patriot vs rav4

p-4wd is actually an awd with a coupler to engage the rear wheels
r-not sure
jeep and Toyota both has high resale value, but rav4 seems to be more pricey in terms of pat,rav.
i admit i like the towing copacity of rav, but patriot has large storage.
one thing the pat has definite pro over the rav is the trail rated adition it has a package with an added low range 4wd mode for when you hit the trails little bigger tires and 17in wheels it also comes with tow hooks and hitch, as with rav it only comes with hitch and plain auto trans, the pat has the tip-tronic, where you put it in drive slide to the left and you has a right to upshift and left to down shift for manual.... so pat has more options with the trail rated transmission as the rav just has higher towing capacity....

overal its up to the driver for price, economy and needs and preference. i went with the pat for mileage, price and trails.

 

To answer some of these questions:

1. Jeep has been doing 4x4 longer and have more experience at it. Their Trail Rated line of vehicles are off-road tested. Oh yea, and the 4x4 lock on the Rav4 only splits 55/45 Front/Rear, it does not do a true 50/50 split of power.

2. Ok, both vehicles have the same crash test safety, but the Patriot does it for way less.

3. Yes (on the Patriot), however, if you get a FDII model, all you'll need is a receiver hitch and wire harness adapter. Not difficult to install your self and you get to save a few hundred more.

My opinion would be to get a new, FDII Patriot instead of a used Rav4 (what did you expect from a Jeep Patriot owner!). One other part of that is you are buying American (well, mostly American and some parts made elsewhere). Besides, the 2007 and up Rav4 really looks like a chick car to me.

 

1. Jeep has been doing 4x4 longer and have more experience at it. Their Trail Rated line of vehicles are off-road tested. Oh yea, and the 4x4 lock on the Rav4 only splits 55/45 Front/Rear, it does not do a true 50/50 split of power.

Sounds like someone takes their Jeep ads a little too seriously... And why exactly does it matter whether power is split 55%/45% or an even 50%/50%?

I work in the auto industry... I will not said "where", because is not ethic...

IMO, buy the Jeep, much better vs the RAV4, believe me.

Okay, that's like the ultimate "appeal to authority" right there. "Trust me, I'm an expert even though I will do nothing to prove it, nor will I give any reasoning for my claim."

Quick thoughts: if the original poster is going to be towing heavy loads, the extra power from a V-6 sure sounds good to me. On the other hand I have no idea whether a RAV-4 can do even as much as a Patriot off-road, so if that is important, look into it first. The difficult to disable ESP certainly doesn't sound positive - by the time you'll manage to switch it off, if you needed it to avoid being stuck, you will be stuck.

 

OK, I did expect pro-Jeep replies, no prob. at all.

Finding a FDII w/in my budget is not too likely. I'm wanting $21k absolute tops. There are some of the non-trail rated 4WD Patriots on the 'net for considerably less than that though. Can the trailer tow-prep. package be fitted to them? Trail-rating is not something I need, really.... Can I say that here? <g>

The RAV4 has considerably more storage than a Patriot too. That spare tire hanging outside on the RAV4 allows a honking big rear deck area.

Thanks for the replies. OK, off to drive a few vehicles.
Tommy

 

I thought about a Rav4 but it was gonna cost about 10k more in Canadian dollars at the time. We are very happy with our FD1 Patriot but if I want to tow something I use our 99 Cherokee. I don't realistically believe you should tow anything heavier than 1000 lb and a relatively small frontal area with a 4 cylinder vehicle.

 

Yes, new, the difference would be somewhere around $8k USD.
A new Patriot and RAV4 with 30-35k miles would be priced about the same, unless I can get the local dealer to chase me down one of the far-away-dealer's internet-specials.

My tows would be short (20-25 miles) and not high speed at all, 45-50 mph. For longer higher speed tows, I hear you.
Thanks,
Tommy

 

I looked at the market similar to you and essentially found for my needs, I could buy/afford a new Patriot vs. whatever other choice only used by about $4000. The greater value was simply in the Patriot, so I chose to buy new. With the current promotions, I was able to get a Latitude with all my minimum requirement features. The Patriot is not the zippiest vehicle I've ever driven, but it is extremely adequate and solid transportation that will get me around in the snow we seem to have now with greater frequency. At 1000 miles I'm getting 22MPG around town, which I love.

