RAV4 or an FJ Cruiser? Anyone driven both or know someone who has and can share their thoughts about it?

Question

RAV4 or an FJ Cruiser? Anyone driven both or know someone who has and can share their thoughts about it?

Answer 1

I work for a car rental company, and have the pleasure of driving both.  If I had to choose between the two, I would go for the RAV4.  It's a nice sized compact SUV with a roomy interior for its size.  They are available in 4 or 6 cylinder, and both engines are gas savers.  The only thing I didn't like about it is that the tailgate swings open like a regular door, as opposed to a swing-up door like most suvs.  But other than that, they are great, and drive like a Camry.

We recently had one with over 30,000 miles on it, which is when we "retire" the vehicle from our rental fleet.  Usually when we get vehicles at this mileage, they're are usually "dogged" out, but this one was in a remarkable condition.  I was considering buying it.  

The FJ Cruiser is not a bad vehicle, I just don't like the utilitarian exterior looks of it.  It is definitely bigger than the RAV4, but to me it drives more like a truck than a crossover SUV.  

If you need something bigger, maybe consider the new body style Highlander.  Those are great as well.

Answer 2

I own a FJ Cruiser and I went with my brother when he almost bought a RAV4. It pretty much just boils down to what you are looking for. A FJ is much larger and has way more off road capabilities.  It is a compfortable SUV, but its fairly obvious that it was built to go off road, so it dosn't have every luxury that other SUV's do.  With that being said, I love my FJ, however I would not love it if I had to ride in the back seat. That is just my personal opinion though. The backseat sits very nice, but I would not like it for longer trips. Other people knock the FJ for blind spots, and although they do have them, within a week you wouldn't notice them and it would not be a problem.

As far as the RAV, I was not a fan.  It is much smaller and sits really low to the ground. I sat in the back, but was not impressed. It dosn't seem very practical for family, but it drove decent I suppose.  Again, I only drove this for a few minutes, so my opinion may be a bit biased.

So, if you are looking for a rough and rugged car with tons of space, go for the FJ. If space is not an issue, I would maybe stick with the RAV.