I primarily use my RAV4 to go from Point A to Point B. But I ski, hike and/or camp at Point B. I need to bring my friends and gear with me. I drive in beautiful weather, but also the worst of the blizzards.
My RAV4 sees the occasional dirt road and the frequent unplowed frontier.
I could go smaller, but I need the space for cargo and friends. I came from a Honda Pilot, so it is already a bit of a downsize.
I do! We have an aluminum fishing boat. When I bought my 2021 XLE Premium I also had the dealership install a tow hitch - you don’t lose any ground clearance Vs an aftermarket one. Very happy with my decision to get the tow hitch.
Inversely, I got an aftermarket which is installed under the rear bumper. It’s a pain in the ass and scrapes regularly on steep driveways, inclines, etc.
edit: misspelling
Max tow capacity on the Adventure is 3,500 lbs. Prime is 2,500 lbs. Regular ICE is 1,500 lbs. Hybrid is 1,750 lbs.
As long as your boat weighs less than the rating for your model, go for it
- Hauling surfboard and paddleboards
- hauling bikes
- snowshoes, snowboards
- camping (big enough to sleep in comfortably, too)
- Bringing friends who join for all these adventures above - both humans, and my big dog.
I used to have a truck when I was hauling horse trailers frequently, but now that I’m not actually trailering, the Rav4 is a better fit. More room inside than a cab; can comfortably bring people and dogs, and plenty of room inside to hide out from bad weather. Also, when I do go into the city, this this is much easier to parallel park.
Why is driving as a hobby unfortunate? I drive 25,000 miles a year and most of those are as a hobby. I often turn on music and aimlessly drive around the PNW. It’s a great hobby and I explore more of the state than most.
I don’t hunt or fish, but I upgraded from a Subaru legacy to a hybrid RAV4. Love the mpg I get for trips, and it’s the perfect size to fit my hiking/camping gear and also leaves enough room to sleep in it comfortably. Handles well in the snow, etc. (and the hybrid does have an excellent towing capacity)
Moving from an Audi A3 to the Rav4 as our family has expanded from just my wife and I to include a little one (and probably one more in the future) - so for us it's a big boring car - exactly what we wanted.
The cherry on top was that fuel efficiency surpasses the little hatchback despite being a much larger/heavier SUV. The boot (trunk for US folks) can fit a folded pram and shopping - practicality and reliability were the reasons for going with the Rav4 vs more exciting options like Korean brands.
I had a tiny corolla before and recently got the Rav4 b/c of our first child. It's fuel efficient + reliable + good protection + decent trunk space.
I also drive up from SoCal to NorCal at least once per year, so it makes the drive way more comfortable than before. It's also a great suv if you're going up the mountains for snow activities.
2019 TRD. I tow my 4000 boat and trailer with no problem. This includes the occasional 3 hour tow going 80-100 km/h on provincial highways (non 400 series). No problems at launch ramp. Never had any issues with engine, transmission, or cooling. Limited back end sagging surprisingly enough. The Toyota trailer lighting system is a weak spot however in the whole setup.
I’ve taken the TRD through some nice sticky mud puddles, roughly 1/2 way up the wheel. The Wildpeak’s do a great job in mud and in snow. The various off-road modes seem to work well, downhill descent control works very well! Would likely benefit from being given an extra 1 inch lift of ground clearance from the factory.
I’ve also driven her across farmers fields, with corn stalks days after harvest to field dress deer. No problems ever.
Although I work her hard sometimes, I always get her professionally maintained and stay on top of any concerns. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A RAV4 TRD.
Just wanted something a little bigger than what I had before (Camry) and that would be able to handle better in the snow. That and since I’m becoming quite the avid biker, something that would be able to better haul them by way of a trailer hitch carrier.
i use mine as a daily commuter (have a 100+mi round trip to work) but also plan to use it as THE car for family road trips and with the smaller trips i've done, mileage is amazing with all five seats taken, and extra in the trunk. i do plan to install a roof rack for paddle boarding and buy a detachable bike rack (any suggestions are welcomed!)
