Yes, there's at least some some truth in that. But, even though the RAV-4 is not as firm-riding as, say a 4Runner or Tacoma, you will still notice the difference in road manners between it and its Corolla and Camry sedan-cousins. Those who still drive sedans usually do so for a reason.

 

I think your going to see most people on here say that a Camry and RAV4 both drive like cars.

 

Perhaps so....but, after sampling both, I'm not one of those people. I will agree, though, that today's CUVs are somewhat more sedan-like in their road manners than they were, say, 10 or 15 years ago. But differences are still noticeable.

 

I view buying a mid size car as pretty much pointless. For similar or the same money, a cross over rides just as nice, has more room in some cases and serves a better purpose.

 

Sometimes I just can't follow you. One minute (or one post), you are supporting sedan purchases, and, the next, crossover CUVs/SUVs. Maybe you should have been a salesperson....you could sell just about anything.

 

I do like sedans. But when you look at the midsize segment, the cross overs such as a Nissan Rogue, CRV or a RAV4 make a stronger case to spend $30K. This is where my comment about a midsize car is not as appealing as a cross over. There seems to be far more advantages of going with a cross over vs a mid size car, such as space, easier to get in, more shoulder hip room, higher up for better views, and easier to get in or get out if you are an older individual.

It took me a while to view smaller crossover as superior over midsize cars for the same dollar spent.

 

With this argument, why did Toyota offer a Prius AWD model for North America? Would that not take away RAV4 Hybrid AWD sales -- sell more Prius and sell less RAV4?

Toyota must have forecast enough demand (to make it economically viable) for a Prius AWD model and offered it. Similarly, if Toyota forecasts enough demand for AWD models of the Camry or Corolla (either normal or hybrid versions), especially with other Japanese automakers now offering AWD, Toyota will probably offer those.

Historically, Toyota (and Honda) have been very good at catering to what its customer base is asking for -- offer what the customers want and do not offer what does not sell -- otherwise the Camry and Accord, and Corolla and Civic would not have continued to sell so well for the past 30 years.

 

I understand what you are saying, but, as I also see it, Camrys and Accords, long ago, got to the point where they were selling on their past reputations more than anything else. Both of them, IMO, started a long slow decline in build-quality after the mid-late 1990s...the Camry's being more noticeable, although I'll admit that the newest Camry is finally showing some needed improvements.

 

We've kind of moved (me included) from the topic......the Subaru Legacy.

 

and clearly a huge and growing chunk of the public now feels the same way.

a legacy sedan is a small and shrinking niche vehicle.

 

Well...thats just good business. Remember, the goal is to make money.

 

For sure. It’s all about making money.

 

It's not really that small at all. It is considered mid-size....definitely larger than a compact Impreza.

 

Yes, and I think in the future there is going to be a new set of vehicles in between a current sedan and a current cross-over, kinda like the new UX which is really a car just elevated a little. I think we will see Camry and Accord move to this type of design.

 

He was saying the niche was small and shrinking, not the car itself.