Why Did Toyota Replace the 2024 Rav4 Hybrid with Nissan?

A Nissan dealership starts discussion on whether to trade in nearly brand new 2024 model year vehicle Toyota For the Nissan Pathfinder, the Rav4 Hybrid was an upgrade or downgrade move.

Puyallup Nissan (@puyallupnissan)A Washington-based dealership has racked up more than 316,000 views with a short video showcasing a recently traded Toyota.

Traded in at 5,000 miles

According to a Puyallup Nissan employee, a customer purchased a new 2024 Rav4 Hybrid and drove it from Washington state to California, then traded it in for a 2024 Nissan Pathfinder with about 3,400 miles on the clock.

Although the trade-in vehicle was in great condition, the worker was unimpressed with the 2024 model. He was especially unimpressed with the interior.

Car and Driver It is reported that Toyota Rav4 “Regularly ranked as the best-selling non-pickup vehicle in the U.S.” The Rav4 is a practical, fuel-efficient compact crossover with rugged looks. Car and Driver The only major change for the 2024 model is a new Army Green paint color option, he lists. 2024 Rav4s range from $30,070 to $39,690, depending on trims and options. Every model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Accordingly Car and DriverThe Rav4’s interior is also geared toward comfort and storage options, but “buyers should shop above the base LE trim for an interior that’s pleasing to the eye.”

Car and Driver Here’s how they rank the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder: #19 in Best Midsize SUVsThe auto site describes the Pathfinder as a practical family vehicle with a V-6 engine, roomy interior and a well-tuned suspension that provides a generally smooth ride. Like the Rav4, the 2024 Pathfinder is virtually unchanged from last year’s launch. Pricing ranges from $38,040 to $51,010, depending on trim and options.

Where the Pathfinder really stands out is with the upgrades. The more expensive SL trim option gets a larger infotainment system, a 360-degree camera system, and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. The $2,990 SL Premium package is claimed to add a luxurious ride with 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose stereo, heated rear seats, and wireless smartphone charging.

Viewers’ thoughts

Most viewers thought that this change was made to achieve a better interior.

“With Toyota you get lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan compared to other brands, but you get cheaper interiors. Nissan has similar models that are cheaper, but you get more features,” one explained.

“The Rav4 interior is trash in the lower trims but it’s still the best SUV,” another added.

“I bet it’s the interior and size. They’ll miss the Toyota when the typical Nissan problems come around,” a third agreed.

Others have debated whether this was a good decision for the customer.

“‘Upgrade to Nissan.’ Words no one ever seriously says,” one user joked.

“Sometimes you don’t get what you pay for and the rav4 doesn’t seem to have changed much on many levels for 2024 so yes the pathfinder is definitely an upgrade…” argued another.

“When the transmission breaks at 30,000 km they’ll say ‘I wish we had that RAV4’,” replied a third.

A fourth said: “Any Nissan is a huge upgrade over a Toyota.”

The Daily Dot reached out to Puyallup Nissan via TikTok comments and a contact form, and to Nissan via email.

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