2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Test Results; CR's Tire Purchasing Survey Results | Talking Cars

[@billyshannon6454]

I love Jennifer!!! She's the perfect balance here and who doesn't love mom's talking cars!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

This show is always awesome when Ryan Pszczolkowski is part of it! I really enjoy what he has to say, because his perspective is always different from the other wonderful people.

[@rncondie]

The Rav 4 hybrid has an eCVT which uses planetary gears and electric motors. A CVT has no gears and uses pulleys and belt. Big difference between an eCVT and a CVT. One has gears the other pulley and belt.

[@dadsfave]

Toyota eCVTs have been very reliable. They also allow a high top gearing.

[@95thRiflesOCI]

Rav4 hybrid sales have stopped in australia due to braking issues. I have not experience anything with mine but the only thing I modified is to opt for the 19inch wheels instead of the standard 18inch with my limited hybrid. Now I am able to put all weather tires on and it runs fantastic.

[@jackp2563]

18” winter tires not available in your area ?

[@bluesteve124]

I recently took your advice on new tires for my 2015 VW Passat. I chose one of your recommended tires, the Michelin Defender 90k mile. The idea being, as you state, that spending a small amount more (not much in actuality) will net me greater longevity and ultimately better value in the long run. Thank you CR for all that you do. Your research is very much appreciated.

[@rightlanehog3151]

I just bought the same tires to replace a very durable set of Michelin Harmony. In 90,000 miles please let us know whether the car or the tires are in better shape.

[@nickolastiguan]

6:39 Toyota's Hybrids use eCVT, which is not the same as the conventional CVT (like in the Corolla), from what I understand. 🙂

[@marcosgazamanes6165]

nickolas I don’t understand why so many auto journalists still don’t know the difference between a cvt and an evct, they just don’t get it.

[@nickolastiguan]

@@marcosgazamanes6165 I only found out because I was doing research on it, before I purchased the Rav4 Hybrid.

[@aboumawiyah]

CR have no clue. I stopped my subscription

[@ureviews]

Really should call that transmission on the hybrid rav4 an E-CVT

[@swanblake]

Only Toyota fanboys would be sensitive of the naming of a CVT. Enjoy your drone

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

Blake Swan, there is a huge difference between. a CVT and a eCVT.

[@zzanatos2001]

When it comes to tires, many people replace all four tires when they get a flat - or they replace their tires in pairs (which is recommended for all-wheel-drive vehicles). I use a penny and make sure my tires still have meat on them - and I replace them before the wear bars start showing. I highly recommend Michelin Pilot tires. I use them on my SUV, sports car and motorcycles. I get good use out of tires because I rotate them every 5,000 miles and I get my car aligned once a year. I also check tire pressure at least twice per month. (I should do it more often.)

[@JoseFernandez-mn6qt]

Hi CR Team! Love your show! I watch it always from Puerto Rico. Talking about transmissions, I think that the main issue is long term reliability, and cost of maintenance. I think that one can eventually get used to the "droning" on the CVT's, and also to the confusion on stop and go traffic for DCT's. The main thing is that people focus on how much does it cost to maintain those transmissions versus regular torque converters, as well as the cost to repair. Maybe going to a bit more detail into this would help. Keep up the good work.

[@muayyadalsadi]

The cvt in hybrid toyotas is different than normal cvt. The first is a set of planetary gears (physical gears) while normal cvt is a set of pulleys around two cones and it usually slip and not so reliable.

[@marksandstrom4248]

as a baby boomer who was avidly reading your auto pages from age 7 or so in the early 60s, I dimly recall some detailed critiquing of the various makers' automatic transmissions in a specific dedicated section of the Auto Issue. Especially the quite significant differences between GM's various ones before the Turbo HydraMatic came along in the mid 1960s... Oldsmobiles whose quadrants said "PNDSLR", and so forth. Maybe you could have some fun rereading these ancient back issues and commenting now on how transmissions are different/same today? My nostalgic view of CR back then also seems to include that you only recommended the low trim line 4 door sedan version of most makes and models as the sensible choice long term. Zero attention was given to aesthetic considerations. No one guessed, if we had only bought and kept those 50s/60s glitzy convertibles garaged and out of the rust belt, they would have been easy enough to keep maintained and today would be worth on the order of up to $100,000...

