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Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Forester?

782 messages,  Last post on Feb 25, 2009 at 1:24 PM

You are in the Honda CR-V Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, SUV

Messages Page 78 of 79

#763 of 782 by rengaw

Feb 16, 2009 (8:24 pm)

If the CRV isn't powerful enough for you, you may want to consider the new 2.5 I4 in the 2009 RAV. Better gas mileage than the CRV and more power. 179 hp as Toyota added an exhaust valve, used new friction cutting technology in the engine, and reworked the transmission. Result over the old 2.4L I4 is 13 more hp and 12.8% increase if fuel economy.
 
I was seriously considering the V6 in the RAV but after just redriving both, my wife and I are springing for the I4. The V6 is a hot rod but we find the I4 worked fine for us even in the mountains. Drive them all, see what you think.

#764 of 782 by bigdadi118

Feb 16, 2009 (10:04 pm)

My wife 07 RAV4 i4 is slow in picking up speed from ramp into the freeway traffic but cruising is pretty good. Maybe because I drive 08 Pilot 3.5L, thus the difference.

#765 of 782 Thoughts welcome by rfrf

Feb 17, 2009 (8:43 am)

Considering Forrester XTL, RAV4 (6cyl), CRV and OB 3.0. Am in the midst of learning vehicles and was comforted by posts here which address many same issues wifey and i (and 2 kids, ages 5 and 9) have with choice.
 
All are excellent vehicles and have their various dis/advantages, some thoughts/questions:
 
I like the OB 3.0: good AWD system, alth mpg may suffer, but does it really suffer that much considering it is always there as opposed to wonder if it will come on when i would like to have it there and then go off when I exceed 25 mph, like the RAV4 which gets about 3 mpg more on avg.
 
I beleive I understand fundamentals of FW 4WD (that the vehicle runs as FWD until it senses slippage at which time power is directed to rear) but that is all I have been able to discern from the brochure or sales staff (who are reluctant to show me a manual), some questions:
 
I like the continued high quality and reliability of Toyota and Honda (alth Sub appears to come real close to them both), but re RAV4:
1. once the front wheels slip, how immediate is the transfer of power to the rear?
2. If I know in advance that I will want to run in 4WD, can I opt in advance to engage the 4WD?
3. If I so opt, will the 4WD still auto disengage at 25 mph or does the 4WD lock allow me to run in 4WD above 25 mph anmd or when the front wheels do not sense slippage?
4. Are the EPA estimates based upon FWD operation of the vehicle and are the estimates affected by use of the 4WD?
 
Both Forrester and RAV4 appear to be roomy enough; appears that 2010 OB will address rear seat space and window frame issues (which both bother us), but does anyone know if the changes will amount to a new generation as i am hesitant to buy first year of a new generatn - or sh I be here?
 
Thank you in advance for any info/thoughts.

#766 of 782 Re: Thoughts welcome [rfrf] by bodble2

Feb 17, 2009 (10:33 am)

Replying to: rfrf (Feb 17, 2009 8:43 am)
You may be able to access some owner's manuals for free by going to the link under "DoMore" on the right side of this page.

#767 of 782 Re: [rsholland] by ateixeira

Feb 19, 2009 (10:36 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Feb 16, 2009 2:22 pm)
The oil change interval for Toyota is 5000 miles, at least for the Sienna it is.
 
A light on the dash actually comes on calling for service, and you have to use the odometer to reset it.
 
After the issues with sludge on the old 3.0l V6 Toyota got smart and put that reminder front and center.
 
Our Forester is 3750 under Schedule A or 7500 under Schedule B, though most people fall under A.
 
I like the 5000 interval only because it's easy to recall - 5, 10, 15. On the Forester our 3rd change would be at 11,250 miles, how am I going to remember that?

#768 of 782 Re: [ateixeira] by thegraduate

Feb 19, 2009 (10:38 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 19, 2009 10:36 am)
Mine is like that on my old Honda. I just take it every 4,000 instead of 3,750. Easier to remember that way.

