The new Subaru Forester rushes to attack the leaders of the segment. We decided to compare it with the latest crossover Toyota RAV4, and they took the third Honda CR-V. Let's see which of these "Japanese" will prevail

In the new generation Subaru Forester added in size and now looks even more impressive than before. Not handsome, but you can immediately see that a real man. But Toyota RAV4, on the contrary, has become somewhat more glamorous and at the same time sportier. As for the Honda CR-V, everyone is already used to it, because it is very similar to the previous generation model. At the same time, the crossover looks modern and harmonious.

Subaru Forester is offered on Russian market with three power units. All engines are petrol. The first has a volume of 2 liters and develops 150 hp. The second is a 2.5-liter, its return is 171 hp. Finally, the third power unit, thanks to turbocharging, removes 241 hp from 2 liters of volume. The most affordable version is a 150-horsepower with a 6-speed manual transmission, it costs from 1,148,000 rubles. The option with a continuously variable transmission CVT will cost the buyer 40,000 rubles more. The following, more powerful modifications are equipped only with a CVT and cost, respectively, at least 1,419,000 rubles (171 hp) and 1,695,000 rubles (241 hp). The drive is exceptionally complete for all versions.

The range of Toyota RAV4 engines also consists of three power units. Two gasoline volumes of 2 and 2.5 liters develop 146 and 180 hp. respectively, and the 2-liter turbodiesel has a power of 150 hp. The first (146 hp) variant is offered with front and all-wheel drive, as well as with a 6-speed manual or stepless variator. The initial configuration with front-wheel drive and “mechanics” is estimated at 998,000 rubles, and the version with all-wheel drive and a CVT costs from 1,135,000 rubles. The remaining modifications are equipped exclusively with all-wheel drive and a 6-band “automatic” and cost from 1,355,000 rubles for the turbodiesel version and from 1,478,000 for the gasoline version.

The Honda CR-V has a choice of two engines. Both gasoline: 2-liter with 150 hp. and a 2.4-liter with a return of 190 “horses”. The first can be aggregated with a 6-speed “mechanics” or with a 5-band “automatic”, and this version costs from 999,000 rubles. The second motor is available only with a 5-band “automatic”, the price of this car is from 1,319,000 rubles. Drive - only full. For a test drive, we collected petrol modifications with comparable powertrains. These are 2.5-liter engines from Subaru and Toyota and 2.4-liter from Honda.

Nothing extra

The interiors of our wards are quite ascetic. Soft plastic on the front panel can be found only in Subaru, and you will not see such plastic anywhere else in the Forester cabin. At Toyota, the mid-section of the dash is finished in soft-backed leatherette, but the top and bottom are rigid, as are the door panels. And Honda has hard plastic everywhere, and only the version with a 2.4-liter engine is finished in this way. The fact is that it is produced in the USA, and American buyers are unpretentious and do not find fault with the quality of finishing materials. But the 2-liter modification, produced in England, has enough soft plastic in the finish, and it has enough other differences. However, more on that later. As for the build quality, then in this parameter all cars are on top.

The ergonomics of all three cars, in principle, does not cause much criticism, but there are drawbacks. Let's complain about the glare screens of Toyota and Honda, as well as the inconvenient manual selection of radio stations on the touch screen Subaru. The RAV4 also has poorly visible keys in the lower part of the front panel in the area of ​​​​the central tunnel. At night, not all buttons are illuminated for all three, which is why, for example, to adjust the mirrors, you have to turn on the interior light. However, the owners of these cars eventually learn to find unlit keys by touch. Visibility is the best in Subaru due to thinner pillars. Although his rivals have no problems in this parameter.

The Subaru Forester offers the highest driving position ever. The geometry of the location relative to the steering wheel and pedals is good. The seat, however, is not particularly comfortable: the pillow and back are flat, the padding is quite dense. In the Honda CR-V, the seat is softer, it has a better shape, and the landing is the lowest, although you can’t call it a passenger one. But Toyota has the most comfortable front seats. Their profile is perfect, the padding is soft, and they are located a little higher than the Honda.

On the second row of seats, as well as on the first, the leadership is for the RAV4. Best Profile seats, huge legroom by the standards of the class and the largest range of backrest adjustment. The Subaru has no less space, and due to the higher position of the front seats, you can put your feet under them in more massive shoes, but the sofa is not so good and the angle of the backrest is not adjusted so widely. At Honda, the backrests have only two positions that do not differ much in angle, and there is about 8-10 cm less space in front of the knees of passengers to the front seats. But in the CR-V, the widest and central tunnel is absent, which creates more comfortable conditions for transporting three rear riders. Toyota does not have a central tunnel, but Subaru has a ledge, although it is not high.