[@RealestUrbanism]

I realize it can get tedious, but it's important to clarify that the ecvt system in toyota hybrids is not the same thing as a typical cvt at all, and one of the factors that contributes significantly to toyota hybrid's high reliability. There's an easy fix for loud droning in cars with CVTs: Ask the manufacturer to put in a low rpm mode. Or, use less throttle. Car reviewers need to stop complaining about the way cvts sound and accept that it's just the noise ICE makes when operating at peak power/efficiency. Artificial shifting in CVTs continue to be the dumbest thing in automotive history. Intentionally making acceleration less smooth is not something you should celebrate.

[@victreebel170]

No. A CVT with those shift points is far better because it masks that obnoxious, constant drone under acceleration. If you actually like that, go back and drive a Dodge Caliber and then try and tell me it's the superior type of CVT.

[@nickolastiguan]

And AISIN made the transmission, not JATCO 😂

[@rightlanehog3151]

Well said.

[@dunghoang-gf9vr]

I don’t quite agree with you at that point, reviewer should point out anything that they observe.

[@vertablue3803]

You mentioned that the Rav4 awd system does not work at highway speeds, when does it effectively become a fwd only vehicle?

[@rightlanehog3151]

Claudia, In nearly every case a manual transmission is the best answer. As you are paying the highest gas prices on the continent in VancOOOOOuver, you might choose a Toyota Hybrid with an e-CVT transmission instead.

[@nickolastiguan]

Sounds like she might need to tow?

[@AH-bm4ts]

Research on tirerack and buy at your wholesale Club when it goes on sale.

[@stevewausa]

How many moving parts in a 10 speed automatic transmission? More parts = more failures.

[@danielthomas3333]

The roll centre of a body on frame is higher than the roll centre of a monocoque with proper suspension geometry

[@toneman335]

What is the best replacement tire for the Toyota Hybrid Rav4?

[@kennethsanders2357]

This was a good to watch as I was considering buying the 2019 CRV or the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

[@JJustinXu]

Kenny Sanders get the Hybrid! Love my XSE!

[@normt5463]

Not good things happening at the Honda service department. chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/06/10/honda-cr-v-mark-baranski-not-welcome-joliet-dealership-invoice/

[@rightlanehog3151]

Go for the RAV4 Hybrid. For some reason Honda won't sell their Hybrid CRV in our market.

[@James-rd9mo]

2019 does use E-AWD when at highway speeds (at least 40-50mph) as per Alex on Autos (best car reviewer in North America). Also I question how many suvs actually have AWD engaged at highway speeds when it's rarely needed and significantly hurts fuel economy. My guess is AWD engages only when wheel slippage detected. While 2019 Rav4 E-AWD isn't as good as mechanical AWD it's much lighter which helps fuel economy as well no rear diff fluid to have to change. Better long term reliability and less maintenance costs. A more then capable AWD for Canadian winters.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Just add a set of Michelin X-Ice tires for all the winter grip most people will ever need.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

So when driving to Vancouver in the winter on highways that have not been fully cleared the AWD (with rear diff) RAV4 will have a traction advantage over the RAV4 Hybrid AWD because those rear wheels on the hybrid will not be provided motivation on grades. Please clarify if you know otherwise.

[@netog4260]

I placed an order for a new rav4 hybrid. Unfortunately no dealership in our area has the ability of simulating the pre-collision system before I sign the check. I called Toyota customer service and they say they are not allowed to do that. You just have to take their word for it.

[@dancehotelzumba3177]

It's interesting that Consumer Reports never discovered the fuel tank issue in spite of there "thorough" testing. The issue is that you can't fill up the Rav4 Hybrid all the way. You can only fill up to 9 or 10 gallons. Other than that issue, the Rav4 Hybrid seems to be a great car.

[@netmotorcars2616]

We enjoyed this video. Thank You

[@netog4260]

Guys, Rav4 hybrid have e-cvt (planetary gear). It's not the regular cvt.

[@r.g.8977]

Dear CR: Regarding CVT and DCT transmissions, you glossed over two major problems with those transmissions. DCT trannsmissions have MAJOR workability issues. That is to say they do not work, and the car simply (read dangerously) stops. See FORD Motor Company and its almost decade long issues with DCT's. CVT's especially made by NISSAN (but made for several other motor companies) have long term survivability(?) issues i.e. lasting to 100,000 miles - as others commented below. That is a reason motor companies are going back to regular (albeit improved) automatic transmissions. Do you care to comment about these long term issues?

[@r.g.8977]

I was commenting on the question at 13:01 about CVT transmissions, not on the RAV4'S transmission which is electronic (E-CVT).

[@stevethevlogger]

CR person here did not know Hybrid RAV4 is eCVT?! (not CVT). Perhaps the auto captions was in error. But I am amazed at this error but it's the pitfall of doing video talkin'. Always best to read all about the RAV in their print issue.

