Honda CRV or Toyota Rav4?

[automaton 3]

My wife and I are in the market for the same class of vehicle and have been shopping around. I would have to say we agree with the majority of comments here.

We really like the Tiguan, but not the price.

Overall we were underwhelmed by the Rav4. Fugly interior and unusual swinging door that looks like it would be a PITA. Really nice V6. Relatively expensive for what you get. The Toyota salesman came accross quite arrogant as well, probably has had it too good for too long.

The CRV reminds me of an appliance. Functional.

The Santa Fe was quite impressive, to our surprise. Nice power with the V-6, very quiet and comfortable.

Good luck, and let us know what you end up with!

Edit: we haven't looked at the Equinox yet but it looks like a good value and claims outstanding fuel economy. When we went to look at one they only had one left on the lot and it was out on a test drive. The sales manager (who I know and wouldn't exaggerate) said that the one they have on the lot had something like 2000km on it from test drives because the minute one came off the truck they were selling them, so they might be worth a look.

[lucky1]

Originally Posted by Shazam

Both the RAV4 and the CRV have a "4WD" option by their manufacturers. So then, what both of you are saying is that what the manufacturer calls it is irrelevant, right? Which is what I said.

Sorry, I thought you were saying that AWD and 4WD are the same thing....which clearly they are not. I think some manufacturers refer to thier AWD systems as 4WD because people tend to think 4WD is 'stronger'

[Rockin' Flames]

I owned a 2008 Rav4 for about 2 years prior to getting rid of it prior to moving the the US and I thought it was a good solid vehicle.

Another vehicle you may want to explore is the Mitsuibishi Outlander. I bought this in the US and actually like it more than the Rav4 I had in Canada.

[Bertuzzied]

Looks like i'm downsizing to the CRV or Crosstour. Anyone want a 2006MDX? awesome vehicle but I don't think i really need a 7 seater for 1 child and a dog. hehe

[Fozzie_DeBear]

Originally Posted by Shin Pad

I'm going to test drive a Subaru Forester. I will also have a look at the Outback while I'm there. Who knows, it won't be the first time that I set out to get a certain thing and ended up changing my mind during the selection process. I guess that's the whole point of this exercise - to check out what is available, and select what you like best.

+1 for wagons...I have an older Forester and like it a lot but I really miss my Volvo Turbo wagon...

A pre-owned V50 wagon may be worth a look...they come with AWD and turbo...or a XC70

Not quite as reliable as a Honda/Toyota/Subie/Mazda but still very good

[tyler durden]

Originally Posted by lucky1

Sorry, I thought you were saying that AWD and 4WD are the same thing....which clearly they are not. I think some manufacturers refer to thier AWD systems as 4WD because people tend to think 4WD is 'stronger'

Yes typically when one referred to a 4wd it was in reference to a two speed transfer case, hi/lo ranges and the diffs had different ratios front and back(not always but usually). This is why there was always the sticker on the visor saying not to run in 4wd on dry pavement or above 80 km/h.

AWD referred to all wheels driven but without a two speed transfer case and diff ratiois were the same front and back to allow all 4 wheels to be driven in any conditions.

Clearly Honda wants to blur that line. Strictly speaking, yes 4wd or AWD applies for either as all 4 wheels are being driven. But, the AWD vs 4wd designation used to mean something so people who knew the difference understood what they were getting. But there is a big difference between say a Jeep Rubicon's 4wd and a CRV's "4wd". Thanks Honda. Nothing like a little confusion for the masses.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by automaton 3

Edit: we haven't looked at the Equinox yet but it looks like a good value and claims outstanding fuel economy. When we went to look at one they only had one left on the lot and it was out on a test drive. The sales manager (who I know and wouldn't exaggerate) said that the one they have on the lot had something like 2000km on it from test drives because the minute one came off the truck they were selling them, so they might be worth a look.

I'm not surprised. We had a heck of a time getting one for my wife. There were only 2 on the lot (all in some kind of mocha colour). They had to source one out of Edmonton and even they only had it on the lot for a day. We ended up having to go with our 2nd or 3rd colour choice, if we wanted one anytime soon. Great vehicle. We got the V6, so it's not as good MPG wise as the ones advertised in the new GM ads, but still decent for the vehicle. We get close to the same mileage out of that as we did out of her AWD Vibe.

[Shin Pad]

Well, I test drove a RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester today. I loved the Subaru - I test drove the 6 cyl. one - fully loaded. Lots of power, felt very solid and was very comfortable. The RAV4 was a close second for me - I also test drove a 6 cyl - lots of power. There was just something about the Forester I liked better. It's going to come down to price and negotiations. I still have a few more vehicles to test drive next weekend, and then I'll get down to serious dealing.

the Rogue was the cheapest, but it also had the least options, etc. Also, it only had a 4 cyl. engine.

[pylon]

Anyone in this thread that is interested in the Tiguan, PM me. I work as a finance manager for a VW dealer here in Calgary, and I can make the negotiation process seamless for you.