The Honda makes up for the small legroom for rear passengers with the largest amount of luggage space. And when folding the sofa, you get a flat floor, however, for this you need to first fold the pillows, and only then the backs. Under the floor is a narrow “dock”. The Toyota has a smaller trunk, and the loading height is too big due to a full-fledged spare tire located under the floor. But the floor when folding rear seats also equal. The smallest luggage compartment in Subaru, while only a “dokatka” fit here, and if you fold the sofa, a rather high step is formed.

Fight of characters

According to passport data, Honda is the most powerful among the three rivals, but it accelerates more slowly than others, and this is noticeable. Unlike the British version with a 2-liter engine, the American 2.4-liter version lacks a sporty transmission mode, and its 5-band “automatic” is not too quick. Although the dynamics are generally sufficient in most traffic situations. And the CR-V engine sounds nicer than rivals and also runs quietly even at maximum speed.

The Toyota engine is more “vociferous”, and the 6-band automatic transmission shifts gears faster. On the track, the box works fine, but in the city, with a ragged driving rhythm, it sometimes gets confused when choosing a working range. Here you can enable sports mode“automatic” and additionally “sharpen” the accelerator pedal. In this case, the car begins to respond to the fuel supply faster, although there is still no need to talk about instantaneous responses.

The best acceleration feels like Subaru. And all thanks to a perfectly tuned variator. At any speed, the car responds to pressing the accelerator pedal with decent acceleration. The only complaint is that when driving in traffic jams, the “gas” pedal reacts somewhat nervously. But the brakes are set up perfectly, however, like those of the rivals in the test.

Steering Subaru by modern standards is quite “long” - three and a quarter turns from lock to lock. At the same time, the "steering wheel" is quite tight. All is well with information. It is clear that with such settings, fast reactions from the crossover are not to be expected. On the other hand, this is not required of him - quite calm and correct behavior, which Forester provides in full. The Honda has the same “long” handlebar, but it is easier to turn, while the reaction force gives excellent feedback - the best in our trinity. Control responses are only slightly faster than the Subaru. But the “steering wheel” of Toyota works faster and more accurately - from lock to lock it makes 2.8 turns. Feedback on Subaru level, and the effort on the steering wheel is just as saturated. The crossover behaves very collected, including thanks to a stiffer suspension.

Chassis RAV4 without a twinge of conscience tells riders about every crack in the road surface, and does it with hard and sharp shocks. And on larger irregularities frankly shakes. I remember the previous generation model was much softer. The Forester also rides harder than its predecessor, but compared to the Toyota, its ride is almost perfect. The Subaru's chassis is a little harsh on bumps with sharp edges, but behaves exemplarily on other types of coverage. And the energy intensity of the suspension is absolutely fantastic. What can not be said about Honda. On large potholes and pits, the CR-V simply does not have enough suspension travel - this crossover has an almost light chassis. But Honda swallows small patches and cracks in asphalt better than anyone.

And in terms of noise isolation, the CR-V is in the lead: this car allows you to drive on high speed without damage to the eardrums. The noise of the oncoming air flow, motor and tires is practically not disturbing. At Subaru, all extraneous sounds are drowned out by the rumble of tires. And at Toyota tires“voice” even louder than cause serious discomfort. True, our wards were “shod” in different tires, so the comparison is not quite correct. Nevertheless, in Subaru, and even more so in Toyota, it would not hurt for designers to work on soundproofing. wheel arches.

On pavement, all three handle pretty well. Especially Honda. Closest to the passenger settings of its chassis provide fast and accurate response to control actions, and rolls are small. Only at high speed, the steering wheel “empties” slightly in the near-zero zone, which, out of habit, causes tension in the driver. But on a winding track, Honda is able to give a lot of pleasant minutes to an active driver. Opponents do not know how to ride so recklessly.

Toyota's handling is also good, and it holds a straight line better than Honda, but there is no twinkle in its actions - everything is correct, reliable and ... boring. However, this can hardly be called a disadvantage. As for the Subaru, this crossover is a little slower in reactions, and it has a little more roll, but in general it rides no worse than the RAV4, and given the better ride, it is more pleasant to travel long distances. Especially when the asphalt is over and the cars will move out onto a broken primer.

This is where the Forester is head and shoulders above its rivals. The amazing power of its suspension allows you to race over bumps twice as fast as the RAV4 and CR-V. And handling remains reliable and understandable. Suspension Toyota there is also enough energy intensity, but not due to the magnitude of the stroke, but due to rigidity. That is, the car overcomes bumps without problems, but the riders are shaking a lot. But Honda forces you to slow down due to the small suspension travel, which it corny breaks through. If you move into the mud, then the CR-V gives up almost immediately due to overheating of the clutch. Neither Subaru nor Toyota suffer from such a disease. Well, on relative off-road, Subaru will again be the best thanks to competent all-wheel drive settings and the largest ground clearance.

