Sign In Join 

You are here: [F] Forums / Wagons / Subaru Crew / Subaru Forester / Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4



Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

617 messages,  Last post on Nov 05, 2008 at 2:00 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, SUV


Messages Page 59 of 62
1
...
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#579 of 617
Re: 1999 forester towing? [rsholland] by ateixeira
Jun 07, 2007 (6:58 am)
Reply

Replying to: rsholland (Jun 07, 2007 6:41 am)

And more than a few Subaru Bucks ready to be spent on (hopefully) the 2009 Forester when it arrives.
 
The changes to the 08 Impreza are very encouraging - longer wheelbase, ultra-compact rear suspension, and nicer interior. If the 09 Forester gets similar upgrades that's what will replace the Legacy.
#580 of 617
forester in the mud by thunderboot
Jun 08, 2007 (7:33 am)
Reply
I have heard a lot of people talk about how well the forester performs in the snow but how about in the mud and dirt.
 
I live in Texas and wont be seeing any snow; however, I will be crossing some mud, water, and unpaved roads. I am considering the 2007 Forester X.
 
Any experience with this car offroad?
 
by the way...this is my first post here, although I have been poking around for a few days. I have got lots of great info. so thanks!
 
Also...anyone know if a large size plastic kennel fits in the back of the forester with just one or none of the seats down?
 
Thanks again,
Aaron
#581 of 617
Re: forester in the mud [thunderboot] by ateixeira
Jun 08, 2007 (9:13 am)
Reply

Replying to: thunderboot (Jun 08, 2007 7:33 am)

I would take it with you to the dealer when you go for test drive. Nothing like an actual test fit.
 
The cargo area is nice and boxy, though, so unless you have a Great Dane I bet it will fit.
 
I was one of the few that took my Forester off pavement, and it was fine in the sand. Only did light trails, mostly farm roads and stuff like that, no boulder hopping.
 
I think as long as your expectations are realistic, it will do fine. The angle of approach is not that good - there is a long front overhang and your bumper may scrape if the terrain has lots of ups and downs.
#582 of 617
Re: forester in the mud [ateixeira] by kavoom
Jun 09, 2007 (3:45 am)
Reply

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 08, 2007 9:13 am)

Short of a full 4WD, they are substantially better than anything else. The Australians swear by them. Their AWD is different than others as in it's AWD all the time. There.
 
I've been off road "as you described" and my Forester's have been great.
 
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/Kavoom/
 
They are not, however, heavy duty off road. If you are worried, there are modifications starting with the pretty inexpensive differential protector (bout a hundred bucks) and under plates that can further enhance your experience.
 
Try Forester.org if you want to ask serious questions.
#583 of 617
Re: forester in the mud [thunderboot] by thecat
Jun 09, 2007 (8:41 am)
Reply

Replying to: thunderboot (Jun 08, 2007 7:33 am)

One of the things that caught my attention when I was shopping for a vehicle back in 98-99 was a review by consumer reports on the Forester. They tested a variety of "SUV's" and were amazed at, and subsequently selected as the top pick, the Forester. One comment that I remember was "it did amazingly well in deep mud and soft sand". That was a 98' review and the AWD system has been improved since then. Most notably adding a limited slip rear.
 
I can tell you I drove mine through some ridiculous stuff and never got stuck. Just don't high center it .. and you're fine. Drove mine on the beach near Ocean City MD in very soft sand with a little air let out of the tires .. and some absolutely absurdly deep snow .. did fine.
- hutch
#584 of 617
Re: forester in the mud [thunderboot] by dstew1
Jun 09, 2007 (11:05 pm)
Reply

Replying to: thunderboot (Jun 08, 2007 7:33 am)

The Forester is a blast in the dirt and light mud; just don't take it rock-crawling and you'll be ok. As far as water crossings, anything under a foot or so and you should be fine, as long as you know what you're doing. Also, two tires companies are starting to make off-road oriented tires in sizes that will fit the Forester now; the General Grabber AT 2 and Yokohama Geolander A/T-S.
 
If you want some detailed answers w/pictures, head over to subaruforester dot org or offroadsubarus dot com (sorry, but it's generally been a no-no to paste links to other forums on this message board). Both of those are great sources of information and everyone is usually extremely helpful and friendly.
 
Doug
#585 of 617
Re: forester in the mud [thunderboot] by p0926
Jun 11, 2007 (9:32 pm)
Reply

Replying to: thunderboot (Jun 08, 2007 7:33 am)

I've got the largest size plastic kennel and I'm pretty sure it will fit sideways with both seats up. However, the fit's so tight that you can't open the kennel door so Fido can get in or out. Lengthwise, you have to have both seats down because the strut towers intrude from the sides.
 
-Frank
#586 of 617
Re: forester in the mud [p0926] by jerseymom8285
Jun 17, 2007 (11:17 am)
Reply

Replying to: p0926 (Jun 11, 2007 9:32 pm)

I see that this thread has been going on for a very long time. However my question is the very one that started it all. I am looking at the Foresster vs the Rav 4 and am very torn as to which is the better vehiclke. I am coming from a minivan so downsizing for sure, but we no longer have the need to haul kids back and forth to college.
I would like a small SUV, love the Tribeca and Murano but they seem too big and too pricey. So we have so far narrowed it to the rav and the Foresster.
Can anyone who has recently gone through all this give me a better idea of the cars and which and why they chose it?
 
I have to make a decison in the next week or so as for right now I am car less. My beloved minivan saved my life in a car accident a few weeks ago. So for now I am begging for rides everywhere I need to go.
 
Thanks so much~Happy Dad's Day.
#587 of 617
Re: forester in the mud [jerseymom8285] by kdshapiro
Jun 17, 2007 (4:11 pm)
Reply

Replying to: jerseymom8285 (Jun 17, 2007 11:17 am)

Have you driven the cars? Here are some observations:
 
1. AWD on Subaru is awesome. Better than Toyotas.
2. Forester is noiser than RAV4.
3. Forester and RAV4 have 4 speed transmissions, except for the V6 on the RAV4, which has a 5 speed.
4. Forester XT is a hoot to drive and fast as all get go, lack of a fifth gear compared to the RAV4 V6 will result in worse gas mileage. Forester can be had with a manual transmission if that is your bent.
5. IMO, the Subie handles far and away better than the RAV4. More confident and surefooted.
6. Sunroof is awesome on Forester.
7. Subaru Forester has been getting good crash grades for years.
8. The RAV4 options are more upscale than the Subaru.
9. Unless you need 7 seats in the RAV4, there should be plenty of room in both cars. RAV4 back seats are diminutive.
 
Good luck.
#588 of 617
Re: forester in the mud [jerseymom8285] by thecat
Jun 17, 2007 (6:28 pm)
Reply

Replying to: jerseymom8285 (Jun 17, 2007 11:17 am)

I've owned them both .. a 99 Forester S and a 06 RAV4 V6. They're very different vehicles and I liked them both. I would have purchased another Forester but wanted more back seat room and the ability to tow a 3500 lb trailer. You got good advice from the previous poster .. go drive them both. Nobody can say what's best for you like you can. Make your selection and don't look back. You really can't go wrong with either vehicle.
- hutch

Messages Page 59 of 62
1
...
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

You are here: [F] Forums / Wagons / Subaru Crew / Subaru Forester / Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Learn More

2010 Subaru Forester

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5 X SUV Shown

More Pictures

2011 Toyota RAV4

2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD

More Pictures

DoMore

Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement