When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
2019 RDX Advance SHAWD vs. 2019 RAV4 AWD Limited/Hybrid
HI,
I am in a bit of a dilemma in choosing between the 2019 RDX Advance SHAWD and 2019 RAV4 AWD Limited/Hybrid. The new RAV4 is released in a month or so and has good specs and reviews. It has AWD with torque vectoring (limited and adventure versions). Also comes with many features like ventilated and heated seats, Toyota safety sense, 19 inch wheels, 8 inch screen, panoramic roof etc.
Wonder if any one looked at this comparison and perhaps could share their thoughts? Thanks!
Seems like the bew Rav4 will be nice, BUT, why are you cross shopping a cheap Toyota to an Acura? Well, on second thoght, my cross shops never make any sence... In fact, I sold a TL for a Kia, no, I better just shut up...
The reason I am cross shopping is based on these: 1. Reliability is more important to me over power (200+HP Rav4 vs 272 HP RDX) - I am not sure if there is a delta between Toyota and Acura reliability 2. Somewhat luxurious - so I am hoping a top end trim of RAV4 would close the luxury gap with Acura (but I understand there still will be some difference) 3. My budget is between 40K to 50K 4. Less operational and service costs 5. Last but not the least, the features I would like in my next SUV - ventilated seats, panoramic roof, AWD with torque vectoring, and Apple car play.
Based on my requirements, both 2019 Acura RDX and RAV4 (atleast on paper) come very close. I think as Coolguy suggested I should test drive both on the same day to get a feel for the driving dynamics and comfort of these vehicles.
Apples and cucumbers...how can you even try to compare the two...two totally different leagues of vehicles.
Why not? As I mentioned, I narrowed down to these two vehicles based on my requirements (I crossed so many like the X3, Q5, XC40, CRV, etc.). You may disagree but I tend to think many top trim mainstream vehicles are closing the gaps with the luxury/premium ones - no?
...many top trim mainstream vehicles are closing the gaps with the luxury/premium ones - no?
In theory and on paper possibly, but not when it comes to execution. You can't make a vehicle for $40K that has the fit, finish, and overall 'feel' of one that sells for $50K. The features may be the same but not the implementation and integration.
Why not? As I mentioned, I narrowed down to these two vehicles based on my requirements (I crossed so many like the X3, Q5, XC40, CRV, etc.). You may disagree but I tend to think many top trim mainstream vehicles are closing the gaps with the luxury/premium ones - no?
I tend to have the same mindset as you, many of the top trims of mainstream brands are way closer today than they have ever been to actual premium and luxury brands. I have no idea what the next gen Rav4 will be like inside but the current one is absolute garbage inside. I don't see the next generation model deviating very much from the current one but the current competition has stepped it up A LOT. The current CRV and CX5 are VERY nice. So why can't the Rav4 be too.
Go and drive it, don't pay too much attention to people belittling the Rav4, it's a very subjective thing. I think the current one is trash but someone may think they are really nice. It's all about what you are ok with and what you are accustomed to.
One note, I don't know what the Rav4 AWD system is going to be, but many brands use the words torque vectoring when it really isn't. They use brake based vectoring vs true differential or clutch based (like on the RDX). SH-AWD is truly the best system in the game IME and IMO. So I don't think you can compare the two, but maybe the system on the Rav is way different 🤷🏻♂️.
Yeah, forget the names, look at the details of execution. Audi calls their Haldex slip-and-grip system Quattro. They also call their Torsen system Quattro as well. Brake-vectoring is not a torque vectoring AWD system.
The 8.3 sec 0-60 mph would be a showstopper for me, and that's the non-hybrid. The 2019 does look like a much improved version of the RAV4, with decent cargo space. https://www.toyotaofdallas.com/toyot.../2019-rav4.htm
I looked at pics when the new Rav4 was released, and honestly, it seems nice!!! HP is now up to 203 with the 8AT vs the old 178HP 6AT combo... I think that the new Rav4 will be much cheaper to own and operate... Go for a drive!!!
However, in the long run, the RDX is still a superior vechicle, but, maybe not by much...
We were sort of in the same boat, but considering a loaded crv or rdx. Crv and rav4 are very similar class of vehicle. Once you load these things up with options, you are within ~$6k of an rdx. The crv and and rav4 are very sensible vehicles, but are not in the same class as an rdx, regardless of how many options. I’m not talking about the badge/image aspect, they are completely different vehicles, including size. Just drive them back to back. We wanted to be sensible and get a Honda and we don’t like driving flashy vehicles, but It was just a no brainer when we compared the price of loaded crv to a tech rdx.
Reliability I'd go with the Acura... for one reason and one reason alone. The engine bay and areas that need service are veryeasy to get to... compared to the Rav4. I literally go "wtf..." when I look at it.
'19 Rav4 Engine(s):
'19 Rav4 Hybrid Engine:
'19 Acura Engine:
Ultimately, I think servicing and the safety of '19 Acura RDX is far superior to the Rav4. They don't even really mention the safety features. Acura designed the frame/platform from scratch with safety in mind.
Last edited by OliveBread; 10-24-2018 at 10:38 PM.
Yeah, forget the names, look at the details of execution. Audi calls their Haldex slip-and-grip system Quattro. They also call their Torsen system Quattro as well. Brake-vectoring is not a torque vectoring AWD system.
This. So many brands use fancy jargon but you need to look at the true details.
