[SO8]

Any views ?

I've driven both. The X5 murders the Rav4 PHEV in all areas but is about 75% more to buy !

Am I going to be satisfied with 300hp from a Rav4 and CVT box versus the bigger and hugely more expensive X5 ?

Commute is now 44 or 65 miles each way. No charging at work for either.

I could buy the Rav4 PHEV outright but not the ££££ X5 ...

Or ... do I keep my X3 M40i (remapped) and a little Toyota Yaris Excel (with toys relatively for a small car) giving currently 65mpg.

Any views from UK X5 45e owners ... or indeed anyone with experience of the Rav4 PHEV ?

[ASAP]

Are you referring to the Rav 4 prime?

In the US, some of these are selling for over $50k... in my mind, going to a casino or playing lottery would be a far better investment.

[titomi]

Ask the same at a Toyota forum if you didn't already. Bigger purchase price is not the only expense, thats is/will be bigger with the BMW.

[335dFan]

USA resident opining. As ASAP above said, at least in the US of A, the RAV4 Prime is both hard to get and too expensive. Assuming the RAV4 Prime is what you want and that's what it's called in your market. The alleged battery only range that I have read is about 40 miles, which wouldn't really fit your commute range, so you'd save a little petrol for part of your commute, but that's all. It kinda depends on your overall situation. For example, I'm a two-driver family and already have two cars, one an X3 M40i and the other a Prius that averages 57 MPG (US style rating), so I don't need one. But if I were going to buy another vehicle, the RAV4 Prime would be at the top of my list (except for the price) because it should get enough battery only range for all my around town needs plus a reputed 40 MPG (US) on the highway. Perfect. But boring. So it all depends on what's most important to you. If it were my only car and I didn't care about the great fun of driving either my X3 or an X5, it would be a good choice for my one and only car.

[TXGrey]

A few other threads have been posted similar to this…. And I'll respond the same way…

Are you sure you mean to cross-shop these two?!! They are not even in the same sport, let alone ballpark.

One is a German luxury sport-oriented SUV… the other a Japanese hybrid CUV with some nice amenities and great reliability record.

They are completely different vehicles with completely different intended purposes/target markets (IMO).

What are you looking for? A reliable nicely-equipped good all-around CUV? Or a sport-Lux German SUV that is driving-focused?

[DonSylver]

Go test drive the Rav4! Actually that’s bad advise as I am still recovering from the trauma I had test driving one last year. I turned around after 5mins and headed straight back to the toyota dealership to drop it.

I had the same dilemma choosing between a BMW and a Toyota as my second car so I went to test drive the “new” hybrid Rav4 since I already have a diesel Rav4. I just couldn’t imagine myself driving it all day, I just wanted to jump out of it.

[Tragiclil]

I currently have a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. I purchased it for $52k but after tax credit overall cost is $44,500 which is amazing providing what it can do. My first vehicle was a BMW so I definitely have an affinity towards them and how they drive. They also aren’t as “unreliable” as people say they are but still cost money to maintain.

I will say the Prime isn’t just faster (0-60 in 5.4 seconds) than other Rav4s, it’s built with better material, more sound deadening, and has more weight with better center of gravity (due to battery and added motors). Plus you’ll never get tired of that EV instant torque it provides from 0-30MPH. It feels more luxurious than what you think a Rav4 would be. Also its range isn’t 42 miles but more like 50+ miles (the range I get) in real world driving and some can get up to 60 miles but that’s way too aggressive with hypermiling. All these improvements add up and you can see why it’s so hard to get one even with a markup. It’s fundamentally a different car inside and out from other Rav4s, a testament to Toyotas engineering team with working on a PHEV.

Also do not compare the Prime to the regular ICE or Hybrid Rav4s. Its handling, interior quality, etc… is leagues better in the Prime. (Source: my friends who have rav4 hybrids and regret not getting the Prime)

While the market is cooling off now with rising interest rates, earlier in the year I thought about selling my Prime for $58k-$60k and snagging a 45e and also getting a tax credit. Before moving forward I test drove both a 45e and x3 m40i.

The 45e felt the least “BMW” to me and EV acceleration is awful, I wouldn’t feel safe using it to get onto busy streets. It also doesn’t have the same initial EV torque that the Prime has. However in hybrid mode it felt pretty light even with how massive and heavy it was. The X5 also is infinitely quieter and feels more luxurious than any Japanese crossover. If I had to get an X5, I’d get the 45e with tax credits but would use it only in hybrid mode. If no tax credit, then I’d get the regular xDrive40i.

