Electric Cars

Toyota has once again made its popular RAV4 accessible through a compelling lease offer for September, directly continuing the terms from the previous month. The 2025 RAV4, a leading compact SUV in terms of sales, presents an opportunity for prospective buyers to secure a new vehicle with favorable conditions. This strategic move aims to sustain the impressive sales momentum that saw nearly half a million RAV4s sold last year, a 9% increase from 2023, positioning the model for another record-setting year.

The current lease package for the base RAV4 starts at $299 per month over a 36-month period, allowing for 12,000 miles annually. To initiate the lease, a payment of $3,999 is required at signing. Notably, the offer enhances value by including two years or 25,000 miles of scheduled maintenance through ToyotaCare, a significant benefit for lessees. While the advertised price does not cover taxes, fees, or other charges, the option to roll the initial $3,999 into the monthly payments is available, increasing the effective monthly cost to approximately $410 with no upfront payment. This flexibility, however, still excludes additional lease-related expenses.

Beyond its financial incentives, the RAV4 stands out for its well-rounded performance and practicality. It is equipped with a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, prioritizing fuel efficiency with an impressive 35 mpg on the highway, appealing to drivers who value economy over raw speed. The interior offers substantial passenger room and a versatile cargo area, with 37 cubic feet behind the rear seats expanding to 69.8 cubic feet when folded. Complementing these features are a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technologies and an intuitive infotainment system, reinforcing the RAV4's position as a top choice. Its global sales dominance, surpassing even models like the Tesla Model Y last year, attests to its widespread appeal and robust market presence.

The enduring popularity and practical attributes of the Toyota RAV4, coupled with a steady lease offer, highlight its value in the competitive SUV market. While waiting for potential future rate adjustments in the fourth quarter might seem appealing to some, the current lease deal provides a secure and financially sound option, especially given the rarity of lease payments below $500 in today's market. This offer underscores Toyota's commitment to delivering reliable and cost-effective vehicle solutions, ensuring customer satisfaction and continued market leadership.

Volkswagen's Tayron, a vehicle with a striking resemblance to the Tiguan, which will soon feature three rows in the US market, offers an early look at what consumers can anticipate. Having spent a week navigating various conditions in a vibrant Ulta Violet Metallic Tayron, it became clear that this vehicle has much to offer American families.

The Tayron's powertrain, though featuring a 1.5-liter eTSI unit (not for the US market) with 148 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, delivered surprising performance for a three-row SUV, thanks to its 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup ensures smooth starts and consistent torque delivery, making urban driving effortless and merges seamless. The forthcoming US three-row Tiguan will likely be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine offering 201 hp, providing ample confidence for daily family demands. Additionally, the infotainment system has seen significant improvements, now boasting a responsive 12.9-inch Discover Navigation screen (with a 15-inch option) and a highly configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. Integrated voice control, enhanced with ChatGPT, smoothly handles navigation and music requests. The thoughtful phone storage and charging solution further enhance user convenience, alongside wireless App-Connect, multiple USB-C ports, and an eight-speaker audio system.

In terms of interior space, the Tayron measures 188.7 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.7 inches tall, dimensions that translate into practical family accommodations. The second row provides realistic three-across seating with ample height, while the third row is suitable for children or adults on shorter journeys, with easy access via the sliding bench. Cargo capacity is impressive, offering 12.2 cubic feet with all three rows in use, expanding to 30.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a substantial 67.3 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The driving experience is characterized by ease and control, with excellent visibility and supportive driver assistance features for parking and highway travel. The cabin’s quality and comfort are notable, featuring premium materials like open-pore wood and ArtVelours upholstery, multi-color ambient lighting, and ergonomically designed sports comfort seats with heating and massage functions. Comprehensive safety technologies, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, and a full suite of airbags, further enhance the vehicle's appeal to families.

The Tayron, serving as a precursor to the US three-row Tiguan, truly embodies a polished and practical solution for families seeking a versatile daily driver. While the US pricing is expected to align with its segment competitors, potentially reaching $45-50k with added features, its superior cabin quality and advanced technology make it a strong contender. For those prioritizing space, sophisticated technology, and robust safety features in a family SUV, the upcoming three-row Tiguan offers a compelling choice, urging buyers to consider their options carefully to balance features with affordability.