really that difficult of a concept for automakers to come up with?
Ford has done it years ago with the escape. I prefer Toyota and have been hoping they would make a Rav4 Hybrid.
Hoping for a hybrid RAV 4 as well...however, I 'm wondering if the hybrid battery is environmentally friendly. Anyone?
Regarding hybrid batteries: Today's hybrids use NiMH batteries that are both landfill safe and very recyclable. I'd suggest that that makes them pretty environmentally friendly. Future hybrids will use Li-ion batteries which are also landfill safe and recyclable.
FWIW, the lead-acid starter batteries in regular non-hybrid cars is hazardous, however, over 95% of them are recycled today so even they aren't much of an environmental problem.
Here's what I was told by Toyota. If you haven't done so already, anyone posting here should go to Toyota.com and express their interest in buying this sort of vehicle:
Thank you for your interest in our hybrid technology and for being part of the Toyota family.
We appreciate your feedback that you would like to see Toyota offer the RAV4 as a hybrid because the only way we know what our customers are looking for is when they tell us, as you have. We try to scope our customers out in advance, by researching the market, conducting interviews, surveys, focus groups and doing our homework, but there's no better source than a Toyota owner who takes the time to tell us like it is.
We can't guarantee that a hybrid RAV4 will be made available in the future, but if it were, it would be driven by just this sort of honest communication.
Again, please accept our apologies for your disappointment and our sincere thanks for taking the time and trouble to let us know.
I have owned a RAV 4 in the past, and I loved the little SUV. We sold it when we downsized, but I have regretted getting rid of it. We live in a rural area and need to have all wheel drive when the roads get slick. We bought a used 2005 Prius in 2006, and I love the little car (except when the roads are slick). It sits so low to the ground that just 4 inches of snow will cause me to ground the car in the garage until the roads are clear. It has some wierd traction stuff that just causes it's wheels to spin and not grip. My driveway is very rough, and the car has a tendency to bottom out very easily. My RAV never had these problems. and would always zip up my driveway.
I want the best of both worlds..... I want a hybrid RAV 4. I am patiently waiting for my ultimate car.
DeSoto, MO
I own a 2002 Rav 4 and am also waiting for a plug in hybrid SUV to be released. First one out gets my $$.
Its finally here!!!
You work for Toyota?
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