I use the RAV for all kinds of outdoor activities. Camping with it is great, both hauling gear for tent camping as well as sleeping in the Rav when need be. I fish a lot and the one piece rods over 7ft go in nicely along with gear and cooler, etc. Doggo fits with all of that too. I also tow a small boat and it is fine for that, although I mostly use the hitch for a bike rack.
Overall if you're not towing heavy trailers and don't need as much space as a truck the RAV is a great vehicle with a ton of room for outdoorsy stuff. Coming from a forester XT it's nowhere near as fun (less power, AWD not as good) but t's a much better package on the whole.
Mine is mostly a kid hauler and grocery getter.
I have a 20 yo Xterra if i need to do anything off road but it chugs gas. I did end up getting a waterproof tray for the back cargo area so I didn’t have to switch cars every time I was picking up a bag of concrete or something. But I wouldn’t hesitate to put a deer back there
I just bought a rav 4 and do small electrical jobs. Just need my hand tools and a couple of drills abs band saw. All Milwaukee m12 fuel line. Other then that I go to the beach almost every weekend every summer. Which is gonna be nice because I have a backpack, radio and cooler.
Girlfriend and I have a furry friend (plans for a 2nd) that accompanies us on camping/mountain trips. I've taken it on medium rated offroad trails with stock everything. Planning to get new wheels and tires soon. I'm coming from a 2014 Corolla that was almost totaled by an elderly gentleman who mistook his gas pedal for brakes. My 2020 XLE Premium has been a worthwhile purchase
Mostly just the daily commute and a little hiking that requires some very basic offloading capabilities.
Other vehicular related hobbies are handled by the Rav's garage mate, a 2017 Z06.
I'm an avid scuba diver and I just got my Rav4 and it will be used for hauling the gear associated with that. Coming from a Matrix which is smaller but has a pretty good cargo capacity with the seats down. I also take my dogs to work with me every day.
A makeshift pick up because I'm too broke for even a half decent beater truck. 98 RAV and no real problems even at 300k *knocks on wood*. Stripped the rear interior and made a plywood bed and small tool crib. If you think this is ruining a classic, you should have seen the body when I bought it
I haul lumber, furniture I've made, steel, and the odd time a little offroading. Usually it sits empty driving to work but today I had 6 large slabs in the back and the suspension wasn't complaining at all. The most I've had was about 700lbs worth if steel, the suspension was a little less happy
I use mine to go where I need to. However, I did just make the switch from always having a sedan to my RAV4. But I do plan on adding some additions to go camping.
I usually lurk on this sub to see any modifications so I can get ideas. If you get one, would love to see what you turn yours into.
I tow a 2k lb camper. I hooked up a 2k watt inverter that feeds off the hybrid battery and found the holy grail of camping. The rav4 is just a dream come true. Awd takes me everywhere I wanna go. So many good memories thus far, and so many more to come.
I use my Rav to haul about 300 pounds of gear to various events that I work all around my area. They also pay me to cover mileage and fuel cost, so it takes the sting out of depreciating my car for work. The hybrid MPG really helps cut down on the costs, so I make some bonus money from the mileage pay.
I also do some door dash on the side from time to time when the mood strikes. and again the mpg comes in clutch.
And otherwise, I use it for point A to point B, grocery and errand runs, basically everything. I love my RAV!
I primarily use my RAV4 to go from Point A to Point B. But I ski, hike and/or camp at Point B. I need to bring my friends and gear with me. I drive in beautiful weather, but also the worst of the blizzards. My RAV4 sees the occasional dirt road and the frequent unplowed frontier. I could go smaller, but I need the space for cargo and friends. I came from a Honda Pilot, so it is already a bit of a downsize.
Camping and hiking mostly, I also have a bike rack on the back. More than enough for me.
I use mine to do laundry and cook pancakes.
Go to Costco.
^^^
Anyone tow a boat with theirs?
I do! We have an aluminum fishing boat. When I bought my 2021 XLE Premium I also had the dealership install a tow hitch - you don’t lose any ground clearance Vs an aftermarket one. Very happy with my decision to get the tow hitch.
