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Should I swap my Kia Sorento diesel for a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
My current car is a 2014 Kia Sorento 2.2 CDI. However, I am concerned about the present issues with regard to diesel and am now considering a switch to a petrol hybrid. The question is which one? I am attracted by the present Toyota 0% finance offer on the 2.5 RAV4 hybrid auto. What are your thoughts about this from a performance and comfort point of view?
The vehicle will be used for occasional caravan towing, weight 1633kg, carrying a gun dog, with occasional trips off road. Can you suggest any alternatives? I did try the Subaru Forester and was impressed with performance. However, research advises that it is expensive to run and it also has a diesel engine, so have decided not to pursue this.
The vehicle will be used for occasional caravan towing, weight 1633kg, carrying a gun dog, with occasional trips off road. Can you suggest any alternatives? I did try the Subaru Forester and was impressed with performance. However, research advises that it is expensive to run and it also has a diesel engine, so have decided not to pursue this.
Asked on 31 May 2018 by JAlan
Answered by
Honest John
The RAV4 hybrid AWD has a towing capacity of 1650kg, with Toyota’s Trailer Sway Control system providing added security and peace of mind. It weights 1710kg so its weight is slightly below what the Caravan Club regards as the safe weight to tow a 1633kg caravan, which they say should be 1921kg. But could be that the permanent AWD makes up for that. The 18-inch wheels come with 235/55 R18 tyres, which work better than the 17-inch wheels with 225/65 R17s on which the RAV4 rolls about a bit. There will be a new RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid with a new engine and hybrid drive system at the end of the year and that explains the 0% finance offer on the present one. I think you're probably better sticking with the Sorento for the time being, especially if its a manual with a towing weight of 2500kg and a 1923kg kerb weight, both of which satisfy the Caravan Club recommendations.
Tags:
hybrid suvs
towing caravans
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