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RAV4 v Outlander v Vitara - and the winner is...

26 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2007 at 9:27 PM

You are in the Suzuki Grand Vitara/Vitara Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Suzuki Grand Vitara, SUV

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#19 of 26 Im still for the Outalnder by rcpax Mar 07, 2007 (7:58 am)
And we do take the GV to its limits (carefully) offroad. As was suggested, an automatic will suffice for a low range in many situations, but not on disused logging roads up into the mountains in my part of the world. Otherwise, no 4x4 with an automatic would have a low range. Creeping downhill several thousand vertical feet is done with engine braking, rather than destroying the brakes.   If I would need a vehicle in that application I would have bought a Pajero. I would imagine however that perhaps I can try my Outlander in that scenario using 4WD Lock, in manual mode. OUtlander is not automatic but Sportronic. So I still get to do manual shifting if I want to. Replies to this message: xostnot (Mar 07, 2007 9:02 pm) growwise (Mar 08, 2007 7:20 pm) xostnot (Mar 08, 2007 9:29 pm)
#20 of 26 Re: Moot points for me. [xostnot] by dodo2 Mar 07, 2007 (8:08 am)
Replying to: xostnot (Mar 06, 2007 8:10 pm) Outlander forum? Hm, this is posted in the Grand Vitara forum. Otherwise, I'd have little reason to find it.   Sorry, my bad. I just realized that this thread is shared by RAV4, GV and Outlander discussions, which makes sense. Replies to this message: steve_ (Mar 07, 2007 8:40 am)
#21 of 26 Re: Moot points for me. [dodo2] by steve_ HOST Mar 07, 2007 (8:40 am)
Replying to: dodo2 (Mar 07, 2007 8:08 am) This discussion was categorized for all 3 makes, but the linking was just, ahem , updated for all 3 forum groups, so that's probably why you didn't pick up on it before.
#22 of 26 Re: Im still for the Outalnder [rcpax] by xostnot Mar 07, 2007 (9:02 pm)
Replying to: rcpax (Mar 07, 2007 7:58 am) Being able to manually shift an automatic is different from the value of a low range. You can manually shift any automatic, as far as I know. I think the main thing different in some cases for ones specifically marketed as being manually shiftable, is that they'd have a lever position for every gear. Whereas that is usually or often not the case for ones not promoted as manually shiftable.   The GV does not sport a manual mode, but can be shifted manually. I do so all the time. It does not have a position for 2nd gear, but I've found that at the right speed, with just a touch of throttle, it will remain in 2nd for engine braking down hills at a certain speed. It will happily engine brake downhill in 5th, 4th, 3rd and 1st gear in either range.   We frequently encounter situations that are so steep and rough (or slippery) downhill, that engine braking in 1st gear high range, manual or automatic transmission, is too fast. When I used to do this with a car that lacked a low range, I'd have to use the brakes to keep the speed down. But doing this over, say, half an hour, will overheat the brakes.   In fact, below a certain speed, the engine is also working against the brakes. If you want to check this, next time you're braking to a stop, shift into neutral when you're down to a walking speed. The vehicle will brake sharply because the extra push from the engine is gone.   So, if it's steep enough, and prolonged enough, and rough enough, only a low range will give you the engine braking you need to save the brakes. Creeping up the same places in 1st gear high range isn't doing the transmission any good either. Sort of like trailer towing, only much worse.   The combination of these things is exactly why low ranges exist at all, and beyond casual off road use it gives the GV an edge over the other cuv's. Just because the GV is not as capable offroad as an FJ, does not mean it is no more capable than an Outlander. It's also a lot easier to add a lift kit to a GV than a low range to an Outlander, if someone wanted to move up that scale. I agree entirely that very damn few people buying cuv's need a low range. Replies to this message: growwise (Mar 08, 2007 7:20 pm) xostnot (Mar 08, 2007 9:29 pm)
#23 of 26 Re: Im still for the Outalnder [xostnot] by growwise Mar 08, 2007 (7:20 pm)
Replying to: xostnot (Mar 07, 2007 9:02 pm) I agree entirely that very damn few people buying cuv's need a low range.   I think you just about summed it up right. I do like GV though. Its a nice truck but doesnt work well for everyone. For me, its drawbacks include short cargo space, thirsty v6 and no third row kids seat option. Replies to this message: xostnot (Mar 08, 2007 9:29 pm)
#24 of 26 Re: Im still for the Outalnder [growwise] by xostnot Mar 08, 2007 (9:29 pm)
Replying to: growwise (Mar 08, 2007 7:20 pm) Good point. The volume of the cargo area has turned out fine for us, but the length is a problem. A common thing like skis don't go in properly. Sleep in it? Dream on. It should have had any two of: fold-flat front passenger seat, removable back seats, or opening tailgate glass. But then, it's evolved from a much smaller vehicle, and it's cheaper than a Lexus.   I still don't think the engine is inefficient. Real world mileage is indistinguishable from other cuv's, and the GV has the handicaps I mentioned earlier. I don't list the engine as one of those handicaps.   Overall, the Outlander (or Santa Fe, or 3rd row Rav4) sound like they much better meet your needs.
#25 of 26 GV - best all around by pisulino Mar 10, 2007 (8:11 am)
GV best all around small SUV - Price and standard options. Compared and test drove all of them for seven months. Purchased the GV luxury with all the toppings including anchovies for 8k less than a CRV or RAV-4. I never been more happy with the choice.
#26 of 26 from the fleet by steve_ HOST May 15, 2007 (9:27 pm)
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota RAV4

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