[@mountainhobo]

Stop! Repeat after me: eCVT - eCVT - eCVT. Different animal, different construction. Mechanically they are not even cousins. Please stop confusing people!

[@r.g.8977]

Look at the question at 13:01 about CVT transmissions, which is what I was commenting on. Yes it appears Ms. Stockberger misspoke "CVT" and when she / they should have clarified it's an electronic transmission in most (?) hybrids.

[@mohcheddar]

Preach!

[@rightlanehog3151]

CR has finally joined the chorus of approval for the RAV4 Hybrid. Toyota is so confident in their sales volume that 100,000 units of production in Kentucky will be added for 2020 in order to augment the current supply from Canada and Japan. If the RAV4 Hybrid with winter tires can't move you through the snow then buy a 4Runner.

[@normt5463]

Terrible Toyota AWD system for RAV4 and Lexus UX. kzbin.info/www/bejne/panPpqikq554mMk

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Mike: “At highway speeds, the AWD system doesn’t even work.” Why would we need AWD if we’re already up to highway speeds? 🤔

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Rob L. It’s always great to have options. What if the front tires start to hydroplane or hit black ice?

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Rob L. It would be best to have front and rear electric motors. Maybe even a motor for each wheel, like Rivian uses?

[@normt5463]

Actually I think the RAV4 Hybrid stops power to the rears at 25 mph.

[@nickolastiguan]

Slushy snow, going around a bend in wet condition etc?

[@WatsitTooyah]

Yeah AWD isn't going to magically give you any more control unless you floor it from a stop. What really matters is stability control, abs and rubber.

[@Agent77X]

Nickel cadmium battery pack in the RAV-4 too!

[@edwardcollins741]

Nick Metal Hydride, very different.

[@golfish8589]

How long will it take for the hybrid better gas mileage to make up for the extra price

[@jimmelay71]

A lot of variables to consider here. But at current gas prices in California with mainly city driving it would take about 60,000.

[@Lucky8s]

My family currently has a 2014 Ford Escape that gets 26.5 mpg mixed, pretty good. We just bought a RAV4 Hybrid and we're estimating that it's going to take a little over a year to pay the premium difference (we drive around 12,000km a year)

[@gprufino]

I think Ryan was referring to torque fill when he was describing how the RAV4 Hybrid accelerated.

[@bobkloth57]

I recommend the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek because CR rates it with higher reliability than the Toyota RAV-4. It now comes with a 2.5 L engine. You cannot beat Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. And finally, the Subaru Dealer’s Service Department takes good care of their customers.

[@ureviews]

wow that hybrid rav4 uses 0-16w oil...

[@rightlanehog3151]

Many cars use that viscosity. 0W-8 is just around the corner.

[@CHATO629]

Camry Hybrid SE or Rav4 Hybrid XSE?

[@Sublimer79]

Great video.

[@allansmith5554]

Hi love you're show! When do you think the hybrid will have a full review and video review, because I am thinking of replacing my 6 year old 3 serious in Sept.or Nov. Awesome job from a very long time CR Subscriber.

[@JJustinXu]

I love my XSE Hybrid!!!!!!!!!!

[@CarlosRodriguez-hb3vq]

You didn’t mention the advantages of a good old fashioned standard transmission: you know exactly what gear you’re getting, it’s more robust, and it’s a lot more fun to drive.

[@Brian-Burke]

I noticed Toyota cheaped out and didn't line the hood with any sound deadening. Might make a difference.

[@manthony225]

I'd never have a DCT. A friend narrowly avoided an accident when the Fusion she rented wouldn't accelerate at an on ramp.

[@iteddo6030]

Tacoma98 the fusions don’t have dcts

[@WatsitTooyah]

Did some cross shopping between Prius and Hyundai Ioniq which doesn't get a lot of attention but it gets better highway mpg than Prius with a dct. Less friction. It's occasionally a touch funky at low speed, the electric does a good job of smoothing it all out and making it drive really comfortably. Funny enough though, it feels quicker than the Prius but I hear it's about half a second slower to 60 than Prius. Not exactly sure which Prius model though, probably newest gen.

[@jeffforbess6802]

Corey Vollmer have a friend who had instances where her Hyundai DCT would drop out of gear at highway speeds, leaving her to coast to the shoulder. Eventually, she had to go to court. Please be careful.

[@sunshinelawfan7693]

This RAV or Buick Encore?

