Topic: Decision Time: Rav4 vs. Forester

[saint_satan]

It’s finally time to replace the faithful Jeep Cherokee.  I started thinking about this about 7 months ago.  My original plan was to grab a low km Jeep Liberty as a replacement. In the meantime it seems that my family will be expanding (my wife is 7 months along with #1!) and I (reluctantly) decided some thing more practical than a true utility vehicle is in order.  It might not be a bad idea to get something new that’s safer, has more cargo room, etc. 

This vehicle is primarily our “family” vehicle, and we’ll keep my wife’s Civic as the puddle jumper.  I still would like AWD to go to my dad’s cottage, tow a small boat or snowmobile, go skiing and hiking in eastern Ontario, etc.  Our commutes are 12 minutes and 22 minutes so fuel economy is important but not critical.  I keep my cars 7+ years.  We are on the edge of a snowbelt but we are not in the mountains so I won’t fool myself into pretending super capability is required – but I like it (I did love to push the XJ at the lake – but it wasn’t the “family car”).  I'm thinking something that can tackle logging roads, etc.

I don’t want to spend more than $30K – I’d rather spend my money on a home reno.

I test drove and eliminated the following vehicles:

Jeep Patriot:  Good price, love the style but hate the CVT/engine combo, poor visibility, small fuel tank and pretty small cargo area

Jeep Liberty:  Fugly.  Slower, lower and heavier than the Cherokee or the 1st gen Liberty

Honda CR-V and Santa Fe:  Did not test drive.  I’m not nuts on the styling so they were not considered.  (Sorry and no offence – I know both are excellent cars).

Ford Escape:  Originally, this was my “go to” because of the price, V6 power and the traditional SUV styling.  After sitting in its competitors, however, I noticed how cheap the interior was.  Everything from the door handles to the dash was flimsy.  The seats where like burlap.  Maybe the leather was better.   Lots of power but loud and jittery – kinda like the Cherokee.  Endearing for a true offroader, not a CUV.

Suzuki Grand Vitara:  I like this thing.  For me, not for the family, however.  Cargo area is small and price is not competitive with premium brands.  Suzuki discontinued the V6 this year.  I’m also worried Suzuki is going the way of the Do Do.  The local dealership barely sells any new Suzukis and is dealing more Ford trucks and motor bikes.

Nissan Rogue:  Too small for a family vehicle.  Decent run-about though.  Again, a CVT

So my two finalist are the Rav4 and the Subaru Forester.

Subaru Forester:  . Decent space, decent looks and a good compromise of utility and functionality. The local dealer has left over 2010s and is offering them at a big discount (~$4K).  I drove the 2011 and 2010 and I can’t really feel any difference in power – I’m not sure there is enough to warrant a step up to a 2011.  It will still tow my boat (barely) but it have that extra functionality of being a utility vehicle.  I like everything about the Forester except I find it a bit underpowered (I’m used to a 4.0L). I’m also worried about cost of maintenance stories I’ve heard.

Rav4:  This is the “belly button SUV”.  They are everywhere.  I always thought the styling was OK.  The V6 is an absolute scream to drive.  Lots of space and it is probably better at towing than the Forester.  Not nuts on the swinging door (much prefer the hatch) but our entrance to our home through the garage is on the left, so the right swinging door actually works better for us.  My main concerns with this car are cost – the base V6 comes well equipped but with steel wheels for $4-5K more than a 2010 forester – and the AWD system.  Coming from a tank of a Cherokee, I’d hate to be disappointed.


Any experience/thoughts in CD land?

[carcrazy]

The Outlander V6 should check all your boxes if you like the car and have dealers in your area.

Otherwise, the Forester and RAV4 are good choices in the segment.
The negatives on the RAV4 are the AWD and the ground clearance (7.5 in) for an all-weather, all-roads vehicle.
The Forester has a smaller cargo area, less power and less towing capacity (2500 lbs).

Your criteria are almost identical with mine 4 years ago. At the time, the Outlander was the answer for me (versus RAV4 V6). Today, since I don't like the facelift on the Outlander, I think I would trade a bit of cargo and power and go with the Forester.

[airbalancer]

I would go with an Outback over a Forester

One kid does not take up much room,

[Careener]

Just a quick comment as both vehicles are good. Personally I'd get the Forester but you won't go wrong with either vehicle.
If you plan on keeping it for 7 yrs or so you should think ahead as to whether you think you might have a second child within that timeframe as it may influence your decision or have you consider other options.
Congrats on kid #1 by the way.
We have 2
 kids and a Mazda 6 wagon. I snowboard regularly in Quebec, Vermont and NY and have never ever had a problem with a 2wd car with decent snow tire. 

