As someone who likes the RAV4, I'd point out that it's considerably smaller than a full size body-on-frame SUV like a Suburban. It's more like a lifted Corolla, or maybe Camry. Oddly enough, they now actually make a lifted Corolla. The dimensions are quite similar.
Not the same thing. the Suburban is a Full Frame massive vehicle capable of towing medium sized loads, haul alot of cargo, or alot of people
The RAV4 is a compact unibody vehicle capable of really no towing (though people will try), seats only 4 (uncomfortably if they are average American Adult size, only 2 Adults can fit comfortably in a Rav4)
While they both may be technically "SUV's" it is laughable to think they service the same need
> While they both may be technically "SUV's" it is laughable to think they service the same need
They service the same need a lot more often than you'd think: transportation for a segment of the public who'd be better off with station wagons but decided in the mid eighties those were not cool.
> seats only 4 (uncomfortably if they are average American Adult size, only 2 Adults can fit comfortably in a Rav4)
Interestingly a RAV4 Hybrid with about 2500 lb total cargo including trailer gets around 28-30 mpg. The newer hybrid transaxles (P710 etc) are mechanically surprisingly simple and I could see a future where they become the preferred replacement for an all-mechanical system.
Well certainly not the same as a tiny hybrid, obviously. But, to your point, a 2023 Suburban gets 20+mpg. So there's that. It also costs $57,000 and <hyperbole> has more computers in it than a small data center </hyperbole>