[@5ervicemonkey]

I usually find CR very informative but i couldn’t finish this video. Ok, it’s very informative to hear what ordinary people might observe testing the double clutch transmission and hybrid versions of the RAV4 side by side. And the hybrid has a “CVT”. But they continue to inform us that CVTs use a belt, obviously not knowing that Toyota’s hybrids achieve continuous variability by connecting two motor-generators and the engine to a single planetary gearset. They’re telling people it’s a belt. The obvious concerns would be of frictional losses and wear. NO! The Toyota hybrid has nothing like that. They’re unaware how clever, simple and elegant the Toyota hybrid is.

[@omelborpon3159]

imho the RAV4 Hybrid is different enough from the regular RAV4, especially the non-AWD version, that it warrants a separate review and write-up.

[@sabrimo4020]

How much is the regular RAV4 vs Hybrid? So is this 100% electric?

[@Lucky8s]

The hybrid is typically around $800 more than a similarly equipped gas RAV4. It's honestly a no-brainer because the hybrid has significantly better fuel economy and the power is much more usable (versus revving up to 5k rpms just to accelerate in the gas version). Hybrids are gas + electric cars. All electric at low speeds, mix at high speed or when you're accelerating hard.

[@joa8593]

I think your freeway fuel economy cycle needs some work. It basically only reflects what hypermilers will get, which is useful information, but if you live in a hilly area or somewhere with poor weather it won't be very representative. The newer transmissions, regenerative braking, etc. all mainly help in these scenarios, not cruising.

[@BTC909]

Push / Pull your valve stems and look for cracks.

[@johnlee2540]

Premium Michelin , mid range hankook , best : durex , hahaha don't blow it

[@lcarliner]

Full size vans, especially those used by church organizations need to be required to be configured with ESC! Several years ago, an interstate highway roller accident for a church, based in Lee County, Florida took several lives because of a rollover accident caused by a tire blowup that had been subjected to a recall.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

@9:37 'At highway speed the AWD system is simply not going to work'. Toyota not being 100% crystal clear is aggravating. If I'm driving to Lake Tahoe on the highway at 55 mph and there is slush and snow on the road will I be driving essentially a FWD RAV4 or will I get all wheels giving me forward movement as they try to grip the road? An hour sitting in a Toyota dealership and three sales persons, a manager, and a service technician, I could not / was not given a 100% crystal clear answer. The AWD Prius is clear that the AWD system is only to get the car moving offline from a start and adds no additional capability over 40 MPH. I suspect the same is true for the RAV4 hybrid but Toyota marketing does not want to make it plain because they will lose sales to Subaru.

[@normt5463]

The RAV4 AWD shuts off at about 25 mph.

[@acemacgruber6593]

Buy some vowels for Ryan please.

[@buzman1985]

The dream team.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tires? The answer is almost always Michelin.

[@jj5515]

Right Lane Hog what’ are your thoughts on Michelin defender t+h? It claims to provide 80k treadlife. Is that true

[@ureviews]

hankook are pretty good too.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Yes it is. Never go cheap on tires. They are the only thing on vehicle in contact with the road

[@nickolastiguan]

I have had good experience with Bridgestone, as well as Toyo, specifically the Celsius SUV.

[@bertito43]

Right Lane Hog as long as you can afford them

[@fouldeathrat]

Save the manuals...

[@toneman335]

This woman in this video gives me flashbacks of the mean, nasty nuns I had in grade school.

[@ibmtpx24]

I have winter tires all year long. Got them new with the used car purchase. I have been doing it for a few decades and it worked for me in New England US area.

[@Lucky8s]

Can't stand driving in 15+ C temps in winters, the braking is noticeably longer and cornering is not as sharp.

[@nickolastiguan]

Why not just get all weather tires, is new England's winter that treacherous?

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

Nicely done guys, keep up the great work.

[@ofcbob6391]

The discussion on the RAV4 hybrid is very informative BUT the added cost over getting the regular gas-only engine was not even mentioned. Obviously, purchase cost has to figure in the mix when deciding. After watching this discussion, I can say that for me the hybrid is what I would want...but at what cost?

[@rightlanehog3151]

$800

[@segarci1]

It's only $800 over the equivalent (AWD) gas model.

[@BruceHoult]

@@segarci1 and something like $2200 if you would have otherwise just got the FWD. That's enough to make the economics pretty iffy with breakeven at 100k miles or more.

[@koreymayo8884]

They didn't mention that the Rav4 has horrible handling and body roll especially when compared to Mazda Kia and others!

[@darrellborland119]

We drove a Rav 4 hybrid the other day, and were very disappointed at the ride-quality...very floaty and not of the same quality as our prius and sienna se.

