Other than 4Runner, what Toyota model for wife?

Howdy,
Need a recommendation re what TOYOTA model for wife? She’s 60 and done with her 2 dr convertible. Wants a practical 4-door cross-over type vehicle. We’ll be empty nesters next year. She is frugal and low maint. I’m thinking rav-4, she’s talking Corolla. Any suggestions, ideas, observations or comments would be appreciated. (Also considering Honda).
Have a great weekend!

 

Rav4 is really nice for a lot of applications. A lot of my wife's friends have them (about the same age, some older).

 

RAV4 fits the bill to the T. It's got a better ingress and egress, higher driving position, better visibility and just the right size to squeeze and park. Now also comes with hybrid powerplants.
The only other that is car like to drive but sits higher is the CRV. Again, very competent soft roader.

 

Rav4 all the way. We had one and really enjoyed it. I looked today at the new ones and the top of the line is almost 50k which I couldn't believe it.

 

Honda makes great vehicles.

 

Spendy, but mine loves her Lexus RX350. Much quieter than the Rav's, which we test drove.

 

Corolla here. Just don’t get the base model. Which ever you choose.

 

2016-2018 gas only RAV4 LE with Android head unit replacement. 2¢

PS Sight lines, passenger elevation, ease of getting in and out of, even if extremely sore or achy, safety (by being more elevated).

I'd stay away from CRVs after they went to CVT (2016 and beyond)

 

Corolla Cross is sweet with amazing mpg. Get the AWD version. Rav4 is not worth the extra $$$. She really doesn't need Rav4.

 

I would look at Venza too.

 

If you do decide to get the Rav4, then go all out and get the Made in Japan Rav4 Prime. It is pretty fast and does well offroad with all that instant torque. It is as Japanese as your 4Runner

 

Check out the Venza

 

We had a venza, which i really liked. But we traded that for more bells and whistles for around same price and same car (used of course, prices not same new) in the NX 350.

We liked the ride and overall feel of the venza over the rav 4. But that's just personal preference.

 

My wife drives a Rav4. She loves it, it has the room and small enough to go in town. The Rav4 has more of a pickup and go than my 4runner.

 

RAV4 for sure. Durango gets the weather sometimes, so the AWD is nice. We've had 2 and the wife loves hers (I've even tried to talk her into a second 4Runner and she said no!). Perfect for around town and local mtns. in good weather and foul!!

 

Dude your wife is 60. Im younger and I feel 60.....

Get a Highlander Limited AWD or better.

The entry/exit is easy.

The vented/heated seats are HALLELUJAH in the summer and BUTTER in the winter.

AWD system paired with Michelin Cross-Climate II's makes it unstoppable in the rain and a monster in the snow.

Id rather a low miles 2017 Highlander over a 2024 Highlander any day if money is an issue.

And road trips compared to the Rav4? No contest in comfort.

Love your wife man. Highlander Limited.

 

Not sure this will help, but there are a lot of Toyota model reviews on this channel and the guy does know what he is talking about.

https://www.youtube.com/@AutomotivePress/

 

the Prime is a hybrid plug in.

We are happy with ours.

 

I drove a loaner hybrid highlander as a dealer loaner on Friday . Probably the worst vehicle I ever driven in. If that’s the direction the car industry is heading I’m going to start hoarding 15-20 year old cars.

 

Timing belt , direct fuel injection only is not the best to have. I have 2 Pilot owners to show fuel injector failures at around 35K miles.
Newer Honda Pilot having Cylinder de-activation is another warning too.

For OP-
Toyota Crown might be something to look at too. I personally would like Venza too for its Lexus like feeling. Rav4 hybrid/ Prime would be very nice too.

For my wife's driving style 4runner Limited with 17in wheels and tires are the best option. Fits perfect for her garden needs, don't care driving style, etc..

 

Unless the car is going to be driven frequently, getting a hybrid is not a good move. An idle battery fails at younger age. There are higher repair costs and, a natural side effect of an engine that's not running all the time is that it will fail at a younger age because of the heat and cool cycles it goes through constantly turning on and off.

I would just look for a Toyota with the J at the beginning of the VIN. I was on a lot recently and there were three Corolla SE models. Two of them were from America and one was made in Japan.

I have driven Canadian made RAV4s and I have bought three Japanese made RAV4s. I could tell a difference. The Canadian ones were squeakier and creakier during the test drives.

 

RAV4. I see them with 550k and looking good. Well Japanese build better vehicles for the money. The best and 4runner is only one still built in Japan. We used to get a Japanese Camry and you could look at it and tell the difference between them and American one.

 

I don't think RAV4s are built in Japan anymore. Lexus builds there now

 

I was going to move to Portugal and ship my runner or buy there. They had a Corolla GR hybrid in Europe in 21. I would have to think it would be quick.
I has a first gen Venza and I like them to. They went away a bit because quality wasn't there . Now they share a Lexus platform. I like hatchbacks. I liked my old Ramcharger. If it was raining you could walk to the back and not open the door.

 

RAV4 Primus hybrid is second fastest machine they make after the Supra. Most don't get the most out of them. You will get better mileage if you pull away from light faster and brake hard before you stop because that recharges the battery through the brakes. If you keep electric most off doing that. Factory rep one of first hybrid Highlader down and he averages 38mpg 15 years ago. You run battery hard only runs when are in overdrive

 

The Rav4 prime has an eco guide/gauge if you follow will increase your mileage on electric or hybrid.

and the Rav4 prime is the only Rav made in Japan I believe.

 

I’d have said rav4 based on your criteria seems like you don’t need my advise. I can say that as I have aged I appreciate suvs more — for me it’s easier to get in and out of SUVs. I rented a sedan over summer and it seemed like it wasn’t the most comfortable getting in and out for me.

Your experience may vary of course.

 

Every woman I know loves RAV4s and they run forever. It will be cheaper maintenance for tire and everything. I can show you a one owner with 500k+ that is so clean. Worse things to do are eat in your vehicle.

 

My wife drives the RAV4 and loves it. The Avalon was sandwiched earlier this year and she bought the RAV 4 as a replacement. She was pleasantly surprised with the All wheel drive.

 

You probably can't go wrong with any of their crossovers. It just depends on how much room you need, and your budget.

FWIW, my Mom and sister in law both drive Rav4's, and seem to like them quite a bit.