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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 RAV4 Forum.

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

Messages Page 9 of 12

#76 of 115 Re: no H6 turbo....yet [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Dec 10, 2007 (3:51 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 09, 2007 1:00 am)
Things to look for:
 
Pro:
* 2GR V6 engine is a gem (a big reason I bought a Sienna)
* gas mileage is also good
* transmission is not the 6 speed known for hesitation, so reliability is a +
 
Con:
* fairly basic AWD system
* rear door opens to the curb side, blocks loading
* obstructed visibility
 
Consider the NAV system with a backup cam, that would resolve the 3rd issue mostly.
 
We do a lot of Costco shopping so my wife found the door-opens-the-wrong-way kind of dumb. I can't see why they don't at least reverse the hinges, though you can get a liftgate on the Highlander.

#77 of 115 Re: no H6 turbo....yet [ateixeira] by cbmorton

Dec 10, 2007 (5:49 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 10, 2007 3:51 pm)
Agreed re the RAV4's rear door - it can be inconvenient. We don't load at the kerb so the way it opens is immaterial to us, but it requires more room behind the vehicle to open than a hatch does. In the real world this translates into a little extra thought required when parking - I don't back in as much as I used to.
 
The AWD system, although front-biased, is more sophisticated than it's generally given credit for - there's more to it than "slip-and-grip".
 
Like ateixeira, I'm happy with the 3.5 V6. Surprisingly powerful and efficient.

#78 of 115 comparison round 1 by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 10, 2007 (10:35 pm)

Got to ride (not drive) a Subaru XT turbo this evening - was a manual. In 35 degree weather it took about 6-8 minutes for the windshield to get de-iced (sales rep was idling it in parking lot). Firm ride, and firm seats. Some clunks under the dash on bumps. Smooth idle for a 4. Headlights had very sharp cutoff. Engine needed to be 3K and up in torque band to generate real power, and then car accelerated well. Cover over hatch area kinda chinzy for a $35 K car. Noted the door switch gear and lower door trim had same look and feel (including internal molding ridges) as similar parts in my Malibu - Subaru Indiana must be using parts from the same supplier.
 
Hope to drive an auto Subie XT in a week or so - next on deck is RAV4 AWD6

#79 of 115 Re: comparison round 1 [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Dec 11, 2007 (2:19 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 10, 2007 10:35 pm)
I don't think you're going to find Audi-like interior materials in any of these 3. They're pretty basic materials, generally assembled well.

#80 of 115 Re: comparison round 1 [ateixeira] by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 11, 2007 (10:44 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 11, 2007 2:19 pm)
Well the A4 Avant I briefly looked at did have a nicer interior than these 3 (the A3's only slightly better.).
 
...but A4 Avant 2.0T costs more (V6 costs _lots_ more), has less power (only by a little), and no choice of dealers (in my area). The last, given Audis' reliability remains worse than the others here, puts it out of the running. A pity.

#81 of 115 Re: comparison round 1 [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Dec 12, 2007 (8:11 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 11, 2007 10:44 pm)
A friend of mine has a really nice one, but he works for VWVortex and bought it as a press car for cheap. They are very nice. His had nice aftermarket rims and tinted windows, so it looked very nice (not just "for a wagon").
 
I would have the same concerns you list.
 
Can you wait for the 2009 Forester? It'll be here in March. I think it looks great. The wheelbase will be almost 5" longer, and it's nice and boxy so cargo room should beat the Outback.

#82 of 115 in march??? by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 12, 2007 (8:19 am)

seems odd that Subaru would introduce a 2009 model in March...
 
Or is this the Japanese introduction date, with a later USA date to follow?
 
If this new Forester has a comfortable seat (with real heigth adjustment), and the WRX engine with a 5-speed auto option, that would be a winner for me.

#83 of 115 Re: in march??? [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Dec 12, 2007 (8:24 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 12, 2007 8:19 am)
It's in (pre-?) production now. Spy photographers are catching all sorts of photos, even though it has not made an auto show debut, officially.
 
They may keep the 4EAT for the first year on the Forester, which IMO is a mistake. Not sure if the XT models will get a 5EAT.
 
Shoot, Mitsubishi's Outlander already has 6 speeds.
 
Problem is, Subaru is working on a CVT, so they may not want to invest in the auto right now.
 
Here's what it looks like:
 
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/yet-more-images-of-the-2009-subaru-forester

#84 of 115 looks nice but... by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 12, 2007 (9:42 am)

...the drive train will make or break this one with me.
Hopefully Subaru will improve it, and not just carry it over from last year.

#85 of 115 Re: looks nice but... [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Dec 12, 2007 (12:22 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 12, 2007 9:42 am)
I'm gonna guess the base model will get 175hp and a 4EAT or 5MT.
 
The turbo will stick with the same powertrains it has now, as the WRX did.
 
Again, they're working on a CVT so I'd be surprised if they put in a 5EAT (though I hope I'm wrong).
 
One good thing - the automatic has been reliable, so it lessens the risk on a new model.

Messages Page 9 of 12

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