My Hyundai Tucson lease is going to be up soon and while I’ve been a lifelong Hyundai owner with no issues with them, I think it’s time to try something new. I keep hearing about how reliable Toyotas are and like to know how the RAV4 holds up? Are they reliable and what do you guys like about them? How is the warranty? Thank you!
Reliable at the cost of creature comforts. Various forums indicate Hyundai is much nicer inside with more bells and and whistles. You’re want to do a test drive with RAV4. Also try the Mazda CX5 and CX50, to see if you notice the handling differences between the different brands.
Please post your findings👋
If you’re leasing, not sure whether warranty is a concern, unless you mean the time waiting for parts during recalls or repairs?
@Wynn
I’ll purchase this time. Leasing made sense for me at the time back now not sure much which is why I was curious about the warranty. I actually drove a CX5 as a rental and didn’t think it was too bad or anything but haven’t tried the CX50 yet.
@Amir
From Toyota rep, the CX50 is closer in size to the RAV4. Toyota Corolla Cross is smaller than both of these, and might be similar size to Tucson, though unknown how much the Tucson has grown. Gas powered Cross is underpowered and not as smooth (suspension) as the hybrid.
Bad part is you’ll be looking just prior to the RAV4 refresh, and there are new versions of the hybrids coming out for RAV4, Subaru, and Mazda (prices go up and waiting lists too).
A lot depends on your usage. Coming off lease, you’re likely familiar with all the tech available.
I mean yeah but RAV4 also has its own advantages in creature comforts too. Personally, fuel economy is superior on RAV4. Also auto windows on all 4 corners. Toyota’s HVAC works the best out of all common brands, and I believe it has auto climate on base trim unlike Hyundai. Transmission is smoother and better. Headlights are better than the base Tucson but on top trim Tucson is better. Traction control and stability control is much better on Toyotas than Hyundais. But I agree that it feels like a bare bone car.
@allson
Gas or hybrid RAV4? Good to hear HVAC is good and the comments of traction control and stability etc. Looking forward to Toyota Safety Sense 3. Does HVAC air conditioner still work when gas engine stopped at a stop light? I see complaints about RAV4 bare bones, but at least all the plastic is easy to wipe off and clean. Really like that there are still knobs for radio and HVAC.
Test drove a Corolla Cross gas and found it dull and uninspiring. Liked the hybrid much much more. Waiting list is lengthy unfortunately.
@Wynn
Try to get hybrid, not only for fuel economy but also for noticeable improvement in refinement and reliability. But don’t pay over msrp though. Regarding the hvac, they work even when the engine is shut off, the only thing is when it is cold outside and you start the car in the morning, it will give you very mild heat until engine heats up, so you will essentially get nearly no airflow from the vents when you cold start the car.
@allson
I wasn’t sure whether the Rav hybrid or Cross hybrid or Prius has electric heaters to compensate while the gas engine warmed up.
Also unknown what happens when the Li ion traction battery is too cold (-30C and lower). Some articles indicate it won’t start (yes, the traction battery starts the gas engine, but probably won’t supply power to electric motors until it warms up?), others say the gas engine is the generator for the electric motors.
Already discovered the Cross hybrid suspension is much smoother, much more power with rear electric motor, and quieter inside. Various suggestions online for putting spacers into the wheel well where the orange power cable is, for a full sized spare.
MSRP, no doc fee, no add ons, and all in writing 
Am also looking for a Techstream alternative, similar to Rosstech VCDS and Scangauge 2, used in VW and Audi
You might want to ask this question in other forums as well
See ToyotaFail on insta. Reliable drive train of course but some things are lacking.
As someone who has originally only driven Toyotas till I was forced into a Hyundai, I don’t think I’ll ever go back. I drive a sonata (2016)as a work lease and it blew away my Camry(2015) at the time to where I sold off the Camry and bought the sonata off my lease. It had android auto for a 2016. You couldn’t get that till 2020 on a Camry.
With that said, you’re in good spot where you know that Hyundai make good cars and not going off media saying they’re crap. I’ve taken multiple sonatas to 200k miles since I drive a lot for work. They truly are the best in terms of reliability and updated features and tech.
You’ll be trading in a lot to go from a Tucson to a RAV4. The current gen RAV4 is incredibly dated. The infotainment screen looks like a 90s tv plastered on your dash.
If you want something different try the new crv or even a kia Sportage. Just don’t pay top dollar for a car with less
@Wren
What were biggest differences you noted between the Sonata and Camry? I found various Elantra owners who loved them, and raved about the features for the lower price. But I didn’t like Hyundai dealer markups nor mandatory add ons.
