Topic: Long-Term Test Update 1: 2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE FWD

[Autos_Editor]

The RAV4 has seen a lot of cargo hauling and people transporting, managing it all very efficiently.

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[redman]

Nice review thanks. I have to admit that initially I was not keen on  the new Rav4 but it's growing on me, not quite wanting to buy but not alienating it either.

[carcrazed]

Nice review thanks. I have to admit that initially I was not keen on  the new Rav4 but it's growing on me, not quite wanting to buy but not alienating it either.

+1  The exterior is somewhat growing on me.  I walk by one every day in my condo's parking lot and it's not as bad as I initially thought.
I guess these thing are selling well, I see them everywhere now.
I still prefer the Forester so far.

[DarkHelmet]

XLE trim and a plastic steering wheel.   

I guess I'm being petty, but c'mon...

[Northernridge]

Nice story...my family is from the Townships so I'm a little nostalgic about the area.

Toyota seems to be on its best game with the new RAV4. I would shop this, the Forrester and CRV myself...I think my favourite going in would be the RAV4, but it's close.

[johngenx]

Honestly, I'd have a very hard time choosing between the Forester and the RAV were I buying new today.  They're both new, they're both improved, and both companies have paid close attention to details.

The Forester still has an AWD advantage, but it's narrower than before with Toyota's enhancements to their system.

The Toyota dealer closest to me sucks less than any of our local Subaru dealers.  Faint praise, but...

Toyota brings a lot of value for your money.  Subaru's pricing is fine, but the additional fees are killers.  You can buy a RAV AWD for quite a bit less than a Forester.

I think the decision would have to be in the driving.  I'd need a pretty substantial test drive in both.

[mrthompson]

Good overall road trip story and review.

[dragonfly]

 No lit controls...?? How do you work things after dark? This is obviously the base model...and probably in the low 20's eh?  Just how much is this thing?  It would be a good item to include in the review...The cost..Thanks for a nice travelogue/review.... I still have to think this is nowhere near the quality and value of a new Santa Fe Sport...Or nearly as attractive, inside and out....Mine gets 32 MPG on the road...How does that compare  in litres per 100Ks?....  Jack

[PlanB]

Honestly, I'd have a very hard time choosing between the Forester and the RAV were I buying new today.  They're both new, they're both improved, and both companies have paid close attention to details.

The Forester still has an AWD advantage, but it's narrower than before with Toyota's enhancements to their system.

The Toyota dealer closest to me sucks less than any of our local Subaru dealers.  Faint praise, but...

Toyota brings a lot of value for your money.  Subaru's pricing is fine, but the additional fees are killers.  You can buy a RAV AWD for quite a bit less than a Forester.

I think the decision would have to be in the driving.  I'd need a pretty substantial test drive in both.

I don't mean to start a whole CR bashing/defending thread but perhaps this would sway your decision:

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2014-subaru-forester-gets-big-approval-consumer-repo/

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/

I too am debating b/t the Subaru and the Toyota (and the CR-V also) and after I read that I have to admit I am leaning a certain way now. 

*edit:  threw that second link in there because it contained the video which I thought was very interesting - perhaps other would as well? 

[blotter]

And, while Consumer Reports doesn't exactly lavish written paeans on the Subaru Forester in its latest review – that's just not its style – it did give the CUV a remarkably high overall score.

while I don't follow CR as much as some may, I do beleive CR has always given high marks for Subaru vehicles, have they not?
so I don't see this as a surprise.

[PlanB]

And, while Consumer Reports doesn't exactly lavish written paeans on the Subaru Forester in its latest review – that's just not its style – it did give the CUV a remarkably high overall score.

while I don't follow CR as much as some may, I do beleive CR has always given high marks for Subaru vehicles, have they not?
so I don't see this as a surprise.

I understand the same thing (high marks for Subaru's) but from what I understand, this mark is exceptionally high for ANY vehicle, even a Subaru.  I'm not saying that CR is the be-all-end-all and people should buy based in their recommendations, but for myself, it's a factor. 

[Ex-airbalancer]

No lit controls...?? How do you work things after dark? This is obviously the base model...and probably in the low 20's eh?  Just how much is this thing?  It would be a good item to include in the review...The cost..Thanks for a nice travelogue/review.... I still have to think this is nowhere near the quality and value of a new Santa Fe Sport...Or nearly as attractive, inside and out....Mine gets 32 MPG on the road...How does that compare  in litres per 100Ks?....  Jack

What are miles? What are gallons ?

[Solstice2006]

So true...why does he ask us? Don't be so lazy, google calculator is just a click away...

Interesting the many conversations in comparing the Subaru and the RAV4, the two companies that have a partnership, I know no components in this application are being used.  But I still find it a little interesting,...

[johngenx]

Gallons were once used in ancient times when witchcraft ruled the world and people hadn't discovered the amazing idea of using base 10 for everything.

[Fobroader]

Gallons were once used in ancient times when witchcraft ruled the world and people hadn't discovered the amazing idea of using base 10 for everything.

 

[sailor723]

Nice review although it's a good thing you were picking up a guy. When I went to get my daughter last month at Acadia the contents of her room had the ML and the Rogue pretty well filled with the backseat down in both cars. A Rav4 would not have cut it. 

[blotter]

Nice review although it's a good thing you were picking up a guy. When I went to get my daughter last month at Acadia the contents of her room had the ML and the Rogue pretty well filled with the backseat down in both cars. A Rav4 would not have cut it.

WOW!  She must have a lot of stuff.
i've moved many times and helped others and the RAV with rear seats folded blew people away as to how much could fit in it! 

[sailor723]

Well, from what I remember............

Two overseas sized suitcases and two regular suitcases, one large garment bag, assorted winter boots, three 8"x15"x36" underbed tupperware storage totes,night table,lamp,printer, laptop, Ipod dock/clock radio, 5'x7' area rug, bar fridge, two full book bags, box of books, bulletin board, three framed prints, mirror, Canada goose parka and assorted other coats on hangers, two garbage bags of bedding, pillows, throw blankets,mattress pad, towels etc., down duvet in case, assorted purses/messenger bags,makeup case,laundry basket.

 Apparently girls need more stuff than guys 

 It was either two cars or Uhaul trailer 

[Frontier1]

Santa Fe or CX5 for me.  Not a fan of pleather things.

[Black Hatch]

I was going to say how come no CX-5 or Escape of all the other CUVs brought up so far.

Escape and CX-5 seem to get accolades and yet seem to get no love here (from some of the above posters)

Hmmmm on a side-note... maybe a change of direction.
I want to test drive the RAV4, CR-V, Forrester and Escape.