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Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Forester?
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Comments
So, the Mercedes E55 isn't performance oriented, with its 5-speed auto? 469 hp seems to "perform" pretty well.
Just b/c an auto is in it, does not mean it isn't a performance car. If any of these SUVs are credited as a performance car, I will eat my hat, anyways.
When the CR-V is really packed to the gills on long vacations, I open the glass window and stuff in more loose items. Just remember to pull them back out via the window - if you open the door it will all spill out! So yes, it is useful...
When the CR-V is really packed to the gills on long vacations, I open the glass window and stuff in more loose items. Just remember to pull them back out via the window - if you open the door it will all spill out! So yes, it is useful...
Regularly. In fact, the Subaru, RAV4 and CR-V were so close in the test drive that the flip up window, ample ground clearance and easily accessible tie downs underneath were features that persuaded me the Honda would be easiest to live with. My kayak easily fits inside the CR-V with a couple feet sticking out the rear window. No need to wrestle it up on the roof at the end of a day's paddling.
Also, I thought the CR-V had less road rumble than the RAV4, not that I'd describe either vehicle as quiet.
But the good news for buyers is that it's hard to make a truly bad choice in this class of vehicle.
Ah! I love it when someone selectively uses statistics to prove a point. In fact, the Forester performed the best "overall" in the IIHS's tests. Yes there were a couple of specific areas where it only received an acceptable rating but compare that to the "overall" POOR rating that the CRV received for rear impact protection: http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=58
However, if safety is truly an overriding concern, I'd go with a full-size sedan or a minivan
-Frank
Hummer H1
Suburban
Escalade
Excursion
It will take a direct hit from a R.P.G.
tidester, host
Suburban
Escalade
Excursion
Statistically speaking, I believe that these are not as safe as a full-size sedan or minivan :P
I actually thought about mentionng the M1 Abrams as the ultimate safe vehicle but decided not to since they aren't readily available for civilian purchase :P Plus, there's no place to secure a child's car seat
-Frank
tidester, host
-Frank
-Frank
Bradley assault vehicle somes with 6WD and armored sides :-)
I hope people saw sarcasm in my original post.
This new RAV 4, though has got my attention with a 3500 lb tow capability and inexpensive tow package and the looks have improved substantially over the older RAV4's. I was never sure if they or Sante Fe's were worse looking.. But that new RAV 4 with the six cylinder (only one with higher tow rating than Subaru Forester) ends up costing about 5K + over a Forester. You can get an Outback with the same specs as the RAV 4 and a Turbo if you want.
So, maybe once they get a few years on this new RAV 4, and make sure that extremely complex AWD works (I hear it is essentially a two wheel drive with an extremely sophisticated four wheel traction control.) Anyone have any facts on that?
Right now, my Forester kicks booty going up the mountains and then across states at 75 mph getting 22 mpg towing 1,800 lbs of pop up camper passing much bigger TV's along the way.
Works for me...but That new RAV4 is definitely worth a look.
james
It is interesting that the Forester 4-cyl. only has 7 more hp than the RAV 4-cyl. but has a better tow rating by 900 lbs.!
Samantha
-Frank
That's an excellent question you ask. Yes, Class I towing is up to 2000 pounds, and Class II towing is up to 3500 pounds. Why Subaru doesn't offer a tow hitch that's rated at 3000 pounds is really stupid.
And, to add to your frustration, if your trailer doesn't have trailer brakes, all you can tow is 1000 pounds. Check your owner's manual, that info is in there.
I recently had a hitch installed on my '01 Forester from Jiffy Hitch. It's a Class II hitch, even though it's only rated to tow 2000 pounds. It costs a tad over $300.00 fully installed with wiring and hitch ball. The only thing I'm not wild about is the Mickey Mouse wiring set-up, which comes out of the trunk area. That means I have to shut the rear hatch with the wire coming off the side. I'm not happy about that.
Bob
I am in omaha, nebraska. we've ordered 2006 rav4 in march.
specs: 4 cyl, 4wd, silver, leather int, heated frnt seats, auto start.
that time dealer said in 3 months they will definately get it. but now it's over 3 mnths and he is saying he don't have any idea when it will be available.
why it's so hard to get rav4 while any other car is readily available. is there production problem?
also any hints as to how to deal with this dealer?
I am thinking of dropping rav4 and get honda crv or so... but i really want rav4 and can't wait any more...
any suggestions..
thanks..!
Your dealer could have ordered one and had it in about three months, but they probably thought they could get you one quicker through their regular allotments of vehicles.
