RAV4 and the other vehicles from other brands are the replacements for sedans such as Camry and Ford Fusion etc etc. They are family vehicles. Makes no sense to buy a mid size sedan as the RAV is simply a better buy
Agreed
Quote:
Originally Posted by Striker223
Market disagrees from everything we are seeing trend wise. Most appear to picking these hilariously large, space wasting front ends vs functional ones or flat faced traditional RWD looks.
I don’t think the market tells us that at all. I don’t think people buy these cars because of the long overhangs, they just don’t care. I think if you showed most people a front heavy FWD car and a car with proper RWD proportions they would prefer the RWD proportions.
RAV4 and the other vehicles from other brands are the replacements for sedans such as Camry and Ford Fusion etc etc. They are family vehicles. Makes no sense to buy a mid size sedan as the RAV is simply a better buy
2025 Camry gets 50+mpg. RAV4 doesn’t. And the Camry hybrid is slightly cheaper.
Yes, I don't quite get the RAV-4's extreme popularity, although it does have a good reputation for reliability. It has now become the best-selling vehicle in the U.S., eclipsing even the F-150 and Silverado pickups. But every one I've driven, test-driven, or reviewed, (and my neighbor leaves me the key to hers every time she goes out of town for more than a few days, as she travels often) is about as boring and appliance-like to drive as watching paint dry. They also have cheaply-done interiors, even on upper-trim models.
and yet buyers like crossovers. And reliable crossovers that are fuel efficient. And even better is the
fact that the RAV4 Hybrid is Made in the USA, in Kentucky. For five years now
and all that said, some of the popular benefits of owning a small crossover is that they are more manoeuvrable in tight spaces like parking garages. Easier to get in and out of, better on the knees for older aging seniors. More upright view. Lots of older folks have traded up their sedans for crossovers and they are satisfied
and yet buyers like crossovers. And reliable crossovers that are fuel efficient. And even better is the
fact that the RAV4 Hybrid is Made in the USA, in Kentucky. For five years now
and all that said, some of the popular benefits of owning a small crossover is that they are more manoeuvrable in tight spaces like parking garages. Easier to get in and out of, better on the knees for older aging seniors. More upright view. Lots of older folks have traded up their sedans for crossovers and they are satisfied
Oh, I’m not in disagreement. I was pointing out the fact that they’re now the best selling vehicle in the US.
In fact, I was looking for a 2018 RAV4 Limited or SE for my kiddo and was surprised to find them around the same price, if not more than the price of a 2018 NX.
Why pay as much for a RAV4, if you can get an NX for the same price, that was my dilemma…
I don’t think the market tells us that at all. I don’t think people buy these cars because of the long overhangs, they just don’t care. I think if you showed most people a front heavy FWD car and a car with proper RWD proportions they would prefer the RWD proportions.
Clearly that's not the case if they are constantly over emphasizing the front end because focus groups prefer it.
Its a Rav 4 guys, why should it be exciting? They sell a ton of them. There are more interesting options for us.
the fake rugged design adds to marketing 'excitement' implying the vehicle can 'go anywhere' and 'do everything' (of course it can't do either).
Quote:
Originally Posted by SW17LS
I don’t think people buy these cars because of the long overhangs, they just don’t care. I think if you showed most people a front heavy FWD car and a car with proper RWD proportions they would prefer the RWD proportions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Striker223
Clearly that's not the case if they are constantly over emphasizing the front end because focus groups prefer it.
i think you're both right, but rwd vehicles are simply more expensive to make. so rwd (bmw, mercedes, etc) are marketed for style and being upmarket, and the rest are marketed on value and bogus 'capabilities'... the big front ends imply 'toughness' and probably makes people think they are safer in crashes. but to anyone with a discerning eye, the rwd vehicles have better proportions.
i'm in europe and the masses have the fwd suv/cuvs and those that want an 'image' have mercedes and audi(?) rwd. i saw almost NO bmw x3/x5/x7, that must be targeted for u.s. consumers.