Also, factor rate into the price, we have 0% up to 36 months, and 0.9% up to 66 months on the Tiguan right now. I do not think Honda and Toyota have that available.

Pylon.

[Finny61]

Originally Posted by Shin Pad

Well, I test drove a RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester today. I loved the Subaru - I test drove the 6 cyl. one - fully loaded. Lots of power, felt very solid and was very comfortable. The RAV4 was a close second for me - I also test drove a 6 cyl - lots of power. There was just something about the Forester I liked better. It's going to come down to price and negotiations. I still have a few more vehicles to test drive next weekend, and then I'll get down to serious dealing.

the Rogue was the cheapest, but it also had the least options, etc. Also, it only had a 4 cyl. engine.

I went to look at Forester, didn't drive it but it looks nice. Once I am ready for a 2nd car in the garage I might go for it or the Outback. Only thing I have a hard time with is Subaru's financing, not very competitive in comparison to other dealers.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Heh - if power is what you're after, it's no surprise you're liking the Forester XT and the RAV4 V6. Two very nice motors. Makes everything else in this segment pale by comparison.

The Tiguan is nice, but fails in one key dimension - cargo space. She don't haul for shiz.

[nieuwy-89]

This is an awesome thread...I am also in the market for a new CUV and came to CP specifically to start a thread like this tonight! As always CP comes through with some intelligent conversation.

So far I have test drove an Equinox and a Jeep Compass. The Equinox seemed quite peppy and fairly roomy. Although I was a bit turned off when my buddy who works at the Chevy dealership called it a "ladies vehicle". The Compass felt like the inside of a casket. Very small and brutal sightlines. Handled like a true Jeep.

I've been a Toyota man for my last two new vehicles (Corolla and Sienna) but I think it's time to try something new. I've never liked the look of the Honda CRV so I will stay away from that one too.

Anyone have any comments on the Kia Sportage or Sorrento?

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Shin Pad

I loved the Subaru - I test drove the 6 cyl. one - fully loaded. Lots of power, felt very solid and was very comfortable.

Wait - the Forester XT has a turbo 4 (from the WRX), not a 6. You're not talking about the Outback are you?

[BlackArcher101]

Originally Posted by Shin Pad

I loved the Subaru - I test drove the 6 cyl. one - fully loaded. Lots of power, felt very solid and was very comfortable.

You drove one with a H6 in it? Weird... looking at their site I thought only the 4 cylinders were in the Foresters. What model did you test drive?

edit: oops, while confirming my post information, I missed I-Hate-Hulses post. What he^ said.

[Shin Pad]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Wait - the Forester XT has a turbo 4 (from the WRX), not a 6. You're not talking about the Outback are you?

Sorry - my mistake - I test drove the turbo model - 224 HP. It had so much power, I thought it was a 6 cyl. The Toyota was a 6 cyl - 269 HP. The regular 170 HP engines that come with most of these small SUVs are ok, but I think the added power is what is going to sway me.

[wooohooo]

I don't know about tech specs or anything... but I think the GM Terrain is a very sexy looking car.

[henriksedin33]

Originally Posted by nieuwy-89

This is an awesome thread...I am also in the market for a new CUV and came to CP specifically to start a thread like this tonight! As always CP comes through with some intelligent conversation.

So far I have test drove an Equinox and a Jeep Compass. The Equinox seemed quite peppy and fairly roomy. Although I was a bit turned off when my buddy who works at the Chevy dealership called it a "ladies vehicle". The Compass felt like the inside of a casket. Very small and brutal sightlines. Handled like a true Jeep.

I've been a Toyota man for my last two new vehicles (Corolla and Sienna) but I think it's time to try something new. I've never liked the look of the Honda CRV so I will stay away from that one too.

Anyone have any comments on the Kia Sportage or Sorrento?

New Sorrento looks decent, the Sportage is in drastic need of a redesign.

[lucky1]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Heh - if power is what you're after, it's no surprise you're liking the Forester XT and the RAV4 V6. Two very nice motors. Makes everything else in this segment pale by comparison.

The Tiguan is nice, but fails in one key dimension - cargo space. She don't haul for shiz.

picture is misleading.....the back seats slide all the way forward, or you can fold them flat if you want to haul something......

[Diemenz]

Can't believe i missed this thread, I own a 2009 Rav4 and the wifey has a 2010 Subaru Forrester.

I have always loved subaru, the forrester was the third subaru purchase for me and I don't regret it for one second.

Overall my take is as such

Subaru - More options and MUCH better looking interior. However there is way more rattles then the Rav4. AWD system is unmatched, Gas goes quick. Paint chips if you stare at it long enough.

Toyota - 0 issues and great resale (that might change however LOL) Good AWD, better GC then the Subby a bit better on gas. Swing door sucks if you ever have to parallel park and get something out. Feels like there is a bit more CS room. Seats are considerably worse compared the subaru.

Overall I like driving the Rav4 more because it feels peppier but the Subaru is the beauty winner hands down.

[nieuwy-89]

For the Subaru owners - does Subaru negotiate prices or are they firm like Toyota?