Any of them can have towing added. You need the oil cooler to tow more than 1000 lbs up to 2000 lbs. Recommend you negotiate in your purchase as you will get it cheaper that way, especially if they can locate one with towing prep factory installed. I don't intend to tow, but would have liked that option anyway for the additional engine cooling.

 

Thanks for that info.!

Tommy

 

I got the jeep in my signature new for $19k. You just have to be aggressive with the dealer during negotiations and do not fall for their bs. Check out edmunds for their info on new car buying; it helped me immensely.
Mine did have $3500 in rebates/incentives. Not sure what they are offering now.

 

I got the jeep in my signature new for $19k. You just have to be aggressive with the dealer during negotiations ......

I hear you and understand. The Salesman I was talking to "... no longer works here...". He was telling me mid 20's on a 4WD Sport.... ummm, yeah. :doh:

The lady I talked to today seemed much more "OK" with my number and wants.
Thanks!
Tommy

 

A Jeep opens up a whole new world with lots of friends. I like the look and feel of the Patriot for long commutes it is a realy nice vehicle. I also like the idea of buying new. You know what you have and who has done what to it. I would go with new Patriot vs used Toyota. Plus, I think the 4x4 technology is much better in the Jeep. I had to rush home on a 200 mile trip through snow at speeds of 75+ the Patriot was/is very solid on slick roads.

 

I know what the promotions stuff says, Tommy, but in all honesty, I wouldn't fancy winding my way down some long forested hill with curves, in a RAV towing three and a half thousand pounds; give or take an ounce or two that's a bloody ton and a half! I know all yous Yanks think bigger than us Olde Worlders, but Jayz, Man. Would you not feel a bit easier in your mind pulling all that weight with something a bit beefier than either a RAV or a Pat?

Rocal

PS: I just know I've let myself in for it now. There'll be replies from Texas, Alaska and the like; "Yous Limeys (I ain't actually, I'm Irish!) you ain't got sh*t for guts; I've towed five, six, eight thousand pounds...", "Yeah, Man, up to the summit of Mount McKinley..."

 

.....but in all honesty, I wouldn't fancy winding my way down some long forested hill with curves, in a RAV towing three and a half thousand pounds; ..............
PS: I just know I've let myself in for it now............

Well, I hear you but our boat weighs in I figure just a tad over 2,000. And yep, I cannot see 3.5k Lb w/ a CUV no matter what it is rated for.

And you'll get no hassle from me!
Thanks,
Tommy

 

I'm curious here. How many other vehicles allow you to turn off electronic stability controls? As we've found the Patriot can be a much better performer in 4x4 mode without that crap. I will never buy any vehicle of any kind that does not have an over ride like the Patriot does. That would be an important piece of information to know here between these 2 vehicles. Well first off, just buy the Jeep it is better, but also check the over ride option.

 

I'm curious here. How many other vehicles allow you to turn off electronic stability controls? A.........
Well first off, just buy the Jeep it is better, but also check the over ride option.

The RAV4 allows (1) the front and rear to be locked together .... in a manner. Its not exactly 50/50, but more like 55/45% front/rear.... and
(2) the ESC to be turned off. You have to "do the dance" i.e. manipulate the brake and parking brake "just so" and it resets when the key is turned off, but you can disable the computer "I know how to brake and power better than you know" function..

Thanks!
Tommy

 

I work in the auto industry... I will not said "where", because is not ethic...

IMO, buy the Jeep, much better vs the RAV4, believe me.

regards and good luck

 

I have worked in engineering for 21 years, and so can understand your point of view.

Might I ask, why is it much better?

Sincerely,
Tommy

 

I got my FDII for under $18K, all depends on what offers there are from Chrysler, and other available to you, check into it.

If I remember I looked under a RAV4 and thought it would really have trouble with a rocky road.

 

That's a good price... it seems to me anyways.

What do you call a 'rocky road'? I drive our Mazda MPV all over dirt and gravel roads around central Ark., and the 2WD F-150 on anything I"m not concerned with high-centering or sinking into deep mud.