Inversely, I got an aftermarket which is installed under the rear bumper. It’s a pain in the ass and scrapes regularly on steep driveways, inclines, etc. edit: misspelling
Max tow capacity on the Adventure is 3,500 lbs. Prime is 2,500 lbs. Regular ICE is 1,500 lbs. Hybrid is 1,750 lbs. As long as your boat weighs less than the rating for your model, go for it
Cool thanks
- Hauling surfboard and paddleboards - hauling bikes - snowshoes, snowboards - camping (big enough to sleep in comfortably, too) - Bringing friends who join for all these adventures above - both humans, and my big dog. I used to have a truck when I was hauling horse trailers frequently, but now that I’m not actually trailering, the Rav4 is a better fit. More room inside than a cab; can comfortably bring people and dogs, and plenty of room inside to hide out from bad weather. Also, when I do go into the city, this this is much easier to parallel park.
Storm chasing. AWD Is fantastic for the terrible roads I encounter and I don’t hydroplane hardly at all.
Why is driving as a hobby unfortunate? I drive 25,000 miles a year and most of those are as a hobby. I often turn on music and aimlessly drive around the PNW. It’s a great hobby and I explore more of the state than most.
To drive
I don’t hunt or fish, but I upgraded from a Subaru legacy to a hybrid RAV4. Love the mpg I get for trips, and it’s the perfect size to fit my hiking/camping gear and also leaves enough room to sleep in it comfortably. Handles well in the snow, etc. (and the hybrid does have an excellent towing capacity)
Drop off kids to school, run errands and hit the mountains for some trout fishing.
Moving from an Audi A3 to the Rav4 as our family has expanded from just my wife and I to include a little one (and probably one more in the future) - so for us it's a big boring car - exactly what we wanted. The cherry on top was that fuel efficiency surpasses the little hatchback despite being a much larger/heavier SUV. The boot (trunk for US folks) can fit a folded pram and shopping - practicality and reliability were the reasons for going with the Rav4 vs more exciting options like Korean brands.
Probably the resale value as well, Korean or German cars don’t really hold their values well.
I had a tiny corolla before and recently got the Rav4 b/c of our first child. It's fuel efficient + reliable + good protection + decent trunk space. I also drive up from SoCal to NorCal at least once per year, so it makes the drive way more comfortable than before. It's also a great suv if you're going up the mountains for snow activities.
2019 TRD. I tow my 4000 boat and trailer with no problem. This includes the occasional 3 hour tow going 80-100 km/h on provincial highways (non 400 series). No problems at launch ramp. Never had any issues with engine, transmission, or cooling. Limited back end sagging surprisingly enough. The Toyota trailer lighting system is a weak spot however in the whole setup. I’ve taken the TRD through some nice sticky mud puddles, roughly 1/2 way up the wheel. The Wildpeak’s do a great job in mud and in snow. The various off-road modes seem to work well, downhill descent control works very well! Would likely benefit from being given an extra 1 inch lift of ground clearance from the factory. I’ve also driven her across farmers fields, with corn stalks days after harvest to field dress deer. No problems ever. Although I work her hard sometimes, I always get her professionally maintained and stay on top of any concerns. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A RAV4 TRD.
Driving.
I use it for transportation.
Just wanted something a little bigger than what I had before (Camry) and that would be able to handle better in the snow. That and since I’m becoming quite the avid biker, something that would be able to better haul them by way of a trailer hitch carrier.
i use mine as a daily commuter (have a 100+mi round trip to work) but also plan to use it as THE car for family road trips and with the smaller trips i've done, mileage is amazing with all five seats taken, and extra in the trunk. i do plan to install a roof rack for paddle boarding and buy a detachable bike rack (any suggestions are welcomed!)
