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Outback vs. Highlander vs. Rav 4?

115 messages,  Last post on Jan 28, 2008 at 9:04 PM

You are in the Toyota Highlander Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 10 of 12

#86 of 115 Outback XT experience by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 13, 2007 (10:43 pm)

Finally got to drive one but only on crowded city streets where salesperson and I had to dodge bicyclists, cars, homeless, etc.
 
Observations of the Outback XT limited:
 
In sport mode, it __definitely__ had turbo lag. Sport took at least 1-2 seconds before the engine decided it wanted to "go". More linear but softer response in Intelligent mode - car didn't feel particularly peppy then. Sport sharp helped the in town responses somewhat but lag still there. Noted some drive line lash (car was brand new). Seats comfortable but get too hot on maximum heat setting. Ride was euro firm but didn't notice any harshness. Seats leather and comfortable. Dash lights had a big step between maximum and the next level down, then stepped in increments. Did not have chance to try manually shifting the trans. Relatively quiet for a high revving 4 cylinder. Didn't tip much in corners.
 
I'll have to try the 6 before I'll know if this will work or not. The pretty much on-off turbo is a worry given several other publications have commented on hesitation and lag with this model. A pity Subaru has not addressed it other than the 3-position switch ( how about a dual-tuned intake manifold or some other torque extending technology , Subaru? ).

#87 of 115 the H6? by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 14, 2007 (9:11 am)

anyone had experience with the 6-cyl version of the Outback?
 
How does it compare to the 4 cylinder models?

#88 of 115 Re: Outback XT experience [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Dec 17, 2007 (11:19 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 13, 2007 10:43 pm)
You may want to try test driving a used one. The transmission is adaptive and will learn your driving habits and adjust its shift map accordingly.
 
I just wonder if a used one would already be adjusted, and feel any different?
 
No manual for you, I suppose?
 
The turbos feel a lot quicker with the manual, a good second or so to 60mph.

#89 of 115 Clothes Bar? by 2008rav4driver

Dec 17, 2007 (11:25 am)

Hi everyone. I bought a 2008 RAV4 Limited last Saturday and can't find a clothes bar to fit into the holes provided. Has anybody found a fix? Thanks!

#90 of 115 Re: Outback XT experience [ateixeira] by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 17, 2007 (1:09 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 17, 2007 11:19 am)
thnx for suggestions, ateixeria. I will be doing just that.
 
No interest in manuals unless they are clutch-pedal-less, and Subaru does not offer them yet.
VW/Audi does, but reliability and dealer issues make me very hesitant wrt those.

#91 of 115 should also add.. by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 18, 2007 (5:48 pm)

apparently the Haldex systems, per wikipedia.com , can be "trapped" if two wheels on either side can't get traction.
Perhaps this is what the latest HALDEX system emarked for Saab's 9-3 is supposed to fix? But the Saab's out of the running (price, preceived market, etc.).

#92 of 115 Re: should also add.. [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Dec 19, 2007 (9:17 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 18, 2007 5:48 pm)
Nowadays they pair up AWD with traction/stability control anyway.

#93 of 115 ..and now for something completely different... by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 21, 2007 (5:28 pm)

adding, briefly, 1 more model to this discussion:
 
Ford Escape Hybrid AWD. This uses the Prius Synergy Hybrid drivetrain but with an additional motor and shaft driving the rear wheels. Ford claims the drive system is intelligent (i.e., it transfers power to the wheels opposite from what are slipping ).
 
This one's looking attractive as given the big hills I have to go up and down (which guzzle gas going up, and use up the brakes going down) this SUV may help save a lot of gas and brake wear and none of the other 3 in this discussion can avoid using.
 
yes it's less powerful than the other three, but uses way less fuel. I have yet to drive it to see how responsive it is.
 
Comments?

#94 of 115 Re: ..and now for something completely different... [kurtamaxxxguy] by xwesx

Dec 21, 2007 (6:31 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 21, 2007 5:28 pm)
I would have seriously considered this vehicle as well except for my sub-arctic location. I cannot see the batteries lasting long enough to make the investment worthwhile. In a more temperate environment like Portland, why not try it?

#95 of 115 Re: ..and now for something completely different... [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Dec 26, 2007 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 21, 2007 5:28 pm)
IMHO it really, truly, depends on the price you pay.
 
At low-mid 20s, it's fine.
 
For a well equipped one, they get near $30k, and then the interior starts to feel cheap.
 
See what sort of prices paid people are getting. At $25k or less it makes a good case for itself, higher than that it just feels too low-rent.

Messages Page 10 of 12

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