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In an era where automakers are shifting toward smaller engines and hybrid powertrains to meet stringent fuel efficiency and emissions regulations, some long-time car enthusiasts find themselves at a crossroads. A recent comment on a Torque News article, titled "The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands, Toyota And Lexus Are Light Years Ahead," sheds light on a sentiment shared by many Toyota RAV4 owners who cherish their older models, particularly those equipped with a V6 engine. The comment, made by a reader named Froggy, highlights a growing frustration among those who feel that modern replacements for their beloved vehicles simply don't measure up—at least in terms of power and driving experience.

"Currently own a 2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport model with rare V6 2WD that was purchased new and has been extremely reliable during its lifetime and 95000 driven miles. Drives like new and is very quick due to a low curb weight of 3500 lbs. and 270 HP velvety smooth V6. The only services have been oil and filter changes and tires. I would gladly replace it with a new one but sadly TOYOTA decided to cut the V6 engine option in the RAV4 lineup so I will keep it for a while longer until I can find a similar replacement," Froggy commented today under the above-mentioned Torque News article.

Froggy’s 2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport model, equipped with a rare V6 engine and two-wheel drive, embodies a blend of reliability and performance that has become increasingly scarce in today's automotive market. With 95,000 miles on the odometer, Froggy's RAV4 drives like new, a testament to Toyota's reputation for building durable vehicles. This particular model's low curb weight of 3,500 pounds and its 270-horsepower V6 engine offer a driving experience that's both swift and smooth—a combination that has become harder to find as automakers pivot toward smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder engines or hybrid systems.

The V6 engine in Froggy's RAV4 is notable not just for its power, but for its reliability. Over the years, Froggy's vehicle has required only routine maintenance, such as oil and filter changes and new tires, further cementing the RAV4's status as a dependable choice for those who value longevity and minimal upkeep.

The V6 Dilemma: Why Did Toyota Cut It?

The decision by Toyota to cut the V6 engine option from the RAV4 lineup is part of a broader industry trend aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. While this shift makes sense from an environmental and regulatory perspective, it has left a segment of consumers feeling alienated. For those like Froggy, who appreciate the extra power and smoothness that a V6 engine provides, the current RAV4 lineup—which now relies on four-cylinder engines and hybrid powertrains—falls short.

The current generation of the RAV4, introduced in 2019, offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid option. While these engines are more fuel-efficient than the V6, they don't quite match the performance or the driving pleasure that Froggy's V6-equipped RAV4 delivers. This shift is reflective of Toyota’s broader strategy, which has seen the brand focus more on efficiency and electrification across its lineup, from the Prius to the newly introduced bZ4X electric SUV.

Froggy's situation is emblematic of a larger issue facing automotive enthusiasts today: the shrinking availability of performance-oriented engines in mainstream vehicles. For those who have grown accustomed to the power and smoothness of a V6, the transition to smaller, more efficient engines can feel like a compromise—one they’re not always willing to make. As a result, many drivers are holding onto their older vehicles longer, unwilling to part with a car that delivers the driving experience they value.

This trend has also had a notable impact on the used car market. Vehicles like Froggy's 2011 RAV4 Sport with a V6 engine are becoming increasingly sought after, particularly as newer models move away from offering such powertrains. For buyers who prioritize performance and reliability, finding a well-maintained older model with a V6 engine is becoming more difficult—and more expensive.

What Are the Alternatives To RAV4 with V6?

For those in Froggy's position, the options are limited. While Toyota no longer offers a V6 in the RAV4 and perhaps should bring it back, there are still a few alternatives on the market for drivers who prioritize power. The Toyota Highlander, for instance, offers a V6 engine, but it’s a larger and more expensive vehicle compared to the RAV4. Other automakers, such as Honda and Ford, also offer SUVs with V6 options, but these vehicles may not match the RAV4 in terms of reliability or overall value.

Another potential alternative is to explore turbocharged four-cylinder engines, which can offer a similar level of power to older V6 engines, albeit with a different driving feel. However, for purists like Froggy, these engines often lack the smoothness and linear power delivery that make a naturally aspirated V6 so appealing.

The Future of the RAV4 and Toyota’s Engine Strategy

Looking ahead, it’s clear that Toyota, like many other automakers, is committed to a future dominated by hybrid and electric powertrains. The next generation of the RAV4 is likely to continue this trend, with even more emphasis on efficiency and reduced emissions. While this is good news for the environment and for fuel-conscious consumers, it leaves a gap for those who still desire the power and performance that a V6 engine provides.

For Froggy and others in his situation, the best course of action may be to hold onto their current vehicles as long as possible or to seek out a well-maintained used model that still offers the desired V6 engine. While the days of V6-powered compact SUVs may be numbered, their legacy—and their appeal—remains strong among those who have experienced their unique blend of power and reliability.

Froggy's story is a reminder of the trade-offs that come with progress in the automotive industry. While newer models offer improved efficiency, safety, and technology, they sometimes lose the characteristics that made their predecessors so beloved. For those who value the driving experience as much as the destination, the shift away from V6 engines in vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 represents a significant loss. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how automakers address the desires of enthusiasts who still yearn for the power and performance of a V6 engine.

Update: After I published this article a Toyota enthusiast commented and wrote the Toyota RAV4 Prime's 302 horsepower can really outperform the beloved V6 engine of older models.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.