02 Feb
Blog

Dying Light 2: Stay Human review: Less talk, more dropkicks

Players using the paraglider in Dying Light 2.

Dying Light 2: Stay Human

RRP $60.00

"With a slow plot and uninteresting characters, Dying Light 2: Stay Human's few redeeming qualities are what sets the franchise apart from other zombie games."

benefits

  • The setting is beautiful

  • Parkour is fun

  • Dropkicks rule

  • variety of activities

  • Deep Customization

disadvantage

  • boring characters

  • Unimaginative missions

  • Misleading Decisions

  • The fight repeats itself

Dying Light 2: Stay Human has been a long time coming, and the years of effort that went into it really shows. Its world is a meticulously designed parkour playground, somewhere that I've happily walked through in my 30 or so hours of play. This is the Dying Light franchise's niche in the ever-expanding sea of ​​zombie games. Its movement and world are second to none – and it's pretty fun to kick a zombie off a rooftop, too.

But that's the beginning and end of everything interesting in Dying Light, making Dying Light 2's narrative adventure all the more confusing. Instead of focusing on his freewheeling and zombie fighting, the game delivers a muddy story burdened with too many uninteresting characters and pushes them into the limelight.

Dying Light 2 is a wonderful game, but its characters' speech wears off faster than the main character's shoe soles.

Lost control

Dying Light 2 picks up well after the original game, putting players in the well-worn sneakers of Aiden Caldwell. He is a pilgrim, a wanderer among the world's few human settlements in search of his long-lost sister. That brings him to the town of Villedor, a stand-in for Dying Lights Harran, albeit one who doesn't flirt with the apocalypse but has instead been living in the aftermath of an apocalypse for over a decade.

Buildings burn in Dying Light 2.

From the start, Dying Light 2 is an expansion of everything from the original Dying Light. The city of Villedor is a grander, taller jungle gym than Harran was. Players can customize their character via an RPG leveling system and modify weapons glued or welded together from the city ruins. It also means the game's story, which throws Aiden in the middle of a conflict between two factions, plays an even bigger role.

While you might not care about the factions and can even choose to play a very egocentric version of Aiden, by working with them, players actually transform Villedor. By killing zombies and running freely to the top of a water tower, turning on power to an area, or simply claiming a derelict windmill, players can allocate territories to each faction. With this new land under their control, the survivors set up traversal assists, like ziplines or airbags that blast Aiden a few dozen feet up. Peacekeepers, on the other hand, focus on defensive city modifications, with their first being sporadically placed car bombs.

The handover of these areas to each faction changes the city's skyline. Survivors will turn rooftops into farms while the Peacekeepers build huge metal forts painted blue. The difference between the city at the beginning and the end of the game's story is considerable, transforming entire areas from barren to full of life, whether peaceful or militaristic.

In Dying Light 2, Frank hands the player a beer.

But factions, and especially faction leaders, don't care if you starve them out of territory. The game's story and gameplay are completely separate, with the two never affecting each other. Instead, factions handle the choices players make during story missions. For example, if you give one faction access to a radio antenna when you've promised another, it means you're going to make a tough decision about who gives you quests.

There are other cases where the decision you made is not the result. From time to time, Dying Light 2 decides that while you may have chosen something with the intention of helping a group or faction, it actually turns out to be the opposite. At several points I made a choice because the game made it seem like I wanted to do that, and in the end it gave me the opposite. This continued throughout the game, eventually leading to me getting an ending that I really didn't want.

The difference between the city at the beginning and the end of the game's story is considerable, transforming entire areas from barren to full of life, whether peaceful or militaristic.

Still, I wasn't too upset with the game's ending. Rather, I was annoyed at how well it aligned with the rest of Aiden's experience. Dying Light 2's story is as dilapidated as some of the game's abandoned buildings. Full of plot holes and poorly written characters, there are very few highlights of excitement in the game's main missions. In the end, I felt like the town of Villedor had more character than any of the game's NPCs. It's dilapidated, aged, and packed with environmental stories that far outstrip the mid-2000s soap opera that plays out between the characters of Dying Light 2. And it's the only thing I actually felt in control of during the game.

feet full of anger

Between the missions of Dying Light 2, players are free to run through Villedor, fighting against its inhabitants – both the undead and the living – and completing various activities. Let me get that out of the way first: Combat in Dying Light 2 is pretty simple. From the start of the game, you swing weapons at enemies and parry their attacks to unleash a powerful kick, knocking a stunned bad guy off his back. Other than that, the combat doesn't progress all that much as the game progresses.