#769 of 782 Re: [thegraduate] by ateixeira

Feb 19, 2009 (10:38 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Feb 19, 2009 10:38 am)
I guess you could compromise and use a 5000 mile interval, since Subaru actually recommends 3750 or 7500.

#770 of 782 by rengaw

Feb 19, 2009 (11:31 pm)

Concerning the AWD systems of each vehicle, I would rate them as follows:
 
     1. Forester
     2. RAV4
     3. CRV
      
*one interesting sidenote to the RAV's system that I like is you can engage the 4wd system with the push of a button that will produce a 55% front wheel power and 45% rear wheel power that is constant until the vehicle reaches 25 mph, at which time the 4wd system kicks out into the regular AWD system.

#771 of 782 by rsholland

Feb 20, 2009 (7:32 am)

*one interesting sidenote to the RAV's system that I like is you can engage the 4wd system with the push of a button that will produce a 55% front wheel power and 45% rear wheel power that is constant until the vehicle reaches 25 mph, at which time the 4wd system kicks out into the regular AWD system.
 
My guess is that it kicks at 25 mph out to become FWD, not AWD. I believe the new RAV4 has an on-demand AWD, meaning that it is FWD until it senses tire slippage, then the rear wheels kick in. So, reverting back to FWD (not AWD) at 25 mph, make more sense.
 
Bob

#772 of 782 Re: [rsholland] by rfrf

Feb 20, 2009 (10:49 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Feb 20, 2009 7:32 am)
As I am rightn now making a purchase decision and this point is an important one, I contacted T:
Me:
I want to buy the RAV4 but have a question before I do. I undetsand that the vehicle normally runs in FWD until slippage detected andn then it goes into 4wd, but:
 
1. is it possible to run in 4WD before the front wheels sense slippage/can I use the 4WD lock button to select 4wd before i even put the car in motion if i want to run in 4WD from the start and will it then auto disengage at 25mph? can i lock it into 4WD at that point so that i will continue in 4WD at speeds above 25mph?
 
2. Once I am in FWD motion, I understand that if the car sense slippage, it will go into 4WD, but will the 4WD lock button allow me to run in 4WD above 25 mph even if the front wheels do not sense slippage at that point?and Quote them:
 
T's response:
 
We appreciate your interest in the 2009 RAV4!
Electronic On-Demand Full-Time 4-Wheel Drive (4WD Models)
"The Electronic on-demand full-time 4WD, introduced in 2006, distributes engine torque between front and rear differentials via an electronic coupling attached to the front of the rear differential. This allows the vehicle to switch continuously from front-wheel drive to 4WD while optimizing the front-to-rear distribution of torque. As a result, stability and fuel economy are better than that of the viscous-coupling system it replaced.
A manual 4WD Lock switch allows the driver to choose either “Lock” or “Auto” mode. When optimum traction is needed (off-road or on slippery pavement) and the vehicle speed is below 25 mph, a switch to “Lock” maximizes torque distribution (50%) to the rear wheels. At 25 mph or above, the mode is automatically switched to “Auto.” On dry pavement, the driver selects “Auto.” By doing so, torque is distributed to the rear wheels to help ensure stabilized starting from a stop. On straight, dry surfaces, all torque goes to the front wheels to help save fuel. During low-speed cornering, the front wheels get more torque, the rear wheels get less. Whenever the brakes are applied in “Auto” or ”Lock” mode, 4WD is cancelled to optimize the benefits of ABS and enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters and is available for management review. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us."
 
I replied:
Sorry for the follow up question, but when in Auto mode and driving at speeds above 25 mph, will the car go into 4WD and transfer power to the rear wheels? I need a little more info on how Auto mode works ar speeds above 25 mph. Thanks.
 
SEE NXT POST

Messages Page 78 of 79

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