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Should the new Rav4 (and NX) get a hybrid variant or have the V6 return?

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Old 04-19-13, 08:31 AM
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PhilipMSPT
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Default Should the new Rav4 (and NX) get a hybrid variant or have the V6 return?

Toyota can go either way.

Ultimately, Lexus is going to use a variant for the NX.

Hybrid would be a great "lifestyle" choice like the CT. Will a V6 NX cannibalize RX sales figures?

Which would you prefer?

DISCUSS.
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Old 04-19-13, 08:43 AM
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MPLexus301
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I say hybrid. I'd like to see ~220hp and ~38 mpg.
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Old 04-19-13, 08:52 AM
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Hybrid all the way. How popular was the V6 Rav4, outside of enthusiast forums such as this one? It's funny to think that it was the fastest in Toyotas lineup when it was around, but I don't think that was a priority to buyers in this segment. Figuring the sales success of the CT, hybrid NX is also no-brainer.
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Old 04-19-13, 08:58 AM
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I guess I'm in the minority here as I would prefer a conventional V6 (using a 2GR engine)
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Old 04-19-13, 09:02 AM
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I vote both. I like having more choices, an option for every niche.
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Old 04-19-13, 09:11 AM
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Originally Posted by edgeucated
I vote both. I like having more choices, an option for every niche.
But manufacturers, especially Toyota, hate variations.
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Old 04-19-13, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Blackraven
I guess I'm in the minority here as I would prefer a conventional V6 (using a 2GR engine)
I agree. Personally, I'd rather see the V6, but, given the upcoming CAFE/emissions standards, and the demographics of many RAV4 buyers, hybrid and conventional fours probably make more overall buisness/marketing sense.

Originally Posted by edgeucated
I vote both. I like having more choices, an option for every niche.
True, that may be the best solution in some ways, but obviously one of the more expensive ones. And the actual sales-numbers of the V6 would not only be questionable, but might also actually rob some sales from the V6 Highlander.

Last edited by mmarshall; 04-19-13 at 10:39 AM.
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Old 04-19-13, 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
Should the new Rav4 (and NX) get a hybrid variant or have the V6 return?
But the NX is getting a hybrid powertrain option. NX300h. Plus NX200t. I don't think you'll see the V6 in either vehicle with a slated turbo set-up.
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Old 04-19-13, 11:06 AM
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The handwriting is on the wall - fuel efficiency to meet CAFE standards is the direction everyone will go. One possibility is that the NX will by hybrid only like the CT. That alone differentiates it from the RAV4 and justifies Lexus pricing. Lexus strategy for Europe is to use the hybrids so there will be one in the NX. My only question now is will there be a base engine.
Steve
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Old 04-19-13, 02:38 PM
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we already know :-)

Lexus has protected NX300h and NX200t.

So 2.0 Turbo and 300h.

300h will have between 200 and 220hp, and 2.0 Turbo? Who knows... it will probably have economy minded version with some 200hp too... and they can also have 220-280hp performance version, who really knows? :-).
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Old 04-19-13, 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by edgeucated
I vote both. I like having more choices, an option for every niche.
^This

Originally Posted by spwolf
we already know :-)

Lexus has protected NX300h and NX200t.

So 2.0 Turbo and 300h.
v6 > turbo 4

Sad to see the V6 is being replaced ...
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Old 04-19-13, 08:53 PM
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For a small entry level SUV like the NX, I'd imagine most prospective buyers would be prioritising fuel efficiency. So hybrid it is.
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Old 04-19-13, 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by spwolf
we already know :-)

Lexus has protected NX300h and NX200t.

So 2.0 Turbo and 300h.

300h will have between 200 and 220hp, and 2.0 Turbo? Who knows... it will probably have economy minded version with some 200hp too... and they can also have 220-280hp performance version, who really knows? :-).
I suspect the ....300h hybrid engine is going to end up as the workhorse in Toyota/Lexus seeing as it might end up in the IS300h, the GS300h and the NX300h.

Sort of like the 2GR-FE/FSE V6 block ended up being almost ubiquitous in the Toyota/Lexus line-up.
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Old 04-19-13, 09:40 PM
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I wouldn't mind a four cylinder, if it didn't sound like one. The worst thing about my CT loaner was the sound of the engine. Didn't lend a Lexus feel at all. A 2.0T would sound better, as it does in the Germans.
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Old 04-20-13, 06:57 AM
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With a powerful enough hybrid the NX might be the future replacement for my RX 450h.
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