With its RPG leveling system, players can unlock new parkour and power skills, with the former making it even easier to run around the city and the latter making it easier to kill everything that lives in the city. I ended up investing a lot in the parkour route, mainly because I couldn't miss an opportunity to run over walls.

In Dying Light 2 you will have the most fun dropkicking whatever you choose.

But there is one extremely important ability in the power tree that cannot be ignored: The Dropkick. This move was a staple in the first Dying Light and continues to be here. It's unironically the best part of this game. In Dying Light 2, you'll have the most fun dropkicking whatever you choose, from zombies to the bandits who decide to put themselves between you and a spiked wall. Techland could (and should) make a game centered around dropkicking things with no attached story because it would be awesome.

Pushing further into RPG territory, Dying Light 2 features a robust crafting and gear system with various armor pieces supporting different builds. If you're a player who enjoys fighting with one-handed weapons, the Brawler Armor will give you bonuses for doing so. Tank players who want to use a two-handed weapon and block damage like it's nothing can find suitable armor for this build.

Dropkicking two zombies in Dying Light 2.

This gear, along with crafting components, can be found throughout the world of Dying Light 2, but is most commonly found in the game's Dark Zones. Along with GRE anomalies (mini-bosses that can only be fought at night) and a variety of other abandoned locations, Dark Zones are why you should go out at night when the town of Villedor becomes more dangerous. The undead roam the streets in greater numbers after sundown, and Special Infected, like Howlers, are more likely to launch chases that require players to run from a pack of walkers to the nearest safe zone.

Dark Zones and other nocturnal activities balance this danger with myriad rewards. Dark Zones are packed with valuables, crafting materials, and Inhibitors, a new resource that players can use to improve their overall health and stamina. GRE anomalies reward players with the same. Again, this is a part of Dying Light expanded in Dying Light 2, and the game is better off for that. The night is not something players should avoid, but rather an opportunity for some of the game's more exciting challenges.

Co-op is a great way to enhance the experience, if only a little. Playing with friends can turn the normally serious game into a chaotic mess of multiple Aidens all swinging their guns at enemies. However, it's not a perfect experience. While playing cooperatively with some of the game's developers, I was repeatedly booted out of the game and enemies fell through the floor more than once, including a GRE anomaly mini-boss.

Out of balance

Overall, Dying Light 2 is a constantly choppy experience, due in part to the game's lackluster story and eventually stale combat, as well as a good number of bugs. At several points during my time with Dying Light 2, I had to completely restart the game due to a bug that prevented NPCs from even speaking to me.

Hakon talks to the player in Dying Light 2.

I've also encountered issues where Aiden wouldn't grab anything at all, enemies would freeze in place, and zombies wouldn't attack me. By far the worst bug was when I got a softock even though it was supposed to be patched by the time the game started. Even so, these issues took away from the overall experience even more, leaving a layer of frustration.

Coupled with a lackluster story full of misleading choices and insufferable characters, Dying Light 2 is sustained by its world and struggle, but even then both eventually become boring. Towards the end of the game I didn't feel like I needed to unlock more areas for either faction and the fight had become repetitive.

Coupled with a lackluster story full of misleading choices and insufferable characters, Dying Light 2 is sustained by its world and struggle, but even then both eventually become boring.

While the beginning of my time with Dying Light 2 was fun and I enjoyed being introduced to its world and various systems, they got tiring once I became familiar with each one. Ideas in Dying Light 2 are introduced and hardly evolve, making most systems, from combat to crafting, routine. Parkour changes with the addition of a paraglider and a grappling hook, although the whole experience doesn't feel much different.

Our opinion

Dying Light 2: Stay Human is more of that, a kind of love letter from Techland to the fans of the original Dying Light. Players can explore a larger world with more zombies, participate in a larger story, and customize their character with more robust RPG mechanics. However, nothing in Dying Light 2 advances the game's formula in any meaningful way. After taking 30 hours to beat, after 15 I effectively saw everything the game had to offer. Without a good narrative or a lovable cast of characters, Dying Light 2's story only drags the game down. While playing the game itself is fun, it grinds to a halt with too few exciting parts, and actually completing the game ends in a drudgery.

