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Nissan Rogue vs Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4
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Comments
"12) Can tow a bit more with RAV."
Yeah, if you consider an additional 2,000 pounds a "bit"
Actually, several Toyota mechs confirmed to me well before I installed the RAV's hitch, not to go by the paper rating on the RAV. Maybe it's a CYA thing, but others who know the car well have also confirmed 2k with the prewire etc is the best workable limit. In fact there was an advisory about that in the package the hitch arrived in. The paper limits one reads need to be taken with a grain of salt as there are other factors in play with towing.
For example, around these parts we get high winds and 4-5k foot altitude changes. I very much wouldn't want to be downhilling on some of our passes in a 25kt xwind with 3500 behind my old RAV. Even in 3rd. Especially with a slab-sided camper. Plus some of the campers I've pulled are way, way off on balance.
I'm not a stranger to towing (having hauled too many 30++ ft. boats) and I SAH wouldn't want 3500 behind something as short and light as the RAV,especially in a breeze. And don't forget the tongue loading bit also, Plus, if you've got a mate, loaded coolers, max gear, dogs, and who knows what else, you're on a thin edge. Not much payload in a RAV.
Agreed. If you want to tow a decent size camper, then the Rogue (and the RAV IMO) is not the best choice. However, a good motorcycle trailer would be worth looking into.
Thanks pathtomax and ticmixman.
You know, I had the same feeling today when I drove the same route for my third fuel comparo (35+ this time) I think it may have to do with the ergonomics of the Rogue. It sure feels tighter to me and definitely seems to get to speed faster, as others have commented. I've found several times that I'll be +20 on the speed limit in no time. have to clock it because I'm pretty sure this is because the Rogue seems to giddyup with much less fuss than the RAV
BTW, some other ergonomics with the Rogue vs the RAV (all subjective certainly):
1) The interior ventilation is better in that the volume of fresh air coming in without the fan on is much more than I recall on the RAV. Plus, the flow can be controlled much more effectively in the Rogue so I find I don't need A/C nearly as much.
2) Pop up the nets in the wayback hold and it's a great place to put cut pieces of rebar or other skinnies where they won't be ornery in a fast stop.
3) Will have to measure this, but the doors on the Rogue seem to open a bit wider.
4) The conventional hatch is so much more convenient.
5) Yes, the Rogue needs more cupholders, but we found a nifty gizmo today that slides between the console and seat edge so now we've got places for our bevs plus the hound's.
6) The lack of gearbox hunting in the Rogue is a real joy. Hated that in the RAV.
Re the side vs to opening hatch on the next gen RAVs, Google 2009 RAV and you should see some comments about this.
As captain2 says, the V6 RAV is a surprising combination of power and thrift, but it'll cost, especially with all the Sport stuff.
Another thing FWIW, again very subjective, but the Nismo customer phone reps seem much more pleasant and responsive than Toyota. I'm beginning to wonder if Toyota has fallen into the GM trap.
Fun/sporty driving in an SUV is oxymoronic, but the Rogue gets closer than anything else we've driven.
BTW it isn't $5K to get the V6, it is more like $1200 IIRC.
Enjoy your Rogues. They look nice but are too small for me to fit into, but that is true of most vehicles - I thought I was doomed to drive a Tahoe forever until I got into a RAV4. It sure beats the Tahoe at the gas pump :shades:
It was down here in Texas - the RAV V6 with everything but the DVD system was just over $31k, and was further inflated by Gulf States Toyota's $1500.00 option packs of largely worthless gingerbread. And you don't find a higher demand Toyota (the RAV certainly that) without such fluff. The Rogue listed out at $28k with every option in the deck. I bought the Rogue for just below invoice ($25.5) - although I never really got into anything serious with the annoying AH Toyota salesman his idea of a 'good' price was $31k, insisting of course to negotiate from the inflated price. I guess he thought I was born yesterday. This all despite the fact that I drove up in a late model Avalon, am obviously an established Toyota customer and further could afford to buy anything on the lot. Toyota, for as much as I like my Avalon (and their products in general), needs to understand that there are some real alternatives out there - heck even the Honda dealer was accomodating (and seemingly willing to wheel and deal). Toyota will continue to lose sales IMO until they come off their high horse a bit.