[@superlight47]

CR, Base on these two Off-Road testing video on KZbin of the XSE RAV4 Hybrid system, I do think it will handle well in snow. The offroad video links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/op3VkqCepc-Dd9k kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJXNk2t5p6Z0bNk Due theses testing I am now and due to the fact that you can get 41 MPG from it, I am willing to get out of my old 2001 Corolla LE for a RAV4 XSE Hybrid, but the lack of Android Auto will force me to wait for the next model year.

[@dannyferguson9415]

SUV's are heavy and have a higher center of gravity then cars they are also much more dangerous to other drivers. SUV's also use more resources to build, more energy to run and therefore exacerbate the climate emergency. CR please educate consumers about these factors when the subject comes up.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed.

[@toneman335]

I get the impression that Jennifer is a nasty, mean woman behind closed doors. She reminds me of the horrific, brutal nuns I had as my teachers in Catholic elementary school!

[@dondenis1500]

I would buy the none hybrid XLE just because I keep cars a long time and I like the 8 speed auto better than the CVT

[@AJ-xm4xc]

8 speed should be much more reliable in the long term.

[@5ervicemonkey]

CR is incorrect. Most CVTs use belts. Toyota’s hybrids consist mainly of a single planetary gearset which, connected to the motors, becomes a continuously variable transmission. It’s simple, clever and elegant. The Toyota hybrid would clobber the DCT in durability.

[@nsbioy]

Who can spell Pszczolkowski without looking it up?

[@Lucky8s]

Pszczolkowski Didn't look it up

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

Yum!

[@alejandrolike9891]

911 992 reviews

[@swanblake]

Toyota makes the standard petrol Rav4 so underpowered and loud that the Hybrid has no choice but to be better. When in reality both are poor performers but because it's an improvement upon a pro offering people are awestruck

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

It depends on the manufacturer on what transmission you get. Nissan, a lot of CVTs. Subaru, also a lot of CVTs. GM and Ford, majority of standard transmissions with a few CVTs. Toyota, a hodgepodge of transmissions across Toyota and Lexus. Just look and test drive before committing to a transmission.

[@toneman335]

Both of these men seem knowledgeable but they ramble too much in their explanations which is so freaking annoying to listen to them!

[@juanvideofotos]

Where’s Jeff? Practicing acting for another Tesla video?

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I worry about the Toyota Hybrid AWD systems. They only power two wheels by battery and that is it. The battery gets low climbing a mountain in the snow, and then you are down to two wheel drive. That does not work for me as I live in CT and in deep snow I need AWD to get home going up my mountain. I think I am better off with the Subaru Crosstrek AWD which also has gas engine capability to four wheels. CR does not test that - how well they get up a mountain in the snow which Mike I think is the first time anyone at CR mentions it.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

A person sent an email to Consumer Reports several months posing the same question / comment as you and Consumer Reports was not clear at the time and gave a general 'we think you will be okay with the hybrid'. That was a subpar response.

[@ureviews]

Pretty sure you're never be without power to the back two wheels. The engine provides electricity to the rear if the battery is drained.

[@Matt-xs4vs]

Cvt transmissions are absolute garbage and wont last past 100k .

[@mightyeye1]

Not sure of others experience, but I own a 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE with a CVT and have 105,000 miles on the odometer. I commute about 1 hr both ways to work and it has been fine. The Toyota CVT is slightly different than other CVT's, but the concept is the same. Not the best for performance, but I'm happy with how it is working. I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. If I get another 50 - 100k mls out of the car, I'd say it was worth it. In my opinion, it's worth it now.

[@Lucky8s]

If you go on Toyota owner forums, most (like 90%) report that they've had 0 problems, even after driving 130k+ miles.

[@jeffruebens8355]

There is a big difference between a crappy Nissan CVT and a good Toyota or Honda CVT. These transmissions will last longer for a lighter car like a Fit, Prius, or Corolla. I like that Mazda has not gone to CVT automatic transmissions, however they use more fuel compared to a similar vehicle with a CVT transmission.

[@Ascend777]

@@Lucky8s mileage is not the same as age. I'd wait 5 more years before toyota cvt gets my approval.

[@Matt-xs4vs]

How many people on the fourm ? Majority of these on the fourm are far and few in comparison of the amount of cars produced , some get lucky but cvts have been proven to be week and unreliable to the competition.

[@middler5212]

First?!?!

[@1232bluejays]

Who cares about tires mine are from Walmart. As good if not better than fancy $$$$$ brand names

[@highbrass3749]

Nope. They have ratings for a reason.

[@jeffforbess6802]

Scotty just did a video on those. They are called China Bombs for a reason.