Is there a better alternative?

Fans of classic zombie games full of blood and guts should try Back 4 Blood. It's available on Xbox Game Pass and is best played with a few friends.

How long it will take?

It took me a whopping 30 hours to complete Dying Light 2, although anyone who rushes through the main story can do it in 20. If you want to do everything in the game, unlock every ability, and complete every activity, it could take up to 100 hours (although Techland claims it can take up to 500).

should you buy it

Yes. Though the pace slows towards the end, Dying Light 2's main gameplay loop is fun enough for anyone to enjoy for at least a few dozen hours.

Dying Light 2 was tested with a PlayStation 5 and an Insignia F30 4K Smart TV.

Editor's Recommendations



27 Nov
Blog

5 Tips to Stay Healthy on the Go

5 tips to stay healthy on the go – AnytimeStrength

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escort bayan

13 Oct
Blog

Best back and bicep workout to perform every day to stay fit

No matter what work we do, our back and biceps are affected almost everywhere. Whether you're lifting a bag, moving an object, or bringing an object near you, these muscles are always at work. Because these two muscles play such an important role in our daily lives, it is important to exercise them regularly to avoid complications.

Here we walk you through some of the best Back and biceps workouts so that you perform every day to stay fit!

Best back and biceps workouts to keep you fit

1. Inverted lines

Among the few exercises that allow weight training, Inverted Rows is the best. This Back and biceps workout women works well in building lats, upper body muscles, and biceps. Women who exercise every day can benefit massively from this workout. Let's see how to do it:

Here's how it works: Place a broomstick on two chairs and leave some space between them. Lie on the floor with your body between the two chairs. Now grasp both broomsticks with a handle wider than shoulder width. Make sure both knees are bent. Now try to pull yourself up again until your chest makes contact with the broomstick. Once it happens, lower your body until your arms are straight. Then pull up again. You can do that Back and biceps workout women regularly for desired results.

2. Planks with arm raises

A pleasant one Back and biceps workout womenArm lift planks help tone the upper back muscles and strengthen the core. Women who do this exercise regularly will notice improvements in their back muscles. If you have back pain, it is gone too. Let's see how to do it:

Here's how it works: First, stand in a plank position. Make sure your neck is neutral. Pull your core tight, then lift one of your arms off the floor. Raise your arm sideways until it's parallel to the floor. Lower it to the floor and now raise the opposite arm. Do the same with this arm too. Switch both hands. Do this exercise regularly to get the results you want.

3. Lunge twist pull

If you're looking to work out your lats and top traps, the Lung Twist Pull is the perfect choice. This exercise is also possible for Back and biceps training for the masses how it hits muscles in the lower body. For those who do this exercise on a daily basis, extraordinary benefits can be seen in no time. Let's see how to do it.

How to do it: Stand with feet wider than shoulder width. Hold a medium-weight dumbbell in your right hand. Swing the footballs to the left. Bend both knees in a lunge and slap your left foot on the floor with your other hand. As you gradually return to the starting position, place your left hand on the barbell and force your right hand to come back towards you. Make sure your torso is rotated to the right. Repeat this Back and biceps training for the masses regularly.

4. Bicep curl

Another excellent one Back and biceps training for the masses is the bicep lock. You can work with the heaviest weights in this exercise. However, you need to make sure that you can hold that much weight off before taking it on. Otherwise, holding a heavy weight can cause multiple injuries.

How to do it: Stand up straight and hold two dumbbells on both hands. Make sure your thighs and palms are facing the horizon. Now lock your elbows, keep your back straight, and slowly roll the weights as close to your shoulder as possible. Return to the starting position and repeat the workout.

5. Seated cable row neutral grip

One of the best Back and biceps workouts is the neutral handle of the seated row of cables. If you have the machine at home, you can practice from home too. However, such workouts are best done in the gym under the guidance of a potential trainer.