Amen! I think the reason for this might just be the CVT, as it 'seems' to be slipping when in fact it's not slipping at all. The 4 banger RAV (and FTM the CRV) sound like they are laboring while tranny gears are (more traditionally) 'held' into the higher rpm ranges, the CVT OTH simply changes 'underneath' a more constant but usually lower engine speed and magically we are are driving 80 instead of 60. The CVT as I said is a bit of an adjustment - but one I think I'm going to like
Definitely!
The highway near our houe has just been repaved and it's skippy how quiet the Rogue gets up to sped on the new surface, as well as how smoothly.
Agreed--the CVT does take some getting used to. Sometimes it reminds me of a hefty 4-cycle outboard .
BTW: Some other discoveries:
1) The rear window and tailgate, maybe because of the angle, don't get plastered with dust like my old RAV or my wife's FIT, even with the spoiler vents. Maybe 'cuz the angle's more slanted on the Rogue. That's a big plus here in rangeland.
2) The RAV had the plus of extension sun visors, but that's fixable on the Rogue.
wow, the dealers are still trying to push paint sealant. Unbelievable!!!
This should not be construed as an indictment of anything other than Toyota's marketing practices and certainly NOT the RAV, which I may have been willing to spend a bit more for (for that V6) - just not 5 big ones.
exactly, and to be fair I've experienced the same thing at Honda dealers in the past, but not nearly so much at Nissan - maybe if they (Toyota and Honda) come to understand precisely how many folks like me that there are that have this problem with being gouged in this particular manner. People that spend the extra coin for Toyota products expect them to be generally higher in price and are also usually rewarded with higher resale values that can mitigate that higher initial price - however these 'option packs' whether it be by the dealer or the distributor is nothing but very thinly disguised profiteering - why it is so irritating. As you say 'because they can'.
All 3 of the particular vehicles in this discussion are good choices, but it seems to be Toyota that WANTS to get me as POed as possible. So much so, that it actually makes me feel better to know that Toyotas didn't get my $25k!
1) Rogue rides much better, not as "busy" as the RAV. Handles tighter. Wind noise seems much less at 65-70 MPH in Rogue. Road noise also. Rogue much better in crosswinds...[cut]
Excellent comparison! Thanks pitkeys.
Each time I get in the Rogue it just feels better--at rest and moving. Perhaps a wimpy comment (certainly very subjective), but in 50+ years of owning/racing/rallying cars, if I don't feel a sweet spot (and look like that each time you eyeball it), then it'll wear on me in time, more than cars normally do. Each time I get in one, I like the reinforcement that I spent the dough OK.
Try to rent one of each that you're considering. Spend a couple of days with each and see what's worth the long term obligation.
Backup Camera - $495
6-CD JBL Stereo w/XM - $490
DRLs - $40
Premium Package w/Leather - $1,930
- Heated Leather Seats, 8-Way Pwr Driver Seat
Moonroof - $900
Base - $24,490
Opts - $3,835
Dest - $795
MSRP = $29,120
A CR-V EX-L is $26,565 with destination. What am I missing here; does the RAV4 have something I'm not aware of (other than a slightly more powerful engine) or is Toyota just THAT overpriced?
OK experts - I need some help!
First of all, the Rogue has a switch on the dash to turn on Full Time AWD if you want to...I think this is the equivalent of 4WD, so I will call it 4WD below..
When I first drove in the snow this season, I mistakenly thought I should use this switch. And I drove around like this with no problems for a day or so. Finally I had some time to check the owners manual and it specifically stated that you should not use this switch in snow. It said you should only use this switch when driving over rough terrain. So I turned it off and continued to drive (now with AWD instead of "4WD") around for a few days.
In the end, I really could not tell the difference between the two in terms of driving experience. Maybe there was a slightly higher likelihood of short slides when the 4WD was switched on...I am not really sure though. In general, there was little to no difference from my experience.
I think the point of AWD is that it can adjust the front/back ratio to best suit the conditions, whereas 4WD is a fixed ration (50/50 front/back or something like that). So my impression is that AWD is a smarter version to use for snow.