Thanks,
Tommy

 

I've never understood towing capacity. Nothing ever used to have a towing capacity . You just put a hitch on it and pulled whatever you wanted. If the engine over heated, you knew it was too big of a load. Just from personal experience, I'd say the towing "capacity" of the Patriot is about 4500 pounds in the plains states. Towing capacity is better generated by common sense, not by corporate lawyers looking to guard their company against getting sued. The towing capacity is likely based on braking capacity.

Those pounds add up way too fast to have 2000 pounds be a logical towing capacity for any vehicle. (except maybe a Prius! LOL) My little Home Depot trailer for plywood weighs at least 700 pounds alone. Add 21 sheets of drywall, 4, 4x8 sheets of 3/4" plywood, and 12 cement blocks and I'm way over 2000. Yet the Patriot moves out like it isn't even back there. Towing capacity on modern vehicles is an absolute joke. The towing capacity numbers are useless because they do not reflect the actual towing capacity of the vehicle. They reflect a worst case scenario of towing a huge load over a mountain in the 90 summer heat, without auxiliary trailer brakes as a function of customer anger and likelihood to complain or sue if something goes wrong. Like I said though common sense. Don't try to tow a cabin cruiser, a 30 foot travel trailer or a bulldozer. My rule of thumb has always been, the trailer should weigh at least 1/3 less than the car. (you don't want that "wag the dog" thing)

The only difference for towing here should be looking at horse power rating of the 6 vs the 4 cylinder engines in both vehicles.

 

My rule of thumb has always been, the trailer should weigh at least 1/3 less than the car. (you don't want that "wag the dog" thing)

3300 lbs. Patriot + 13 Gallons of fuel = about 3378 lbs.
3378 - 1/3 = 2252 lbs

So going by the general rule, don't exceed a 2252 lbs trailer, right?

 

M1Tommy,

I am in sorta the same boat as you but with me it is a choice between the Patriot and the Forester.

I am concerned with the reports of leaks (even without sun roof!) and the ball joints going out.

But I also like the Patriot. Now that the Compass can be equipped with FDII, it makes the decision harder for me.

Unfortunately it appears that if I want an FDII in North Virginia, will have to factory order one and there is not a lot of price negotiation with that. (Plus the dealer tells me that I can't order it in green!!!)

What I am doing, and perhaps it will work for you, is to really sit back and objectively think about what you will be using the car for.

This is where you need to differentiate between want and need.

Good luck with this. Frankly all three vehicles (Jeep, Rav4, Foz) are good cars. No matter what you choose you will get good value. Try all three dealerships and see who is hungry enough.

 

.......I am in sorta the same boat as you but with me it is a choice between the Patriot and the Forester.

I am concerned with the reports of leaks (even without sun roof!) and the ball joints going out.

But I also like the Patriot. Now that the Compass can be equipped with FDII, it makes the decision harder for me.

Unfortunately it appears that if I want an FDII in North Virginia, will have to factory order one and there is not a lot of price negotiation with that. (Plus the dealer tells me that I can't order it in green!!!)

What I am doing, and perhaps it will work for you, is to really sit back and objectively think about what you will be using the car for.

This is where you need to differentiate between want and need.

Good luck with this. Frankly all three vehicles (Jeep, Rav4, Foz) are good cars. No matter what you choose you will get good value. Try all three dealerships and see who is hungry enough.

I have looked at the Sub. Forester and driven one too. I've no doubt they are good vehicles but they are too car-like for me, moreso than the RAV4 IMO.
And yep, differentiating that needer from the wanter is a toughy sometimes!
Thanks for the reply,
Tommy

 

I love my Jeep. I really think that about sums it up for me. There is nothing wrong with the RAV4, we also own a Camry and I get plenty of chances to look the RAV4 over at my dealership. But, I REALLY love my Jeep, love the Jeep lines, love the transmission and the flexibility of choosing different ways to get through the stuff. You would be amazed at how much gear I have been able to cram into it. It is my cow pony, faithful and ready for anything. My kind of car. Good luck with your choice!

 

Thanks for the reply... However I wonder, what do you think about your Jeep? <grin> :smiley_thumbs_up:

Tommy

 

If you can't decide, get the RAV4.

