I’m so tired of this old hoax that enthusiasts should hate the CUV. They are the new “car” and people need to deal with that. Some are more like “cars” than fun and that’s okay. The Camry isn’t an exciting car, but it’s a good car. I would take the RAV4 over the Camry any day of the week as it is more of an enthusiast car than a Camry for my specific needs and desires.
Some quick facts:
1. The RAV4 is physically smaller on the road, but almost identical to the Camry in terms of passenger capacity. It’s footprint to interior volume ratio is better than that of the Camry.
2. The RAV4 AWD 2.5 achieves 29 MPG combined compared to the Camry AWD 2.5’s 28 mpg combined.
3. The weight difference is negligible. (about 70 lbs for similar configurations)
4. RAV4 has more than double the luggage compartment volume with all up seats and quadruple with the lower seats.
5. Rav4 can tow 3500 lbs – this is a useful level for utility and entertainment.
For me, a car enthusiast, the versatility and utility of the cargo is more important than the extra 0.04g on the skidpad.
The comparison here obviously doesn’t apply to all cars and I’m certainly not trying to make a case for the RAV4, EVERY SE. I just think we need to realize that the “crossover” is more of a car type than ever and carries with it a lot of the traits of the stoop and wagon styling. Instead of avoiding them, we should celebrate the “birth” of the SUV. Now, they’re wagons and hatches, but they’re getting very close while providing tangible benefits.