Here's how: keep your chest pushed out while you pull back on the cable. Don't forget to hold the cable. Your body should be straight when you pull the cord. Do this exercise gradually to avoid injury. Use your elbows to pull the cable back, making sure it touches your abdominal muscles. Don't let them flare up. Do this best back and biceps training regular.

6. Lat pulldown

This Killer back and biceps workouts also offers benefits for the lats. Do this exercise at home regularly to get the benefits in no time. Over the years, many people have successfully achieved the results they want by performing this exercise on time. So can you do it too.

How to do it: Sit in front of a pulldown station on your bench. Secure your knees under the pads on the device. Hold the bar with your hands beyond shoulder width. Make sure your palms are facing out. Drive your shoulder blades down and pull the bar back up as you pull it toward your collarbone. Do this Killer back and biceps workouts regularly for instant results.

frequently asked Questions

1. Can you say anything else? Killer back and biceps workouts to me?

Preacher curl, dumbbell hammer curl, and single arm dumbbell row are other exercises that you can try.

2. How many sets and reps of lat pulldown should I do?

Twenty sets and twenty repetitions are enough for lats pulldown exercises.

3. Are these workouts for beginners only?

No. Anyone looking to get killer biceps and back can go for these workouts.

Back and biceps workouts are very important to everyone. Don't forget to do these exercises daily for the most benefit. Good luck!

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Upper Back Workouts – Fantastic workouts to get rid of back fat
06 May
Blog

Stay Supported And Informed With These Spa Industry Associations

T.The professional spa industry has always been a close community, and we at Eminence Organics are committed to helping you find the support you need at this time and beyond. While every industry is affected by this pandemic in one way or another, the spa industry in particular – known for its human connection and wellbeing of body and mind – has to adapt.

Pandemic or not, there are a plethora of spa industry associations offering support and resources, and an entire network of spa professionals is ready to share their experiences and expertise. Your participation in these associations is growing and promoting the professional spa industry as a whole.

To help you navigate all of the spa industry associations, we've created a guide that will guide you to the support you need.

Spa industry associations for owners / directors

As a spa owner or director, you want to learn from the best in business: people with experience in running successful spas who know the industry inside out. You don't want to reinvent the wheel every time you make a business decision, with so much help available and a multitude of proven ones recommended procedure. Access to these resources starts here:

International Spa Association (ISPA)

The The International Spa Association (ISPA) is recognized worldwide as the professional voice of our industry and represents spas in over 70 countries. ISPA defines a spa as any place “dedicated to general well-being through a variety of professional services that promote the renewal of body, mind and soul”. This broad definition encompasses most spa experiences, from resorts to medicine to individual service providers, including doctors and nutritionists. ISPA membership shows spa visitors that they adhere to the ISPA Code of Conduct, including best practices regarding safety, disinfection, and hiring qualified personnel.

As a member, you get access to training such as the Certified Spa Supervisor Program, a research library, and webinars, courses, and textbooks on topics such as retail management and financial reporting. They also keep you up to date with the latest industry news and provide templates and guidelines for spas that may not have access to marketing or operations teams.

The ISPA network of spa operators, resource partners and providers is a big draw, and members have access to the full membership directory and ISPA job bank. You will also receive special prizes for the annual ISPA Conference & Expo, one of the leading networking events in the industry.

Forest and waterfall

Green spa network (GSN Planet)

Eminence is proud to be a "green" company and Certified B Corporation, which is committed to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Given our many shared values, it's no surprise that the Green Spa Network or GSN Planet is very important to us. GSN Planet is committed to “promoting the critical links between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and the health of our planet” and believes that the spa industry is particularly suited to be a catalyst for positive change.

GSN Planet memberships are tiered and begin with a free membership that includes access to webinars, newsletters and job search features. The higher levels include listings in the GSN Planet Spa Locator, access to the Sustainability Assessment Tool, the Green Toolkit, and industry research.

They also host the annual Green Spa Network Congress and recognize innovation and leadership in sustainability through the GSN Sustainability Awards.

Spa Industry Association (SIA)

In 2017 the Day Spa Association and meInternational Medical Spa Association consolidated their membership under the new one Association of the Spa Industry (SIA). Her mantra is: "Connect the community around the world" with a free membership that gives access to day spas and individual service providers.