[saint_satan]

airbalancer:

I like the Outback - the new one has grown on me.  I'm wondering if the 2.5i with the CVT would be even slower than the Forester given the larger size of the vehicle.  Also, 2010s Foresters are still around at $4,000 off  no such luck on the Outback.  I'd love the 3.6 but I can't justify the $36K.  I've got too much "used car" in my DNA.  My Cherokee cost me $12K @ 2 years old and I drove it for 8 years

[inco]

I would suggest that the 2011 Forester would be a better choice than the 2010. New engine and no timing belt to contend with. We will be getting one this summer.

However the price of the 10 is very good and could pay for the belt changes over the years that you plan on keeping it so it's a toss up.

The Rav is also a very good vehicle and made in Canada now, if that matters.

[mrthompson]

How big/heavy is your boat (and trailer)?  How often do you tow it?

[airbalancer]

You can not good wrong with just about any vechicule now
Have you check price out of the States?

[saint_satan]

Thanks, all:


Mr. Thompson:
The boat is about 800-900 lbs (15 foot fibreglass fishing with 25 h.p.).  I trailer it about 3-4 times a year but I take it 3+ hours across Highway 7A.  The Cherokee towed it effortlessly.  I'm sure the Forester could do it, but the Rav4 would be better.

Inco:

I'm with ya the 2010 vs. 2011.  I HATE dealing with the timing belt.  But $4,000 would cover the cost and then some. I wouldn’t have to worry about it for years, though.   The 2011 engine is a disappointment with no appreciable or noticable power gain. (actually, there was a report that the Patrot would have a V6 - part of the reason I waited until 2011 MY - that didn't pan out either) So I’m on the fence, although I do like saving money if there’s no significant difference.

[mrthompson]

Does your wife have a preference?   

[saint_satan]

 

Ya - not the Grand Cherokee - which is what I wanted.

The Rav4 offers more power, easier maintenance (dealer and parts network), more space.  Forester, better AWD, better price and, lets face it, a bit more unique and trendy (there’s 4 RAV4s at work).

Hard choice!!!

[blur911]

If you sometimes actually enjoy driving in the snow, then get the Subaru.

[CanuckG35]

Just for the heck of it, have you considered the new Sportage/Sorento?

[saint_satan]

Yes.  My brother has had 2 Sorrentos and liked them both.  I little on the large side.  Probably bigger than we want..

[mrthompson]

Bigger is sometimes better.  Is the Chrysler Town and Country still available with AWD? 

Where's johngenx on this? 

[Juke1]

Forester, best looks, best AWD.  All Foresters have heated seats regardless of trim.  RAV4, heated seats with leather pkg.  Ugly tire on tailgate.

Also should have a look at insurance rates.

[johngenx]

I like them both, but what are your priorities?  Subaru AWD is superior.  Build quality is probably a wash.  Forester room is more than enough for us, and mine is a bit smaller than the 2010.  With 168K until timing belts, no need to pay more for the 2011 just for the timing chain.  Toyota resale is probably a bit better. 

But, reading your OP, the $4K off the Forester would seal the deal for me.  In fact, I'm going to see if my dealer has the same deal going, and if so, I might buy a 2010 right now.  They might have some manual trans 2010's left...

[mrthompson]

There he is.

[saint_satan]

Johngenx:

I don't want to completely mislead.  Here's how I came to $4K difference.


2010 Outdoor Package is $1,000 cheaper than the 2011 Convenience Package and features $1,200 of “must have” equipment for me.  Factory tow package ($700), cross rails ($200) cargo cover ($200) and cargo tray ($100).  2011 features Bluetooth – but I could care less.  So in addition to paying $1000 more, I'd probably have to add another $1,200 in accessories I want.  So far $2500 after tax.  The dealer is pretty motivated to get rid of the 2010s vs. 2011s and will deal for several hundred less (I think he said difference of $500ish from invoice).  The difference in financing rate 2010 vs 2011 is 2.9% vs 4.9%.  So to finance, say, $20K the difference is $600ish over 5 years. Subie also has a $500 bonus for any cars.

Insurance rates for me are $100 for the Forester, $110 for the Rav4.  Not a huge difference but another $600 over 5 years.

[Leviathan]

Without having driven either I'd lean towards the Subaru.

Any consideration for the Equinox/Terrain?