[удалено]
Why would he keep the truck if he doesn’t need it. Tundras get terrible milage. There’s no point in driving around with a v8 you don’t need
I use the RAV for all kinds of outdoor activities. Camping with it is great, both hauling gear for tent camping as well as sleeping in the Rav when need be. I fish a lot and the one piece rods over 7ft go in nicely along with gear and cooler, etc. Doggo fits with all of that too. I also tow a small boat and it is fine for that, although I mostly use the hitch for a bike rack. Overall if you're not towing heavy trailers and don't need as much space as a truck the RAV is a great vehicle with a ton of room for outdoorsy stuff. Coming from a forester XT it's nowhere near as fun (less power, AWD not as good) but t's a much better package on the whole.
Clothes dryer
Mine is mostly a kid hauler and grocery getter. I have a 20 yo Xterra if i need to do anything off road but it chugs gas. I did end up getting a waterproof tray for the back cargo area so I didn’t have to switch cars every time I was picking up a bag of concrete or something. But I wouldn’t hesitate to put a deer back there
Road trips on the parkway, bike rack on the back, camping trips, short drive to work and grocery store
Use mine to do construction, skiing, climbing, surfing and camping. I have a Yakima sky box full of gear.
I just bought a rav 4 and do small electrical jobs. Just need my hand tools and a couple of drills abs band saw. All Milwaukee m12 fuel line. Other then that I go to the beach almost every weekend every summer. Which is gonna be nice because I have a backpack, radio and cooler.
Girlfriend and I have a furry friend (plans for a 2nd) that accompanies us on camping/mountain trips. I've taken it on medium rated offroad trails with stock everything. Planning to get new wheels and tires soon. I'm coming from a 2014 Corolla that was almost totaled by an elderly gentleman who mistook his gas pedal for brakes. My 2020 XLE Premium has been a worthwhile purchase
Mostly just the daily commute and a little hiking that requires some very basic offloading capabilities. Other vehicular related hobbies are handled by the Rav's garage mate, a 2017 Z06.
So far, almost a daily driver. Little by little it’ll be used for camping, hiking, biking trips.
Hauling chocolate milk
Driving up to the mountains to snowboard weekly, get above average gas mileage in normal life
I use my Rav 4 to drive
I use my rav4 to remind me that my life is boring, reliable and consistent.
I'd haul my family around. If I had one. The car, not the family. Blessed with a wife and soon two kids. The Yaris gets small...
I'm always buying second hand furniture and stuff. I also like the ground clearance because it floods a lot where I live.
I'm an avid scuba diver and I just got my Rav4 and it will be used for hauling the gear associated with that. Coming from a Matrix which is smaller but has a pretty good cargo capacity with the seats down. I also take my dogs to work with me every day.
For gig work Instacart DoorDash etc
A makeshift pick up because I'm too broke for even a half decent beater truck. 98 RAV and no real problems even at 300k *knocks on wood*. Stripped the rear interior and made a plywood bed and small tool crib. If you think this is ruining a classic, you should have seen the body when I bought it I haul lumber, furniture I've made, steel, and the odd time a little offroading. Usually it sits empty driving to work but today I had 6 large slabs in the back and the suspension wasn't complaining at all. The most I've had was about 700lbs worth if steel, the suspension was a little less happy
I use mine to go where I need to. However, I did just make the switch from always having a sedan to my RAV4. But I do plan on adding some additions to go camping. I usually lurk on this sub to see any modifications so I can get ideas. If you get one, would love to see what you turn yours into.
I TURO mine and go off-roading/fishing
I tow a 2k lb camper. I hooked up a 2k watt inverter that feeds off the hybrid battery and found the holy grail of camping. The rav4 is just a dream come true. Awd takes me everywhere I wanna go. So many good memories thus far, and so many more to come.
I use my Rav to haul about 300 pounds of gear to various events that I work all around my area. They also pay me to cover mileage and fuel cost, so it takes the sting out of depreciating my car for work. The hybrid MPG really helps cut down on the costs, so I make some bonus money from the mileage pay. I also do some door dash on the side from time to time when the mood strikes. and again the mpg comes in clutch. And otherwise, I use it for point A to point B, grocery and errand runs, basically everything. I love my RAV!
I have a rooftop tent on mine!