The battle for the highest of the gross sales char...

The Toyota RAV4 has ended the Ford F-150’s 42-year reign in 2024 because the best-selling automobile within the USA, relying on which checklist you take a look at.* Regardless of the remaining tally, the reality is that the RAV4 is rising gross sales, whereas the F-150 is exhibiting a slight decline.

These are two completely different, however common, automobile varieties. The RAV4 joins the Honda CR-V, Tesla Model Y, and Nissan Rogue because the 4 compact crossovers within the prime ten, whereas the F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra are full-size pickups. The Toyota Camry and Corolla be part of the Honda Civic because the three passenger automobiles on the checklist.

Whereas the RAV4 and F-150 are very completely different autos, they each provide life-style as a attainable buying determination, so let’s take a look at these two common decisions.

Ford F-150 Lariat vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Restricted

Evaluating two feature-rich fashions

Ford F-150 Lariat

The Ford F-150 has a variety of eight trims to select from, excluding the Lightning EV. This goes from the very fundamental single-cab XL beginning at $38,810 to the super-powerful Raptor beginning at $72,000. I’ll take a look at the mid-range Lariat with the hybrid drive, as this gives luxurious options that take this automobile into the life-style class. The Lariat begins at $63,360. This era of the F150 was launched in 2021, and as but there aren’t any plans to replace it.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LImited

There are twelve trims of the Toyota RAV4 in the event you separate the ICE and hybrid options, though a couple of would overlap by way of options. There may be additionally a plug-in-hybrid, which I’m not contemplating right here. Costs vary from the fuel LE at $29,250 to the Hybrid LImited beginning at $40,605. We’ll take a look at the highest Hybrid Restricted. The present era RAV4 was launched in 2018, with the hybrid choice added in 2019. It had a significant facelift in 2021, and a model new era is because of launch in 2026.

F-150 Lariat hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid Restricted fundamental specs

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Do you prefer CarPlay, Android Auto, or bespoke in-car infotainment

There was a time once I liked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however the points I’ve encountered with my Ioniq 5’s USB port, resulting in each platforms continuously disconnecting (I just about do not use both anymore), have led me to vary my opinion. I’ve talked to each Hyundai and Apple, and each corporations blame the problem on one another. I’ve additionally gotten the USB and transmitter unit changed in my automotive, however nothing solves the problem.

Whereas I admire immediately accessing my iPhone or Android system in my automotive just by plugging in my cellphone (my automobile would not have wi-fi CarPlay/Android Auto) and the benefits each working techniques present, issues I’ve encountered have me considering that Tesla-like automotive producer maker-made infotainment techniques often is the extra dependable means ahead. In spite of everything, I actually solely take calls, navigate with Google Maps/Waze, and take heed to music on Spotify in my automotive — I do not actually need many different apps.

With this in thoughts, do you favor CarPlay or

F-150 Lariat vs RAV4 Hybrid Restricted options

Issues that make the drive safer and extra satisfying

Ford

In case your life-style or work wants the attributes of a truck, the F-150 can be an apparent selection. In case you do not want a truck, a compact crossover just like the RAV4 is a confirmed winner. However we do not simply purchase on value, and neither of the fashions mentioned listed here are even the most cost effective of their vary. Very often, we seek for features to entertain and amuse us through the drive, make the drive extra snug and fewer nerve-racking, assist us be higher drivers, and maintain us protected when the drive goes mistaken.

Ford F-150 Lariat

The Lariat has a big customizable instrument cluster and a 12.0-inch infotainment show with Apple and Android connectivity. It could possibly additionally act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Ford’s new sync 4 software program bundle permits for over the air updates to maintain the truck updated.

Non-compulsory extras embody reside climate and visitors updates, Sirius XM radio, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.

The F-150 has the well-known office-in-truck options, with a big work bench, fold-flat entrance seats, and a rear seat within the crew cab to sleep on. The entrance seats are leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated, whereas the temperature management is dual-zone and automated.

The F-150 has Ford’s customary Co-Pilot driver help know-how, and Blue Cruise hands-free freeway driving as an choice. This truck will get a most of 5 stars in crash exams from the NHTSA, in addition to High Security Decide from the IIHS, the insurance coverage business scores company.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Restricted

The RAV4 Hybrid Restricted comes with a 12.3-inch instrument show and a ten.5-inch infotainment display, Apple and Android connection, and a six-speaker sound system as customary, with an 11-speaker JBL system as an choice.

Compact crossovers typically promote practicality, and the RAV4 doesn’t disappoint. There are a great deal of nooks and crannies to retailer stuff, whereas a height-adjustable false ground within the cargo area is useful to maintain your stuff out of sight. Cargo quantity is beneficiant, with almost 38 cu-ft behind the rear seats, and almost 70 with the rear seats folded down.

The upholstery is a leather-like materials, and the entrance and rear seats are heated. The steering wheel can tilt and telescope to accommodate completely different measurement drives, whereas dual-zone local weather management will maintain everybody cozy or cool as wanted.

Toyota is critical about driver help, with a complete bundle that features pre-collision warning and braking, lane retaining, and proximity warning. The RAV4 will get 5 stars from the NHTSA, in addition to a High Security Decide when examined in 2023. The hybrid was not particularly examined, however hybrid and ICE fashions typically get the identical scores.

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The right way to choose one

Truck utility vs crossover practicality

Toyota

Apart from 5 seats and 4 wheels, the F-150 and RAV4 are completely completely different autos. However when you will have the 2 bestselling fashions within the US, there must be some gross sales overlap. Some merely choose a truck, even for on a regular basis driving, whereas for others a crossover is good for work. Each autos additionally face important challenges from different fashions of their classes, so US patrons are spoiled for selection.

Ford F-150

The Ford prices much more, however has an enormous energy benefit and the towing and cargo utility of a giant truck. However it is usually a lot much less fuel-efficient than the Toyota. In case you want a truck, the F-150 is a superb selection, though it’s getting a whole lot of competitors from the likes of RAM, GMC, and Chevrolet.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is smaller, lighter, extra environment friendly, simpler to park, whereas nonetheless providing the area and versatility of a crossover. In 2024, the US financial system was booming, however inflation was excessive, and patrons have been searching for worth. The RAV4 was extra reasonably priced to purchase and run than the large Ford, and that in all probability contributed to its nice gross sales efficiency.

The RAV4 comes with the built-in reliability and resale worth patrons anticipate from Toyota, however it too faces very sturdy competitors. The Honda CR-V is proving very talked-about, whereas there are a number of different hybrid crossovers difficult for market share, together with the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, and Subaru Forrester.

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