 

Why say that? I'm an engineer. I analyze most everything, particularly large purchases. ... OK, likely over-analyze many things!

Just don't tell me "If you have to ask you won't understand anyways......"
Too many ummmmmm, folks have that saying with some motorcycles.......

Sincerely,
Tommy

 

Ok then buy a Jeep Patriot, see how easy that was.

 

Bring a Rav4 to my place, we'll see if it can get up my driveway. I bet a bottle of Jim Beam it doesn't.

 

We bought a new Patriot because it waw a loaded vehicle for much less than the co/petition. It also lookw more like a Jeep, and gets fantastic mileage for a 4x4. Take the price difference and buy a lifetime warranty. Good to go. As for towing capability- we don't tow much or enough to make that capability trump the up to 29mpg we get on our 90 plus mile commute each day. Looks are subjective, but I like the way Jeeps look. As for ball joints... even if they need replacement, its cheaper than wheel beearings on other brands... and frankly a cheap fix period... IF it's even needed.

 

Wheel bearings are another part that wear early IMHO too. I just replaced the bearing on the passenger rear wheel, just less than 60K miles.

But I still think the Patriot is a good overall value. If they were to take care of the few weaknesses, it could be awesome.

 

Another question: Just what is the warranty on these critters?
I may be mis-reading matters, but see references to 5/50k miles:
http://www.jeep.com/en/2010/patriot/capability/warranty/

I have also read references to a "Lifetime" warranty from Jeep.
Is that an offereing now kaput?

Tommy

 

The offer is kaput! However, you can still buy a lifetime warranty, which covers a lot more than just the powertrain.
http://www.jeep.com/en/service_contracts/help_me_choose/

 

Got my '09 Pat Sport 4x4 new in April 2009. I drove both the RAV 4 and Forester, among other vehicles. All were decent, but (at the time) you couldn't touch the price of the Patriot and all its features. I have about 30k miles on it now - I love the handling of this vehicle on back roads especially. It's fantastic in foul weather - haven't spun a tire yet, and gas mileage has consitently been 23-25mpg. So far I've done nothing but oil changes (about due for my CVT flush). Good luck.

 

I just bought a new 2011 Patriot (Latitude?). It's the 4x2 variety. I've only put 1000 miles on so I can't speak about reliability. I had a Chevy HHR prior to the Patriot and liked that car quite a bit. Prior that the HHR, I had a RAV4. Frankly speaking, you couldn't pay me enough money to put that thing back in my driveway. I hated it within a month of owning it. I found it to be very uncomfortable. Also, the transmission started clunking and making weird noises after a couple of years. All maintenance was done per the owners' manual and at the correct intervals.

 

I find it interesting how many Patriot owners previously had and HHR. I loved the interesting retro styling but the interior space and constantly getting stuck in snow ended that love. Patriot is a much better value. For me, I had a real loss of "identity" driving something other than a Jeep. Much happier with Patriot.

 

For whatever it's worth ....

I've known a few RAV 4 owners and read a lot more from other owners on car forums over the years. I used to own a couple Toyota products myself, and I generally think highly of their vehicles. That said, I heard a bit of "rumbling" about the RAV 4 having really uncomfortable seating, especially for longer trips. You'd probably have to determine if that applies to you with a long test drive (or better yet, maybe renting one for a weekend?).

I suspect in general, the RAV 4 will have less in the way of suspension problems than a Patriot will (given all the prematurely wearing ball joint problems out there). But again, it sounds like buying the right Moog replacement ball joints eliminates most of the problem on the Patriot side. Just something to factor in as a potential expense though.

If your main concern is towing larger loads? I think I'd probably give the RAV 4 the nod, because the larger engine and higher rated towing capacity "is what it is".

But I just bought a Patriot Sport 4x4 myself. Like many others on here, I looked at the "overall package" of what I could get for my dollar, and found good, clean, lightly used Patriots were going for under $14-15K from reputable dealerships in town, all day long. Meanwhile, RAV 4's still cost several thousand more, often with higher mileage on the used ones. I think to some extent, people are still paying a premium on them for the Toyota name. (Justified in the sense that it probably will help resale value down the road, since a big majority of people still rank Toyota vehicles as "among the best/most reliable".)