So far I like the styling of the forester and the power of the Rav4 V6 :-)
The Forester 2.5X does feel quite sluggish to me. I wonder how it will handle in the mountains (Lake Tahoe in my case) during the ski season...
Does anyone have experience with either of these cars (base 4-cyl models) in mountain + snow conditions and how well they perform.
You also have to take into account the sort of people who buy Camrys and Accords.
On the other hand my wife's 96 RAV would go thru snow with bald tires with no problem. I hope our new 06 RAV is as good. To me, I'll take the AWD.....safer than FWD.
Consequently, they will take less chances, lessening their risk of being involved in an accident.
How much of that is the fault of the tires?
As opposed to what? Too much torque?
tidester, host
Which do you all think would be faster in a straight line acceleration? RAV4 V6 2WD or 4WD?
However consider this statement from edmunds (The available four-wheel-drive system operates in front-drive mode for optimum fuel-efficiency until a situation (such as quick acceleration from a stop or while driving on slippery roads) demands four-wheel drive, at which point up to 45 percent of the torque is transferred to the rear wheels. A "4WD Lock" switch allows one to manually select that maximum torque output to the rear wheels.)
I believe the 4WD weighs about 140 lbs. more than the 2WD - give or take. That will reduce acceleration somewhat.
tidester, host
fyi
Class II hitches are rated to 3500 lbs. Don't waste your time on the Subaru Hitch if you are interested in towing anything of substance.
Who's been waiting for the CR-V to hit the showrooms before deciding? Will the lack of a V-6 send you back to Subaru or Toyota?
Mileage is and actually always has been for me a deciding factor.
So I will go with a 4 cylinder model whichever I choose.
And the new CR-V looks good and has good cargo room to boot.
I guess I'm showing my age as I hope the car is quiet.
The 07 Rav4 does not have any substantial changes from the 06.
Another vehicle that should be compared here is the new Mitsubushi Outlander. Edmunds first drive gave high marks to the new model and it seems every bit as competent as the above mentioned.
-Frank P.
All are great vehicles. Check out the other forum for a wealth of comparisons.
The fact that RAV4 sales have doubled in the past year is due in part to having a V6 as an available engine choice. Sorry, Honda does indeed have its head in the sand (again!) on this matter.
Bob
It's not part of its DNA. :P
Actually Subaru does make 2WD cars, but strictly for the JDM market. Their microcars and the bottom-feeder trim level of the Impreza can be had with FWD or AWD.
Like the never-going-to-happen Accord V6, I bet we will see a V6 CRV someday—and well before we ever see a 2WD Subaru being sold globally.
Bob
On the all-wheel drive front, I reckon all, or at least the vast majority of vehicles, will one day be all-wheel drive. Fine with me.
Well, Honda values the benefits of their single engine strategy for the CR-V more than the benefits a V6 might provide.
Will we see a V6 CR-V? Maybe. But it probably won't happen until they have a V6 which provides the same positive qualities they achieve with an I4. Or might not. Perhaps we'll see a hybrid, or an HCCI engine, or even a fuel cell.
Unlike Subaru, Honda doesn't peg their designs on a single technology or design. They engineer around ideals and pick the technology or design which best meets those ideals - best tool for the job.
At this point in time, Honda doesn't see the need for more power to get the job done. Enthusiasts have been clamoring for a V6 since 1997, yet CR-V sales have been climbing up and up. Seems to me Honda is better at understanding the job than enthusiasts.
Well, yeah... of course it is a choice...
They tried FWD before, and they almost went out of business. Being 100% AWD was their savior, is their savior, and will continue to be their savior. That's what Subaru is known for. That's their identity—and hence their "DNA." There's too many 2WD brands out there to compete against, and Subaru is only 100% AWD car brand out there. That makes them pretty special, and keeps them unique in the marketplace. There are plenty of sodas out there but there's only one Coca-Cola. There are plenty of jeans out there but there is only one Levi's. There are plenty of AWD car wannabes out there, but there is only one Subaru.
Seems to me Honda is better at understanding the job than enthusiasts.
You seem to be implying that if they had a V6, their sales might be less then what they are. I'm saying—as good as their sales are—they'd even be better if they had a V6 for customers to choose from.
Bob
Huh? What about the Forester? Small SUV - check; four-cylinder engine - check; two rows of seats - check. I guess the Forester is the Rodney Dangerfield of its class... it's named Best SUV three years running by Car & Driver and still gets no respect/recognition
-Frank
Even if they gain 10-20K units per year (which would actually surpass sales of the RAV4), that would result in a slim profit increase to cover an expensive upgrade.