I'm stumped. Why even make the Highlander any more if they're going to make the Rav4 basically the same size and significantly more powerful?
This will even encroach on 4runner territory feature-wise and will be more powerful than that too....
Too much overlap in models IMO....unless they plan on up-sizing the Highlander and 4runner in the near future, which would be suicide with gas prices the way they are.
I'm stumped. Why even make the Highlander any more if they're going to make the Rav4 basically the same size and significantly more powerful?
This will even encroach on 4runner territory feature-wise and will be more powerful than that too....
Too much overlap in models IMO....unless they plan on up-sizing the Highlander and 4runner in the near future, which would be suicide with gas prices the way they are.
4Runners and Highlanders go after two completely different kinds of customer. The 4Runner is a body-on-frame truck and the Highlander is of the car-based variety. I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. I'm just saying I don't think the RAV4 will step on the 4Runner's toes. The 4Runner can do things the RAV4 can only dream of.
I do think they'll probably make the 2007 Highlander bigger though, being that the 2006 RAV4 is only 4.5" shorter.
4Runners and Highlanders go after two completely different kinds of customer. The 4Runner is a body-on-frame truck and the Highlander is of the car-based variety. I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. I'm just saying I don't think the RAV4 will step on the 4Runner's toes. The 4Runner can do things the RAV4 can only dream of.
I do think they'll probably make the 2007 Highlander bigger though, being that the 2006 RAV4 is only 4.5" shorter.
They may target different audiences, but in actuality the people purchasing the newer models are basically the same audience regardless....I'd be willing to bet that 90% of the people buying the newer 4Runners never take them off-road and rarely if ever tow anything. This is the same for the Highlander. From the sounds of things from Toyota and other message boards, the Highlander will be larger and more powerful in 2007; and there are grumblings that the 4Runner may actually be discontinued. I find it hard to believe myself, but then again the new 4Runner hasn't exactly been the most reliable or best selling Toyota ever made, and the lukewarm reviews seemingly across the board haven't helped.
I just don't think there's much of a market for all three, when two of them inparticlular are so similar. And I feel strongly that Toyota is making a big mistake with the "larger SUV is better" philosophy. With gas prices going up yearly, the market for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles is the way to go (just look at all the buzz over the hybrid sedans and the soon-to-be-released Yaris).
And I feel strongly that Toyota is making a big mistake with the "larger SUV is better" philosophy. With gas prices going up yearly, the market for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles is the way to go (just look at all the buzz over the hybrid sedans and the soon-to-be-released Yaris).
That's prbably why they are upsizing their car-based utes -- to get the people hauling ability without guzzling the gas. Of course for this purpose I've always thought the minivan makes more sense. They're just not cool. Don't tell my wife though, she loves her Odyssey.
One thing I'll be curious to see.....will the infamous dashboard/windshield rattle (not to mention the squeaks) that plague this generation's Rav4 be present in this new generation Rav?
I used to own a 2003 and it was painful to drive during the winter, when everything squeaked over bumpy roads.
One thing I'll be curious to see.....will the infamous dashboard/windshield rattle (not to mention the squeaks) that plague this generation's Rav4 be present in this new generation Rav?
I used to own a 2003 and it was painful to drive during the winter, when everything squeaked over bumpy roads.
My Matrix squeaks from the from all over the dash and the hatch area. Can't wait to get my new Tundra.
"FYI" The new Rav4 is going to have the Avalon's new engine.(2005.6)
280hp(Incase you did not know):P
__________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, or fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
"FYI" The new Rav4 is going to have the Avalon's new engine.(2005.6)
280hp(Incase you did not know):P
Umm, the title of this thread reads 268 HP, Not 280 HP! It clearly states on Toyota's website 3.5 L VVT-i, 268 HP & 246 Torque. (Incase you did not know):P
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1996 T100, 180,000 and counting
Umm, the title of this thread reads 268 HP, Not 280 HP! It clearly states on Toyota's website 3.5 L VVT-i, 268 HP & 246 Torque. (Incase you did not know):P
You're both right. Due to the new SAE ratings, the Avalon 3.5 is now rated at :
__________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, or fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
Their models probably won't overlap when the new Highlander comes out. It's kind've like the Tacoma, and Tundra. The Taco is very close in dimensions to the Tundra, but the new Tundra should even things out.
268 HP RAV-4 for 2006
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