The x3 m40i felt like a true bred BMW. That B58 sounds and pulls beautifully and for a SUV, it drives just like a sports car. It drives just like how I imagine a BMW should drive and even though its mpg is abysmal compared to the RAV4 Prime, it kept a smile on my face the entire test drive.

I ended up keeping the Prime and still debating about trading it in for a m40i or waiting to pay off the Prime and getting a M2 in the future as a fun car.

The fact that I’m KEEPING my Prime says a lot about its capability and qualities. It’s surprisingly fast, well built and I’ve only filled up gas maybe 6 times since I’ve gotten it a year ago (all road trips).

You’ll get a lot more for your money with the Prime, it has better hybrid tech (I mean come on Toyota has been making hybrids for how long). The Prime can be fun but it’s no m40i. In a perfect world I’d have a m40i for the weekend and a RAV4 Prime for weekdays/road trips.

[SO8]

Originally Posted by DonSylver

Go test drive the Rav4! Actually that’s bad advise as I am still recovering from the trauma I had test driving one last year. I turned around after 5mins and headed straight back to the toyota dealership to drop it.

I had the same dilemma choosing between a BMW and a Toyota as my second car so I went to test drive the “new” hybrid Rav4 since I already have a diesel Rav4. I just couldn’t imagine myself driving it all day, I just wanted to jump out of it.

I have driven both RAV4 Phev and their normal RAV4 hybrid. The Phev version was a fair bit better insulated . The engine on the ‘normal’ hybrid was a lot noisier it seemed to me.

I liked the RAV4 … but the bmw is, as expected, in a different league for overall quality … and, obviously, price.

[glennbk]

I'd say it is a wash considering you are in Britain. Access to both repair shops are all over the country and services are a bit more regulated. In America, we don't have these protections so repair costs are usually what the market will bare.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by glennbk

I'd say it is a wash considering you are in Britain. Access to both repair shops are all over the country and services are a bit more regulated. In America, we don't have these protections so repair costs are usually what the market will bare.

Lol there’s no regulation in the UK around what repair shops charge or quality of workmanship. It market driven.

[ECinEI]

Originally Posted by Tragiclil

I currently have a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. I purchased it for $52k but after tax credit overall cost is $44,500 which is amazing providing what it can do. My first vehicle was a BMW so I definitely have an affinity towards them and how they drive. They also aren’t as “unreliable” as people say they are but still cost money to maintain.

I will say the Prime isn’t just faster (0-60 in 5.4 seconds) than other Rav4s, it’s built with better material, more sound deadening, and has more weight with better center of gravity (due to battery and added motors). Plus you’ll never get tired of that EV instant torque it provides from 0-30MPH. It feels more luxurious than what you think a Rav4 would be. Also its range isn’t 42 miles but more like 50+ miles (the range I get) in real world driving and some can get up to 60 miles but that’s way too aggressive with hypermiling. All these improvements add up and you can see why it’s so hard to get one even with a markup. It’s fundamentally a different car inside and out from other Rav4s, a testament to Toyotas engineering team with working on a PHEV.

Also do not compare the Prime to the regular ICE or Hybrid Rav4s. Its handling, interior quality, etc… is leagues better in the Prime. (Source: my friends who have rav4 hybrids and regret not getting the Prime)

While the market is cooling off now with rising interest rates, earlier in the year I thought about selling my Prime for $58k-$60k and snagging a 45e and also getting a tax credit. Before moving forward I test drove both a 45e and x3 m40i.

The 45e felt the least “BMW” to me and EV acceleration is awful, I wouldn’t feel safe using it to get onto busy streets. It also doesn’t have the same initial EV torque that the Prime has. However in hybrid mode it felt pretty light even with how massive and heavy it was. The X5 also is infinitely quieter and feels more luxurious than any Japanese crossover. If I had to get an X5, I’d get the 45e with tax credits but would use it only in hybrid mode. If no tax credit, then I’d get the regular xDrive40i.

The x3 m40i felt like a true bred BMW. That B58 sounds and pulls beautifully and for a SUV, it drives just like a sports car. It drives just like how I imagine a BMW should drive and even though its mpg is abysmal compared to the RAV4 Prime, it kept a smile on my face the entire test drive.

I ended up keeping the Prime and still debating about trading it in for a m40i or waiting to pay off the Prime and getting a M2 in the future as a fun car.