SIA supports the professional spa industry by taking part in trade fairs, speaking at events and making industry tools more accessible. They gather resources and relevant information for their members – including spa and wellness research reports, industry news, and state legislative information. They also summarize accredited spa industry certifications, insurance options, and state spa associations.

Leading spas from Canada

The Leading Spas of Canada is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of "future-oriented spa professionals who saw great potential for spas in Canada to compete with the best in the world." Without national regulations, the organization developed standards and practices , a code of ethics, and a third-party quality assurance program to ensure that all members meet or exceed training, service, hygiene, and safety benchmarks.

The Leading Spas of Canada lead and connect the national spa industry, including spas, individual service providers, resource partners and educational institutions. Membership costs vary by category, from discounted student memberships to leading QA spa members (which indicates quality assurance for spa visitors).

Associations of the spa industry for beauticians / bodyworkers

While all of these associations are valuable to beauticians and service providers, many resources are aimed at spa owners and managers. The following organizations are aimed more directly at spa professionals at an individual level, including non-business owners and those in the early stages of their careers. You also focus on Training, certification and further training of beauticians – who we love!

Woman attending webinar on tablet

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)

The Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) pride themselves on being an essential partner “for beauticians at every stage of the journey”. This includes membership options for students, educators, spa professionals, and employers developing their businesses.

ASCP publishes a bi-monthly magazine (ASCP Skin Deep) and continuously updates its news and video libraries to reflect the latest research, laws, events and trends in the industry. They offer on-demand webinars, marketing support, website building tools and the ASCP Career Toolkit, including costing and business resources.

ASCP members also receive discounts on training, beautician training, insurance, equipment and events.

Spa staff

Professional Beauty Association (PBA)

The The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is open to a wider membership, including beauticians, hairdressers, makeup artists, freelancers and manufacturers. Her goal is to promote and expand careers within the broader beauty industry in the United States.

PBA members have access to an insurance market, industry research reports and business blueprints – various guides to compensation, operations, business planning, etc. Their visionary premium memberships include branding for your company, a marketing campaign and an account manager.

Finally, the PBA offers scholarship opportunities and supports a number of charities that benefit the professional beauty community.

While most of these associations have looked at COVID-19 and its impact on our community, it is important to remember that nothing that is proposed will replace your federal, state, or provincial government regulations. Check them frequently as the situation changes quickly. You can start here in the US and here in Canada.

In the meantime, we recommend that you contact your spa industry associations to obtain models for dealing with, adapting, and progressing. The most comprehensive is so far ISPA Spa Reopening Toolkit – a free guide for members and non-members with resources to prepare spas for safe reopening if the government allows it.

These professional associations are just a few of the organizations available in the industry. Which associations do you work with? Let us know in the comments below or share it with use on social media. Stay safe and check our blog as always Spa professional content

05 May
Blog

Stay Supported And Informed With These Spa Industry Associations

T.The professional spa industry has always been a close community, and we at Eminence Organics are committed to helping you find the support you need at this time and beyond. While every industry is affected by this pandemic in one way or another, the spa industry in particular – known for its human connection and wellbeing of body and mind – has to adapt.

Pandemic or not, there are a plethora of spa industry associations offering support and resources, and an entire network of spa professionals is ready to share their experiences and expertise. Your participation in these associations is growing and promoting the professional spa industry as a whole.

To help you navigate all of the spa industry associations, we've created a guide that will guide you to the support you need.

Spa industry associations for owners / directors

As a spa owner or director, you want to learn from the best in business: people with experience in running successful spas who know the industry inside out. You don't want to reinvent the wheel every time you make a business decision, with so much help available and a multitude of proven ones recommended procedure. Access to these resources starts here:

International Spa Association (ISPA)

The The International Spa Association (ISPA) is recognized worldwide as the professional voice of our industry and represents spas in over 70 countries. ISPA defines a spa as any place “dedicated to general well-being through a variety of professional services that promote the renewal of body, mind and soul”. This broad definition encompasses most spa experiences, from resorts to medicine to individual service providers, including doctors and nutritionists. ISPA membership shows spa visitors that they adhere to the ISPA Code of Conduct, including best practices regarding safety, disinfection, and hiring qualified personnel.

