Author Topic: CD Article: Suzuki XL7 vs. Toyota RAV4 Sport (Read 8674 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** November 06, 2006, 10:45:01 pm »

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....

Long-term test:

With winter on the way, it's a good time to begin a long-term comparison test of three new, popular SUVs: the new Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 and Suzuki XL7 - all V6 models priced in the mid $30,000 range as equipped. Each month, we'll update you on their differences and similarities, strengths and weaknesses, and the general experience of living with these SUVs. For our initial impressions, click here.
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nowcar · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2006, 10:53:38 pm »

I think a longterm test like this is a really good idea, it lets the journalist get more seat time and pick up on things you just can't notice in a few hours.

amorak · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2006, 10:54:46 pm »

There is an error in the article:

The Santa Fe employs a 3.3L engine, not a 3.5L as is written.

Other then that, I anxiously await an update in this long-term comparo!

wing · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2006, 10:58:13 pm »

Yup it's great especially when there are no other cars around, means we never have to drive our own cars

We normally get 1 week behind the wheel of test vehicles.

I'll let them know about the mistake.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2006, 11:02:57 pm »

I like the comparison test format. Tested alone, every vehicle (almost) is good. Tested together a lot more detail seems to come out.

chrischasescars · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2006, 11:07:50 pm »

Quote from: amorak on November 06, 2006, 10:54:46 pm

There is an error in the article:

The Santa Fe employs a 3.3L engine, not a 3.5L as is written.

Good eye. Thanks for letting us know. It's been fixed.

carcrazy · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2006, 01:29:48 am »

"Finally, each model is all new for 2007. "

Paul!!!.... In case you missed it, RAV4 was ALL NEW last year - 2006.

Why do you guys keep putting Santa Fe and XL7 in the same class with RAV4? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the difference. Use Highlander for comparison with Santa Fe and XL7, or compare RAV4 with Grand Vitara and Escape. It's very simple ... and more accurate. Or, make a note that you are cross comparing between classes and the confusion will be avoided. But than, what's the point comparing apples to oranges? We all know that they are different but in the same time they have something in common: they are both fruits.
In regards to Nitro, I don't think it can be compared with RAV4 either. Not sure what compares with though...
Just my 2 cents...

soj · « **Reply #7 on:** November 07, 2006, 03:04:40 am »

I don't believe it, Canadian Driver has actually grown confident enough to do an actual comparison test! One where judgment may have to be passed. Bravo, you are to be congratulated, could this mark a new beginning?

Loudpedal · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2006, 07:46:15 am »

Now this test is going to be good. It would be even better if it had soundclips of the engines from stop to 100 kph.

Looking at the rear cargo area of the XL-7, it almost resembles that of a minivan.

UDB · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2006, 08:30:20 am »

Quote from: carcrazy on November 07, 2006, 01:29:48 am

Why do you guys keep putting Santa Fe and XL7 in the same class with RAV4? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the difference. Use Highlander for comparison with Santa Fe and XL7, or compare RAV4 with Grand Vitara and Escape. It's very simple ... and more accurate. Or, make a note that you are cross comparing between classes and the confusion will be avoided. But than, what's the point comparing apples to oranges? We all know that they are different but in the same time they have something in common: they are both fruits.
In regards to Nitro, I don't think it can be compared with RAV4 either. Not sure what compares with though...
Just my 2 cents...

Euh I don't understand your point and I don't think you went at the dealer see the new RAV4.. The new RAV4 is way bigger than the one it replace and it now about the same size of a SanteFee, Equinox, Nitro, etc.

Here's the RAV4, XL-7 and SanteFee have seating for 7 passengers not the Nitro or the Grand Vitara.

Can't wait to see the result of the comparaison.

Bullet Blue · « **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2006, 08:58:20 am »

Quote from: wing on November 06, 2006, 10:58:13 pm

Yup it's great especially when there are no other cars around, means we never have to drive our own cars

That's funny.

Still, I like the comparo tests. I think we should have more of them. Good to each vehicle breakdown side by side.

simonsez · « **Reply #11 on:** November 07, 2006, 09:35:49 am »

I will be anxiously waiting for the follow-ups on this comparo as well since I'll be in the market for one of these (more the Rav4 and Santa Fe) in the coming months.

I'll also be throwing the new Mitsu Outlander in that mix when I start my car shopping, it's too bad one cannot be available for the test team as I believe that the new model coming out falls right in that category. Wake up Mitsubishi!!

bmorton · « **Reply #12 on:** November 07, 2006, 10:14:43 am »

I have a new RAV4 and parked it near a new Santa Fe this weekend. Not sure how anyone could think they're not in the same class now in terms of size and price range.

Mine is the V6 w/leather model and the interior is somewhat more upscale than that of the Sport model used for this test, but I still think the Santa Fe is more elegant both inside and out. However, styling isn't everything and I'd still choose the RAV4 for its monster engine, better fuel economy and advanced drivetrain features.

Looking forward to seeing how the authors feel these compare in the real world.

carcrazy · « **Reply #13 on:** November 07, 2006, 11:44:23 am »

Quote from: UDB on November 07, 2006, 08:30:20 am

Quote from: carcrazy on November 07, 2006, 01:29:48 am

Why do you guys keep putting Santa Fe and XL7 in the same class with RAV4? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the difference. Use Highlander for comparison with Santa Fe and XL7, or compare RAV4 with Grand Vitara and Escape. It's very simple ... and more accurate. Or, make a note that you are cross comparing between classes and the confusion will be avoided. But than, what's the point comparing apples to oranges? We all know that they are different but in the same time they have something in common: they are both fruits.
In regards to Nitro, I don't think it can be compared with RAV4 either. Not sure what compares with though...
Just my 2 cents...