The fact that I’m KEEPING my Prime says a lot about its capability and qualities. It’s surprisingly fast, well built and I’ve only filled up gas maybe 6 times since I’ve gotten it a year ago (all road trips).

You’ll get a lot more for your money with the Prime, it has better hybrid tech (I mean come on Toyota has been making hybrids for how long). The Prime can be fun but it’s no m40i. In a perfect world I’d have a m40i for the weekend and a RAV4 Prime for weekdays/road trips.

Nice report. The RAV4 Prime is on our list to replace our 2020 30e when the BMW's warranty expires in 2024. I'm not sure we're going to be quite comfortable going full EV by then. My wife, the primary driver, prefers the size of the X3, RAV4, Q5 etc. We've had some issues with the 30e although it's been fine for the last year or so. Not sure if the 30% tax credit will apply to Toyota's at that point as I'm not sure where the RAV4 is produced.

My wife doesn't MIND driving a BMW, but doesn't CARE if she does. With that in mind, and with all's that's happening with electrification, we'll probably be more brand agnostic going forward.

[SO8]

Originally Posted by Tragiclil

I currently have a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. I purchased it for $52k but after tax credit overall cost is $44,500 which is amazing providing what it can do. My first vehicle was a BMW so I definitely have an affinity towards them and how they drive. They also aren’t as “unreliable” as people say they are but still cost money to maintain.

I will say the Prime isn’t just faster (0-60 in 5.4 seconds) than other Rav4s, it’s built with better material, more sound deadening, and has more weight with better center of gravity (due to battery and added motors). Plus you’ll never get tired of that EV instant torque it provides from 0-30MPH. It feels more luxurious than what you think a Rav4 would be. Also its range isn’t 42 miles but more like 50+ miles (the range I get) in real world driving and some can get up to 60 miles but that’s way too aggressive with hypermiling. All these improvements add up and you can see why it’s so hard to get one even with a markup. It’s fundamentally a different car inside and out from other Rav4s, a testament to Toyotas engineering team with working on a PHEV.

Also do not compare the Prime to the regular ICE or Hybrid Rav4s. Its handling, interior quality, etc… is leagues better in the Prime. (Source: my friends who have rav4 hybrids and regret not getting the Prime)

While the market is cooling off now with rising interest rates, earlier in the year I thought about selling my Prime for $58k-$60k and snagging a 45e and also getting a tax credit. Before moving forward I test drove both a 45e and x3 m40i.

The 45e felt the least “BMW” to me and EV acceleration is awful, I wouldn’t feel safe using it to get onto busy streets. It also doesn’t have the same initial EV torque that the Prime has. However in hybrid mode it felt pretty light even with how massive and heavy it was. The X5 also is infinitely quieter and feels more luxurious than any Japanese crossover. If I had to get an X5, I’d get the 45e with tax credits but would use it only in hybrid mode. If no tax credit, then I’d get the regular xDrive40i.

The x3 m40i felt like a true bred BMW. That B58 sounds and pulls beautifully and for a SUV, it drives just like a sports car. It drives just like how I imagine a BMW should drive and even though its mpg is abysmal compared to the RAV4 Prime, it kept a smile on my face the entire test drive.

I ended up keeping the Prime and still debating about trading it in for a m40i or waiting to pay off the Prime and getting a M2 in the future as a fun car.

The fact that I’m KEEPING my Prime says a lot about its capability and qualities. It’s surprisingly fast, well built and I’ve only filled up gas maybe 6 times since I’ve gotten it a year ago (all road trips).

You’ll get a lot more for your money with the Prime, it has better hybrid tech (I mean come on Toyota has been making hybrids for how long). The Prime can be fun but it’s no m40i. In a perfect world I’d have a m40i for the weekend and a RAV4 Prime for weekdays/road trips.

Thanks for this. This is exactly what I wanted

[robg]

I looked into the Rav4 Prime as well. It's a compelling package. But with the loss of the federal tax credit + 5k dealer markups I'm not sure its as good of a value anymore. You could get a base spec x5 45e for around 67k, after tax credit its 60. 45k RAV4 + 5k dealer markup is like 50. Only feature I think a base X5 would be mssing compared to the RAV4 is adaptive cruise control (and yes its absurd that BMW doesn't include this).

10k more for a much nicer interior, air suspension, better ride, better looks, better infotainment, better seats, etc is an easy decision IMO. Heck go crazy and spec some HK stereo and multicontour seats for an extra 1.5k.