As a member, you get access to training such as the Certified Spa Supervisor Program, a research library, and webinars, courses, and textbooks on topics such as retail management and financial reporting. They also keep you up to date with the latest industry news and provide templates and guidelines for spas that may not have access to marketing or operations teams.

The ISPA network of spa operators, resource partners and providers is a big draw, and members have access to the full membership directory and ISPA job bank. You will also receive special prizes for the annual ISPA Conference & Expo, one of the leading networking events in the industry.

Forest and waterfall

Green spa network (GSN Planet)

Eminence is proud to be a "green" company and Certified B Corporation, which is committed to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Given our many shared values, it's no surprise that the Green Spa Network or GSN Planet is very important to us. GSN Planet is committed to “promoting the critical links between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and the health of our planet” and believes that the spa industry is particularly suited to be a catalyst for positive change.

GSN Planet memberships are tiered and begin with a free membership that includes access to webinars, newsletters and job search features. The higher levels include listings in the GSN Planet Spa Locator, access to the Sustainability Assessment Tool, the Green Toolkit, and industry research.

They also host the annual Green Spa Network Congress and recognize innovation and leadership in sustainability through the GSN Sustainability Awards.

Spa Industry Association (SIA)

In 2017 the Day Spa Association and meInternational Medical Spa Association consolidated their membership under the new one Association of the Spa Industry (SIA). Her mantra is: "Connect the community around the world" with a free membership that gives access to day spas and individual service providers.

SIA supports the professional spa industry by taking part in trade fairs, speaking at events and making industry tools more accessible. They gather resources and relevant information for their members – including spa and wellness research reports, industry news, and state legislative information. They also summarize accredited spa industry certifications, insurance options, and state spa associations.

Leading spas from Canada

The Leading Spas of Canada is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of "future-oriented spa professionals who saw great potential for spas in Canada to compete with the best in the world." Without national regulations, the organization developed standards and practices , a code of ethics, and a third-party quality assurance program to ensure that all members meet or exceed training, service, hygiene, and safety benchmarks.

The Leading Spas of Canada lead and connect the national spa industry, including spas, individual service providers, resource partners and educational institutions. Membership costs vary by category, from discounted student memberships to leading QA spa members (which indicates quality assurance for spa visitors).

Associations of the spa industry for beauticians / bodyworkers

While all of these associations are valuable to beauticians and service providers, many resources are aimed at spa owners and managers. The following organizations are aimed more directly at spa professionals at an individual level, including non-business owners and those in the early stages of their careers. You also focus on Training, certification and further training of beauticians – who we love!

Woman attending webinar on tablet

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)

The Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) pride themselves on being an essential partner “for beauticians at every stage of the journey”. This includes membership options for students, educators, spa professionals, and employers developing their businesses.

ASCP publishes a bi-monthly magazine (ASCP Skin Deep) and continuously updates its news and video libraries to reflect the latest research, laws, events and trends in the industry. They offer on-demand webinars, marketing support, website building tools and the ASCP Career Toolkit, including costing and business resources.

ASCP members also receive discounts on training, beautician training, insurance, equipment and events.

Spa staff

Professional Beauty Association (PBA)

The The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is open to a wider membership, including beauticians, hairdressers, makeup artists, freelancers and manufacturers. Her goal is to promote and expand careers within the broader beauty industry in the United States.

PBA members have access to an insurance market, industry research reports and business blueprints – various guides to compensation, operations, business planning, etc. Their visionary premium memberships include branding for your company, a marketing campaign and an account manager.

Finally, the PBA offers scholarship opportunities and supports a number of charities that benefit the professional beauty community.

While most of these associations have looked at COVID-19 and its impact on our community, it is important to remember that nothing that is proposed will replace your federal, state, or provincial government regulations. Check them frequently as the situation changes quickly. You can start here in the US and here in Canada.

In the meantime, we recommend that you contact your spa industry associations to obtain models for dealing with, adapting, and progressing. The most comprehensive is so far ISPA Spa Reopening Toolkit – a free guide for members and non-members with resources to prepare spas for safe reopening if the government allows it.

