Maverick vs. Rav4 Hybrid

[bgillen35]

I have to admit that I was holding on hope, but that recent dealer memo kinda put the first nail in the coffin for me. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if the Maverick is the right vehicle for me.

I wanted the Maverick because it was a hybrid and for the price range ($31K Lariat), I could finally have a bit of luxury in one of my vehicles. I understand forums are a place where mainly negative grievances are shared, but all the reviews of the easily scuffed interior, paint chipping, and the overall views of ford being a rusty, cheaply built vehicle, is the Maverick really the little bit of luxury I am hoping it would be? I still have yet to be able to get up close or sit in one in my area.

A pickup truck was nice, but the more I think about it, is it really practical for my lifestyle? Mainly because I have dog that always rode in the back of my hatchback and in the Mav, she would have been all over the seats. Plus for Florida, if I wanted any cargo in the back to be relatively water tight, that's another $1,000 for a Tonneau cover.

I found myself looking at a hybrid 2022 Rav4 XSE. Factoring the in tanneau cover needed for the Mav, it's only $3k more (I have not researched dealer markups or anything yet). It has the same powertrain and near identical fuel economy, plus I understand Toyota has a pretty good reputation for good build quality and reliable vehicles. Not factoring in the loss of a pickup bed which may or may not be right for my lifestyle anyway, the only creature comforts I would be losing would be the premium audio and I understand Toyota has a less intuitive adaptive cruise technology.

Thoughts?

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[NotAnonymous]

When did you order?

 

[bgillen35]

Mid September, details are in my signature.

 

[ShadowChas]

I would have to say that Toyota does make fine vehicles and good quality and sounds like fits your needs (the sedan vs truck cab is same for your dog though) if you don’t need or want a truck. As for price you just have to start shopping for your new RAV4 and see what the difference is/if you can actually find one you want & good luck.

 

[bwayne]

Sounds like you’re trying to talk yourself out of the Maverick. I really doubt that the paint and interior quality is any different between the two. From the Ford notice, it sounds like you will get your truck if you’re willing to wait for it. My January order is a different matter. I am looking at the Bronco Sport now. I know you want a hybrid though. Have you found many Rav4’s on the lot? Take a look at the features you get for your money. My daughter in law ordered a Rav4 recently and was disappointed that it didn’t have a power lift gate. That seems like it should be a standard feature in this day and age.

 

[bgillen35]

Sounds like you’re trying to talk yourself out of the Maverick. I really doubt that the paint and interior quality is any different between the two. From the Ford notice, it sounds like you will get your truck if you’re willing to wait for it. My January order is a different matter. I am looking at the Bronco Sport now. I know you want a hybrid though. Have you found many Rav4’s on the lot? Take a look at the features you get for your money. My daughter in law ordered a Rav4 recently and was disappointed that it didn’t have a power lift gate. That seems like it should be a standard feature in this day and age.

Not necessarily talking myself out of the Maverick, it may just be falling off the pedestal I had it on after waiting for a while with no end in site...

There are several Rav4s available in my area according to dealer websites. Not sure if its like Ford and they could be spoken for. May be worth a trip to the dealer to check them out and at least see if it would be worth it.

The XSE trim is very comparable to the Lariat (it does have a power liftgate) and the only creature comforts I would be dropping (by staying in the relatively same price range) would be the upgraded stereo package, wireless charging, and heated seats. Still has pleather seats, some version of adaptive cruise control, large digital displays (no screen cubby lol) and more interior space.

I know the Maverick is a "budget" truck, but when looking at the Lariat trim, it kind of makes you question what you're getting unless a truck bed is an absolutely necessity for you.

 

[NotAnonymous]

I could certainly see that swap if you don't NEED a truck bed. Still get the mileage, many of the features and a longer time on the market (so, theoretically, fewer unknowns). A couple of months ago I started looking at some options. I ended up setting a drop dead timeline but finally got scheduled.

 

[Rob Cactus Gray]

Might as well toss the Mazda CX-5 in the ring. I was looking at both the Rav4 and CX-5 before the Maverick was announced. If prices had stayed much lower I wouldn’t be considering the Maverick. The CX-5 will deliver a fair bit of luxury, the RAV4 almost as much. Either choice will be more than the Maverick.

 

[weebee]

I'm waiting to hear from my dealer. Though, I test drove this yesterday.

 

[bgillen35]

Might as well toss the Mazda CX-5 in the ring. I was looking at both the Rav4 and CX-5 before the Maverick was announced. If prices had stayed much lower I wouldn’t be considering the Maverick. The CX-5 will deliver a fair bit of luxury, the RAV4 almost as much. Either choice will be more than the Maverick.

I have a Mazda 3 now, had a Mazda 3 before that. While I love they way Mazdas handle and they do have very nice interiors when you move up to higher trim levels, I'm just ready for something else... plus there is no hybrid and MPGs are the main feature of my next vehicle.

 

[Rob Cactus Gray]

I have a Mazda 3 now, had a Mazda 3 before that. While I love they way Mazdas handle and they do have very nice interiors when you move up to higher trim levels, I'm just ready for something else... plus there is no hybrid and MPGs are the main feature of my next vehicle.

Have you considered renting a RAV4 XSE for a day or two?

 

[bgillen35]

Have you considered renting a RAV4 XSE for a day or two?

Definitely a great idea...

 

[Dun4791]

What about a Prius? Other than the Prius being about two feet shorter they are close to the same dimensions. Cargo capacity is amazing with the Prius. The quality and longevity is undeniable with the Prius. Better mileage as well.

If I was mainly concerned with mileage and cargo capacity and didn’t want to tow I would get a Prius

 

[bgillen35]

What about a Prius? Other than the Prius being about two feet shorter they are close to the same dimensions. Cargo capacity is amazing with the Prius. The quality and longevity is undeniable with the Prius. Better mileage as well.

If I was mainly concerned with mileage and cargo capacity and didn’t want to tow I would get a Prius

I never really considered a Prius... don't know why... Maybe its because I always though it was similar in size to my Mazda3 hatch and I've been looking for something bigger, hence the Maverick or Rav4. It might be worth exploring....

 

[NotAnonymous]

I never really considered a Prius... don't know why... Maybe its because I always though it was similar in size to my Mazda3 hatch and I've been looking for something bigger, hence the Maverick or Rav4. It might be worth exploring....

I can speak from experience that the cargo area of a Prius is amazing given the outward appearance, and those cars are largely indestructible.

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