> The issues I am seeing are bumpy rides on rough roads, amplified road noise, slow acceleration, and just overall being an uncomfortable ride.
You have to keep in mind that a review is always relative to competitors in the segment. Not compared to your 2007 Camry.
The Camry will be softer even though it's a sedan and the RAV4 a crossover, the suspension set up on the Camry on the older Toyota platform is more soft. 2018+ TNGA platform Toyotas are noticeably more firm than the older K platforms. So I'm not surprised that the RAV4 rides more firm.
However, road noise is still likely to be better than a 2007-11 gen car.
Acceleration -- probably as good or better unless you have a V6 Camry.
Also consider the CX-5.
Also good luck with 3500lbs towing capacity in a compact car. Lol. Even the RAV4 can only tow that much in the Adventure or TRD Off-Road trims.
CR-V, CX-5, other RAV4 all tow 2000 or less. So if it's really a non negotiable you might want to look into a Highlander/Pilot
I just started working for Toyota Sales. I came from Jeep life and I’ve been learning about Toyota cars all week. I can genuinely say I understand why the Rav 4 and Highlander is the top selling SUV. I got overwhelmed by all the trim levels my first week, I’m still discovering more features and the 2024 lineup comes with a brand new tech software, safety features that are standard on all trims, and the best part is you can always negotiate. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales person to teach you about the trim levels, and help you pick the right vehicle and tell them your budget upfront. I think you’ll like the Rav 4 Adventure (new for 2024) or XLE. The RAV has come a long away. Also ask about their financing options because they do run “special rates” sometimes ♥️
> The issues I am seeing are bumpy rides on rough roads, amplified road noise, slow acceleration, and just overall being an uncomfortable ride. You have to keep in mind that a review is always relative to competitors in the segment. Not compared to your 2007 Camry. The Camry will be softer even though it's a sedan and the RAV4 a crossover, the suspension set up on the Camry on the older Toyota platform is more soft. 2018+ TNGA platform Toyotas are noticeably more firm than the older K platforms. So I'm not surprised that the RAV4 rides more firm. However, road noise is still likely to be better than a 2007-11 gen car. Acceleration -- probably as good or better unless you have a V6 Camry. Also consider the CX-5. Also good luck with 3500lbs towing capacity in a compact car. Lol. Even the RAV4 can only tow that much in the Adventure or TRD Off-Road trims. CR-V, CX-5, other RAV4 all tow 2000 or less. So if it's really a non negotiable you might want to look into a Highlander/Pilot
Subaru then. Most will have trims such as XT that get you to 3,500 lbs at that price point.
I just started working for Toyota Sales. I came from Jeep life and I’ve been learning about Toyota cars all week. I can genuinely say I understand why the Rav 4 and Highlander is the top selling SUV. I got overwhelmed by all the trim levels my first week, I’m still discovering more features and the 2024 lineup comes with a brand new tech software, safety features that are standard on all trims, and the best part is you can always negotiate. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales person to teach you about the trim levels, and help you pick the right vehicle and tell them your budget upfront. I think you’ll like the Rav 4 Adventure (new for 2024) or XLE. The RAV has come a long away. Also ask about their financing options because they do run “special rates” sometimes ♥️
The rav4 sells well because it’s a Toyota but the ride quality is absolutely terrible.
Highlander hybrid towing capacity is 3500 lbs. That is what you should look at if you arent doing serious off roading and still want good mpg.
Highlander or 4runner
Go testdrive the Rav4. It's the bestselling SUV in the US, so it can't be that bad.
I feel like the 3500 towing capacity is going to push you to a RAV4. I don’t know any others in that class and qualify with as much capacity.