These professional associations are just a few of the organizations available in the industry. Which associations do you work with? Let us know in the comments below or share it with use on social media. Stay safe and check our blog as always Spa professional content

27 Feb
Blog

Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid AWD First Drive: Come For AWD, Stay For Comfort

Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid XSE

The RAV4 XSE Hybrid AWD from Toyota is a shockingly efficient SUV for all seasons

"Nobody can complain about the practicality of the Toyota RAV4, especially with hybrid technology and all-wheel drive."

  • Spacious, comfortable interior

  • Attractive style

  • Reliable AWD system

  • Excellent fuel consumption

  • So-so interior technology

  • Not really suitable for offroading

Women buy 54% of cars in the United States and, unlike men, do not decide which car or model to buy based on the model or brand. Women are usually more practical and take care of the interior or the cargo space the most.

That is true in my case. As a journalist and filmmaker, I have to have a second closet in my car and enough space to bring my lighting and camera equipment. And I need space for my two babies – my dog ​​Bruno and my cat Roberta. I really want everything.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid All-Wheel Drive (AWD) meets all of the above requirements at an affordable price. You can keep your vacation budget by understanding your financial needs, your family, and your lifestyle expectations.

As a thrill seeker, I decided to analyze this SUV on a trip where Florida alligators set the rules. Everglades National Park. The muddy park became the perfect place to experiment with the RAV4's all-wheel drive system as I thought about how it could fit into my everyday life.

AWD and off-road performance

The RAV4 Hybrid AWD is the best-selling SUV in America. While most people buy it with a 4-cylinder engine, the hybrid version offers many advantages. Thanks to the combination of a gasoline engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear, it not only delivers better mileage, but also more power than others (219 compared to the 4-cylinder 203).

The petrol engine drives the front wheels, while a 54 hp engine only drives the rear. They work together on an electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system that allows the car to decide how to supply electricity.

Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid XSELara-Carolina Fernandez / Digital Trends

Such an advanced system has practical advantages under tricky conditions. The off-road experience begins by activating the trail mode, which makes the vehicle more aggressive and ready to overcome the obstacles ahead.

Although the RAV4 has no mechanical limited slip differential, it has an electronic lock. A computerized operation in which the rear electric motor is activated to give the wheels more power by turning faster and pushing the vehicle thanks to the traction it generates.

If you only use EV mode with activated trail mode, you can drive through steep gravel hills. With the automatic all-wheel drive, the computer can analyze where the torque is needed. In this case, thanks to the electric motor, up to 80% can drive to the rear wheel.

The Hybrid AWD drivetrain impressed me. In fact, Digital Trends rates the Toyota RAV4 as one of the best hybrid family SUVs available today.

The driving experience

The RAV4 AWD, which is based on a platform shared with the Camry on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), is not designed for extreme off-roading. This is probably not a surprise.

Still, his off-road skills are not pointless. Many RAV4 buyers choose the small SUV from Toyota over a Corolla or Camry because the RAV4 performs excellently under adverse conditions. The all-wheel drive system of the RAV4 is intended to strengthen driver confidence and is successful.

Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid XSELara-Carolina Fernandez / Digital Trends

If you hope to be off the beaten path, make no mistake. The RAV4 Hybrid AWD currently lacks ground clearance, tire capability and suspension for serious crawling.

The RAV4 Hybrid XSE is 8.1 inches above the ground. That's enough to handle most winter storms, but not enough to keep it away from jagged rocks on a path. The RAV4 is clearly best suited for people living in the city, as it no longer has to adapt to certain situations such as flooding or snowfall in the city.

When you're ready to spend a little more money, Toyota offers the Adventure model with a 8.6-inch ground clearance. However, you cannot buy the Adventure model with the hybrid powertrain. It will still have AWD, but it will work differently than the model I drove.

However, among its main competitors, the RAV4 is the one that stands out. The Honda CR-V is a well-known rival 7.1 inches from the ground, while the Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Rogue are at least 7.9 and 7.4 inches, respectively. The only model that fits the adventure model is the Buick Envision, which is 8.6 inches above the ground. Other competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage have a ground clearance of 6.4.

Tires are also crucial in off-road conditions. The RAV4 Hybrid XSE has 18-inch all-season bikes that are covered with the Dunlop Grandtrek P20. These tires, like the rest of the RAV4 Hybrid XSE, can process some snow, but are not ideal for conditions with strong weather. In my off-road experience, the RAV4 had difficulties on an inclined gravel road – especially with the rear wheels.