I don't have any interest in towing, but I *did* want a 4x4 vehicle that could get through snow and ice easily, as well as handle the occasional "back roads" made of gravel or dirt without problems.

 

I've known a few RAV 4 owners and read a lot more from other owners on car forums over the years. I used to own a couple Toyota products myself, and I generally think highly of their vehicles. That said, I heard a bit of "rumbling" about the RAV 4 having really uncomfortable seating, especially for longer trips. You'd probably have to determine if that applies to you with a long test drive (or better yet, maybe renting one for a weekend?).

I suspect in general, the RAV 4 will have less in the way of suspension problems than a Patriot will (given all the prematurely wearing ball joint problems out there). But again, it sounds like buying the right Moog replacement ball joints eliminates most of the problem on the Patriot side. Just something to factor in as a potential expense though.

If your main concern is towing larger loads? I think I'd probably give the RAV 4 the nod, because the larger engine and higher rated towing capacity "is what it is".

But I just bought a Patriot Sport 4x4 myself. Like many others on here, I looked at the "overall package" of what I could get for my dollar, and found good, clean, lightly used Patriots were going for under $14-15K from reputable dealerships in town, all day long. Meanwhile, RAV 4's still cost several thousand more, often with higher mileage on the used ones. I think to some extent, people are still paying a premium on them for the Toyota name. (Justified in the sense that it probably will help resale value down the road, since a big majority of people still rank Toyota vehicles as "among the best/most reliable".)

I don't have any interest in towing, but I *did* want a 4x4 vehicle that could get through snow and ice easily, as well as handle the occasional "back roads" made of gravel or dirt without problems.

Thanks for that reply. Our family has owned Toyotas since '81. The RAV4 must surely use seats from the Corolla models from the way they sit.

Personally, I believe that Toy. quality has not ever recovered from what is was up to about 2000 or so..... YMMV of course.

I am believeing that a Pat. will pull our bass boat well enough.

Used Patriots seem to be non-existant or rare around me!
Tommy

 

Y'know, that comfort thing is an interesting point. My wife drives a 2003 Camry and I don't enjoy driving it because the seat is not comfortable for me. My Patriot seat is much more comfortable and I much prefer it for a long drive. The Camry drives beautifully and has been extremely reliable, but the dang seats seem to be made for small people with very little thigh support. My wife is only about 5'3" and she's fine with it, but I'm a lot bigger and the Patriot fits me better. I'm assuming the RAV4 designers made the seats like the Camry design.

 

........I'm assuming the RAV4 designers made the seats like the Camry design.

I am currently driving an '07 Corolla to/from work. I'd almost bet the RAV4 seats come out of the Corolla assembly lines..... JMO.
Tommy

 

If towing more than 2,000 pounds is a possibility, then the RAV4 looks like it. I didn't expect to do towing heavier than 2,000 pounds, wanted a 5 or 6 MT with as good gas mileage as possible, so the RAV was out.

Something I haven't seen mentioned is the visibility to the side and the rear from the driver's seat. I'd suggest a test ride in any vehicle you're considering with that a point of active evaluation. When possible, I fold the seatbacks in my Patriot to improve the view out the rear and right side windows. But it is still pretty good with the back seats up. Maybe it is just a matter of being conscientous with the rear view mirrors in addition to what one can see through the windows.

For me, the Patriot FDI 5MT had what seemed the best combination of unimproved muddy road capability, purchase price, and gas mileage. Although, the CVT with the Select shift might have been a better choice, and the FWD might have been enough for me, traction wise.

Can you fold the outside spare tire on the RAV?

 

If towing more than 2,000 pounds is a possibility, then the RAV4 looks like it. I didn't expect to do towing heavier than 2,000 pounds, wanted a 5 or 6 MT with as good gas mileage as possible, so the RAV was out.

Something I haven't seen mentioned is the visibility to the side and the rear from the driver's seat. ........
Can you fold the outside spare tire on the RAV?

'good points. The rear window on a RAV4 is definitely smaller, farther from the driver and has a reat tire permanently mounted. Rear vis. is definitely not as good as on a Patriot.
Thanks,
Tommy