Originally Posted by blutow
We were sort of in the same boat, but considering a loaded crv or rdx. Crv and rav4 are very similar class of vehicle. Once you load these things up with options, you are within ~$6k of an rdx. The crv and and rav4 are very sensible vehicles, but are not in the same class as an rdx, regardless of how many options. I’m not talking about the badge/image aspect, they are completely different vehicles, including size. Just drive them back to back. We wanted to be sensible and get a Honda and we don’t like driving flashy vehicles, but It was just a no brainer when we compared the price of loaded crv to a tech rdx.
Oh hey good point! The RDX is technically midsized now, its an inch longer than a Ford edge! But I know that Toyota is AMAZING when it comes to interior packaging with the Rav4, so I wouldn't be surprised if it had. More interior space.
But for real, go test drive them and see how you feel. You might walk away very impressed or disappointed with either one.
Reliability I'd go with the Acura... for one reason and one reason alone. The engine bay and areas that need service are veryeasy to get to... compared to the Rav4. I literally go "wtf..." when I look at it.
'19 Rav4 Engine(s):
'19 Rav4 Hybrid Engine:
'19 Acura Engine:
Ultimately, I think servicing and the safety of '19 Acura RDX is far superior to the Rav4. They don't even really mention the safety features. Acura designed the frame/platform from scratch with safety in mind.
I wouldn't take any Honda reliability over a Toyota. I don't care how difficult it is to fix when the number of issues per vehicle is so low.
I wouldn't take any Honda reliability over a Toyota. I don't care how difficult it is to fix when the number of issues per vehicle is so low.
Having owned 6 different Toyotas over the years I pretty much have to agree they're pretty solid from a reliability point of view. They all had their warts, as do all vehicles, but always performed their intended function (getting from point A to point B) with a minimal of fuss.
That said my experience with Honda has been the same. I owned an Accord that I literally beat the crap out of to the tune of well over 35K miles a year and it never once caused me any grief. My wife is still driving an '02 Civic that she refuses to get rid of - it's like the Energizer bunny, it just keeps going, and going, and going, and.......
I wouldn't take any Honda reliability over a Toyota. I don't care how difficult it is to fix when the number of issues per vehicle is so low.
Like I said if you look at that engine bay of the Rav4 it’s going to suck and be expensive to replace anything. $$$ for labor time... or your own time.
I’m still holding that RDX beats Rav4 in reliability and accessibility and just overall easier to maintain.
Last edited by OliveBread; 10-25-2018 at 09:13 AM.
Keep in mind the 2019 RAV4 hybrid isn't supposed to be released until around spring of 2019. Only the gas model will be available in the timeframe you specify.
Keep in mind the 2019 RAV4 hybrid isn't supposed to be released until around spring of 2019. Only the gas model will be available in the timeframe you specify.
Good point - Thanks. However I am looking more at the limited edition. Hybrid comes with a CVT - not a big fan of that!
The only other vehicle I'd entertain, besides the RAV4 is the new Mazda CX5. They are putting a turbo option in for 2019 and it is a very sporty and nice driving SUV. Always gets solid reviews in all of the car mags I subscribe to. Toyota's are reliable but VERY BORING and not fun to drive at all.
The only other vehicle I'd entertain, besides the RAV4 is the new Mazda CX5. They are putting a turbo option in for 2019 and it is a very sporty and nice driving SUV. Always gets solid reviews in all of the car mags I subscribe to. Toyota's are reliable but VERY BORING and not fun to drive at all.
I have been hoping the CX5 gets a more powerful engine forever, so I cannot wait for this. The current one takes 8.6s to get to 60 (WAY TOO FRICKEN SLOW FOR ME).
The only other vehicle I'd entertain, besides the RAV4 is the new Mazda CX5. They are putting a turbo option in for 2019 and it is a very sporty and nice driving SUV. Always gets solid reviews in all of the car mags I subscribe to. Toyota's are reliable but VERY BORING and not fun to drive at all.
Thank you. I will check the new Mazda CX-5 also. Hope it has all the features I am looking for.
Thank you. I will check the new Mazda CX-5 also. Hope it has all the features I am looking for.
test drove a CX5 afew yrs back...really surprised on how well it handled. At that time it was missing a few things my wife wanted in a car..but sure handled nice
Thank you. I will check the new Mazda CX-5 also. Hope it has all the features I am looking for.
Lmao the CX5 does not have ANYTHING on your must have list. No cooled seats, no pano roof, no Apple CarPlay, and no true torque vectoring AWD system. Hmm now that I am thinking about it, I understand why it has such a high quality feel, it's making up for a LARGE lack of some crucial features IMO.
The 2019 with the turbo is only on the top 2 trims which take care of at least ventilated seats and CarPlay. Doubt any vector AWD or Pano roof.
Was there a press release stating it would get the ventilated seats? I only seen a article that the japanese CX5 will be getting the 2.3T so it would most likeky come here too. Didn't know there was any news about it actually coming here and getting vented seats. If it does, that would be awesome!
Yeah no pano roof for sure and no proper torque vectoring AWD system. At least not this generation.
The spec sheet for the US is leaked but I forget where I saw the link. Even had pricing at like $34,xxx for the Grand Touring Reserve and $36,xxx for Signature I believe which are the 2 trims getting the turbo.
The spec sheet for the US is leaked but I forget where I saw the link. Even had pricing at like $34,xxx for the Grand Touring Reserve and $36,xxx for Signature I believe which are the 2 trims getting the turbo.
WOW so I take back my missing features comment. Mazda seriously is starting to get scary good. Auto power folding mirrors, black headliner, nappa leather, real wood trim, HUD!! Honestly I'm so damn impressed, just a few years ago they were ford reject trash. Now they are genuinely impressive!!
In Canada the current GT goes for around 40k, wonder how high that pushes the signature trimx really bumping against some very premium competitors at that price point.
10-24-2018, 11:36 AM