Lara-Carolina Fernandez / Digital Trends

The rear independent suspension ensures better traction. Because of its electric motor in the rear, it supports the car on steep hills. The articulation is not bad, but lockers (an unusual feature) or descent control (which is more common) are missing.

When driving the RAV4 Hybrid XSE on an inclined gravel road, the rear wheels simply pull. In order to get out of this situation, I had to back up and accelerate several times. The RAV4 Hybrid XSE was better on flat roads, and although its distance is minimal, the few inches it can claim compared to a Camry are appreciated.

Design and style

I brought my sister with me to learn more about the comfort and cabin of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE. She is a busy woman and mother who works as an inventory analyst between 9 and 5. It was a feast for the eyes to drive with someone whose priorities are completely different from mine, and in between operations we put the SUV through its paces.

We agreed that the RAV4 also looks sporty in a hybrid look for a small SUV. We found that the RAV4 Hybrid is suitable for a young family like my sister's or for outdoor-loving singles who want a stylish but economical ride.

The RAV4 has really conquered our hearts with its bold front grille, accompanied by LED headlights and fog lights. Our tester also had a black body package with LED taillights, spoilers, double exhaust and a panoramic sunroof to improve the view of the street.

Some of these features, such as the sunroof, are optional, but the LED lights and double exhaust tips are standard. Steel wheels are the only low-cost exterior feature of the basic RAV4 LE, and all hybrid models are upgraded to alloy wheels.

Interior and comfort

Powered by a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder gearbox (CVT). The Toyota RAV4 is a quiet ride. You can speak or hear your favorite songs from the engine without much background noise. However, my sister Isabel has a 4 year old in the house and mentioned that she would prefer the RAV4 hybrid to make more noise.

The RAV4 is a great size for city life as it is not too big. My test model also had a large rear view camera with an overhead and 360 degree panoramic view, which made parallel parking in a narrow street much easier.

Lara-Carolina Fernandez / Digital Trends

Toyota offers one of the best entune infotainment on the market. A multimedia navigation system that provides satellite-based information on traffic, weather, sports results, stocks and many other functions. For $ 1,620, you get an 8-inch touchscreen with buttons and buttons, app integration like Apple CarPlay, and my sister's favorite, Wi-Fi connectivity.

Let's now compare RAV4's infotainment system with its long-standing rival: the Honda CR-V.

Hondalink's system is called Hondalink, but it's still not noticeable. The CR-V has a 7-inch display, only a volume control and no Wi-Fi connection. The appearance of the graphic display falls behind the Toyota Entune system, which has a striking 8-inch touchscreen display.

However, Entune is far from perfect. Android owners will not be enthusiastic about RAV4, as Toyota's infotainment only allows Apple CarPlay. This offers the CR-V an advantage as Hondalink supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The cabin technology of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is not up to date, but the RAV4 does have a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 features. This includes braking before a collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alarm, automatic high beam and radar cruise control. Competitors like the CR-V from Honda and the Escape from Ford are on par with the Toyota system, but options like the Chevy Equinox and the Nissan Rogue retain all of their safety features for step-up models.

Should you buy it

As daughters of a car parts seller, my sister and I agreed on the total price, fuel consumption and the resale potential of the RAV4 XSE. For $ 38,294, you can enjoy the comfortable leather seats, a digital and analog instrument cluster, a wireless Qi charging pad, and USB chargers at the front and back.

The second row offers enough leg and head room for tall adults and has ventilation slots, but no air conditioning. The car also features an electric tailgate and a total loading capacity of 69.8 cubic feet once the rear seats have been folded down. That's at the top of the segment, although the Honda CR-V is slightly better at 75.8 cubic feet.

When comparing fuel consumption between hybrid and gas, the hybrid powertrain is worth the additional $ 1,400. The gas model gives you 25 miles per gallon in the city, 33 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined. The hybrid achieves excellent 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 40 mpg together. You can easily make up for the costs of the hybrid upgrade over a period of five years.

The Toyota RAV4 is a practical car, family-oriented and suitable for anyone who needs a lot of space in a medium-sized vehicle. It's not the most exciting choice, but I can hardly fault the practicality of the RAV4.

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