Euh I don't understand your point and I don't think you went at the dealer see the new RAV4.. The new RAV4 is way bigger than the one it replace and it now about the same size of a SanteFee, Equinox, Nitro, etc.

Here's the RAV4, XL-7 and SanteFee have seating for 7 passengers not the Nitro or the Grand Vitara.

Can't wait to see the result of the comparaison.

Your assumption is wrong: I test drove the RAV4 Sport and I studied both cars as I'm in the market for a compact SUV. I also spend endless hours reading car reviews and car forums as this is my hobby.
However, my point is that, in Toyota's line up, the RAV4 is the compact SUV, in Hyundai's line up Tucson is the compact SUV and in Suzuki's line up the Grand Vitara is the compact SUV. The next size up is Highlander, Santa Fe and XL7. If you look at each vehicle overall, interior feature set, driving characteristics, size etc., you will see my point.
Just because RAV4 is such a good package - the best in its class IMHO, it doesn't automatically make it a mid-size SUV.

carcrazy · « **Reply #14 on:** November 07, 2006, 11:49:48 am »

Quote from: simonsez on November 07, 2006, 09:35:49 am

I'll also be throwing the new Mitsu Outlander in that mix when I start my car shopping, it's too bad one cannot be available for the test team as I believe that the new model coming out falls right in that category. Wake up Mitsubishi!!

Correct, 2007 Outlander will fall right into the compact SUV category. It is on the top of my shopping list and I cannot wait untill February 2007 when it arrives in Canada.

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 07, 2006, 11:56:43 am »

Yeah, comparing with the Outlander would have been cool.

Regardless, this is a great comparo. Looking FW to the updates.

The RAV4 Sport has a great athletic planted stance, while the Santa Fe looks a little funkier and I prefer its interior. Is it just me, or does the XL-7 look unfinished in some parts? Would have liked more photos for all to spot differences between them.

UDB · « **Reply #16 on:** November 07, 2006, 12:19:36 pm »

Quote from: carcrazy on November 07, 2006, 11:44:23 am

Quote from: UDB on November 07, 2006, 08:30:20 am
Quote from: carcrazy on November 07, 2006, 01:29:48 am

Why do you guys keep putting Santa Fe and XL7 in the same class with RAV4? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the difference. Use Highlander for comparison with Santa Fe and XL7, or compare RAV4 with Grand Vitara and Escape. It's very simple ... and more accurate. Or, make a note that you are cross comparing between classes and the confusion will be avoided. But than, what's the point comparing apples to oranges? We all know that they are different but in the same time they have something in common: they are both fruits.
In regards to Nitro, I don't think it can be compared with RAV4 either. Not sure what compares with though...
Just my 2 cents...

Euh I don't understand your point and I don't think you went at the dealer see the new RAV4.. The new RAV4 is way bigger than the one it replace and it now about the same size of a SanteFee, Equinox, Nitro, etc.

Here's the RAV4, XL-7 and SanteFee have seating for 7 passengers not the Nitro or the Grand Vitara.

Can't wait to see the result of the comparaison.

Your assumption is wrong: I test drove the RAV4 Sport and I studied both cars as I'm in the market for a compact SUV. I also spend endless hours reading car reviews and car forums as this is my hobby.
However, my point is that, in Toyota's line up, the RAV4 is the compact SUV, in Hyundai's line up Tucson is the compact SUV and in Suzuki's line up the Grand Vitara is the compact SUV. The next size up is Highlander, Santa Fe and XL7. If you look at each vehicle overall, interior feature set, driving characteristics, size etc., you will see my point.
Just because RAV4 is such a good package - the best in its class IMHO, it doesn't automatically make it a mid-size SUV.

Anyway just check at bmorton post and also look at the dimensions in this article. RAV4 and Sante Fee are in the same class.

The Tucson is not competitor of the RAV4; Grand Vitara, CR-V and Patriot are in terms of size. The Highlander is nearly over 40K$ and next generation will be bigger than the current.

I think we should start to use same terminology as for the car for SUV classification:

Sub-compct SUV
compact SUV
Midsize SUV
Large SUV.
X-Large SUV

Loudpedal · « **Reply #17 on:** November 07, 2006, 12:35:20 pm »

Quote from: carcrazy on November 07, 2006, 01:29:48 am

Why do you guys keep putting Santa Fe and XL7 in the same class with RAV4? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the difference. Use Highlander for comparison with Santa Fe and XL7, or compare RAV4 with Grand Vitara and Escape. It's very simple ... and more accurate. Or, make a note that you are cross comparing between classes and the confusion will be avoided. But than, what's the point comparing apples to oranges? We all know that they are different but in the same time they have something in common: they are both fruits.
In regards to Nitro, I don't think it can be compared with RAV4 either. Not sure what compares with though...
Just my 2 cents...

I'm just glad the new CR-V was not included.

Winklovic · « **Reply #18 on:** November 07, 2006, 12:36:55 pm »

I do not like D-pillars that are wider at the bottom (see the Toyota pic at the top of this page.) It just looks wrong.

Loudpedal · « **Reply #19 on:** November 07, 2006, 12:42:48 pm »

Quote from: winklovic on November 07, 2006, 12:36:55 pm

I do not like D-pillars that are wider at the bottom (see the Toyota pic at the top of this page.) It just looks wrong.

The Murano made it right.