That said, I am no snow-driving maven, so I am sure some other forum members living in Maine or Minnesota would have some more expert views on this.
I currently drive a 4 WD. The honda CRV has 4 WD drive available the Rogue has AWD "intuitive" my desire for 4 WD is drving in snow not over bad terraine. Does anyone know if the intuitive AWD will be as good as 4WD in snow. Drive sometimes on unplowed roads in the winter
I don't know what Rogue has, but CR-V has "Real Time All Wheel Drive" not 4WD.
CR-V is operated in FWD mode most of the time, until the front wheel slip is detected, then power is sent to the rears.
The ABS sensors are used to send information to the Vehicle Stability Control computer to apply brakes to the wheels that slip, so that power is routed to the wheels that have traction. This is almost like have limited slip differentials front and back.
The VSC also applies brakes to the innner wheels when entering corners at higher speeds on slippery surfaces to pull the vehicle in the direction of the intended turn.
VSC will also cut throttle power if all 4 wheels are slipping and there is no traction.
The best part is that the "VSC off" switch, turns off VSC completley.
Why not drive it and see for yourself! :confuse: :shades: A blind spot for one person won't be for another.
Steve (NJ)
Mike
Steve
I have no problem with the "so called" blind spot. If you have all three mirrors adjusted correctly there are no issues.
Do you find it drives smooth at highway speeds?
Very much so... The CVT transmission is great.
As I stated I work out of my Rogue and drive it 300 - 500 miles a week. At 40,000 miles I have had no issues at all.... Great vehicle..
Mike
Steve (NJ)
I love the CVT on my '08 Altima and am seriously considering a Rogue.....
Steve (NJ)
Before you make any kind of decision, test drive both, preferably one after the other. We did a few weeks ago, and if you drive the Rogue and CR-V back to back, you will notice how much cruder and less refined Rogue is. CR-V is akin to a luxury vehicle, while Rogue clearly shows its economy base car roots.
With some negotiations, you may be able to erase the price differential between the Rogue and the CR-V.
We drove Rogue 360 and CR-V EX, both in AWD trim.
Right now I have an '08 Sentra SL fully loaded which has been a nice car. No problems in the two plus years I've had it. I just miss the SUV I used to have for hauling things and more space in general. My lease will be up in about 8 months so I have some time yet. Thanks again.
Revisions for 2011 include:
New front fascia and grille, front spoiler, rear spoiler, chrome license plate finisher, door side guard molding with chrome accent trim
New front and rear tire deflectors, underbody cover and lower rolling-resistance 17-inch tires
New center cluster, meters and drive computer on all models
New seat cloth (Rogue S models)
Mood lighting, rear heater ducts, outside temperature display, driver’s seat manual lifter, additional 12-volt power outlet (now two), driver’s seatback pocket, cargo light and illuminated visor vanity mirror added to Rogue S
One-touch auto up power function added to Rogue S driver’s window
New 4.3-inch color display audio system with USB interface added to Rogue SV
New Navigation Package with 5-inch color touch screen and XM NavTraffic® capability (SD card-based) available on Rogue SV Packages
New USP port in center console on Rogue SV
Rogue S adds new 2DIN audio, iPod® connection, MP3/auxiliary/RDS and speed-sensitive volume control
RearView Monitor added to Rogue SV
Rogue SV model replaces the previous Rogue SL
New SL Package added, with leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, navigation system with 5-inch color touch screen display, Bose® audio system with seven speakers and subwoofer, automatic auto on/off headlights, power glass moonroof, automatic air conditioning system and front fog lights
Premium Package available for SV model, with navigation system, power glass moonroof, automatic air conditioning system and automatic on/off headlights
18-inch chrome wheels added to Krom™ Edition
Four new exterior colors: Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Frosted Steel and Black Amethyst
So if you are looking at a Rav4 or a Honda CRV, I would suggest test driving the Rogue first. I don't think you will reget it. The only cons I have are the cargo space could be a little larger. Also, I think they could have made the rear passenger leg room a little larger. Other than those two things, I can't think of anything else at this time. Thanks for reading this post!
Gary (NJ)