Originally Posted by David2431
I see you live in Wisconsin. I live in central Nebraska. Our winters are often similar. Actual outdoor temps can easily fall to -10º and stay there for a week. I've seen -35º, but not as often in more recent times.
We bought a 2014 RAV4 from our daughter's family when the number of kids grew too large for that vehicle. She purchased it new and always used 0W20 as per spec.
When we got the vehicle I wanted to use my stash of 5W20 Phillips Choice syn blend, so after much worry and investigation online I took the plunge and began using it last May. When it's really hot I've been going 50/50 with 5W20 and 5W30.
I see no difference in startup noise, fuel consumption, or oil cleanliness between oil changes. The vehicle uses NO oil between changes with either oil, which are usually every 2,500 miles (we've put 27,000 miles on it in the past 18 months-total mileage is now 102,000.)
This winter I will switch back to 0W20 synthetic (QS) for the coldest months, as the car is stored in a detached, usually unheated garage.
I think much of my worry was for nothing.
You absolutely nailed it.