Perhaps, we will bring the Subaru Forester to the leaders of our “Japanese championship”. This crossover is the most versatile and comfortable, it rides equally well on ordinary roads and where the asphalt ends. Honda CR-V will the best choice for those who like active driving and at the same time are not going to move out on bad roads. The model from Toyota was summed up by a too stiff suspension, and if not for it, then the RAV4 could have become a winner in general, because in other parameters it often surpasses its rivals. We hope in Toyota hear our wishes, and then we will repeat this test with pleasure.

Specifications Subaru Forester 2.5
Dimensions, mm	4595x1795x1735
Wheelbase, mm
Track front / rear, mm
Turning diameter, m
Clearance, mm
Trunk volume, l
Curb weight, kg
engine's type	petrol L4
Working volume, cu. cm
Max. power, hp/r/min
Max. moment, Nm/r/min
Transmission	stepless variator
Brakes front/rear	ventilated disc/disc
Max. speed, km/h
Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s
Fuel consumption (average), l/100 km
Tank volume, l

Technical Toyota specifications RAV4 2.5
Dimensions, mm	4570x1845x1715
Wheel base, mm
Track front / rear, mm
Turning diameter, m

IN comparative review Powerful modifications of crossovers with 2.5-liter petrol aspirators for Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester and 2.4 liters for Honda CR-V were included. None of the rivals in this situation allows you to choose the option with a manual transmission: RAV4 and CR-V are equipped with a hydromechanical "automatic", Forester is equipped with a continuously variable transmission Lineartronic. It's nice that each of the three Japanese competitors by default offers an impressive set of active and passive safety.

The modification with the 2.5 engine immediately elevates the Toyota RAV4 to the "peak of success" - its initial equipment "Elegance Plus" is in the sixth position out of eight possible, appearing in the price list of the SUV. From this inexorably follows a weighty price tag of 1,470,000 rubles. and appropriately generous equipment, which includes leather interior, xenon, engine start button, power driver's seat and other joys of life.

Subaru Forester with a 2.5 engine can be divided into two "subspecies": the most affordable - 2.5i-L and advanced - 2.5i-S. Among the differences "eski" sporty design front bumper, alloy wheels wheels bigger size, aluminum pedals, gearshift paddles. In total, the 2.5i-L and 2.5i-S have seven equipment levels in stock. In order not to drown in details, in the review we have given the features of three trim levels - CB, NS and GR. The minimum cost is 1,419,000 rubles, but the 2.5i-S version more befitting the status of Forester with a leather interior, keyless entry and engine start with a button is available for at least 1,550,000 rubles.

Subaru Forester offers the largest selection of trim levels

In the context of our trio, the Honda CR-V offers the most affordable entrance ticket for 1,299,000 rubles. In total, there are four complete sets in the clip. With the exception of perhaps a couple of nuances, the starting version of Elegance can be a good choice for a “reasonable egoist”. Do you want more, and are you not particularly worried about the extra charge of 160,000 rubles? You can try on the level of equipment of the Executive, which is not devoid of sybaritic notes.

Verdict

Editor:

− It is not easy to place such dissimilar competitors on the steps of the pedestal! The Subaru Forester is more geared towards country roads and light off-road, the Honda CR-V will delight gourmet drivers on good asphalt, the RAV4 SUV, as usual, has a good balance of consumer and driving qualities. Moreover, each of the three cars offers an approximately equal number of options for a certain amount. And yet I would venture to arrange the opponents in the specified sequence. In the first place is the Subaru Forester - the “forester” in the latest edition turned out to be very successful and multifaceted. In second position is the Honda CR-V. Toyota RAV4 is not so reckless to drive, it also fails not the most high quality finishing materials.

The 2018 New York Auto Show is in full swing and all the major new items seem to be on display. It is worth noting that once again we have witnessed how one of the world's main auto events of the year passed under the constellation of the SUV class, and two big premieres in the near future will have the most direct impact on automotive market Russia. We are talking about the fifth generation and, which are the worst competitors for the hearts of buyers in the compact crossover segment.

The outgoing version of the RAV4 was, without a doubt, a very "tolerant" car. No sharp corners, no strong statements, no controversial decisions - there was nothing like that in it. He simply had to please everyone and no one at the same time. Nevertheless, such positioning “for everyone”, generously flavored with the necessary modern features, has borne fruit - only overseas in 2017 it was sold for 400 thousand Rafiks, which made the model one of the most popular in the world in principle.

In the opposite corner of the ring is the Subaru Forester - a car for those who know exactly what Subaru and the Forester want. A very specific offer with all the pluses and minuses, which, however, are always known in advance. The Forester held no surprises, remaining the choice of practicality and off-road enthusiasts in a compact body. "opposers" Japanese company have never been considered a model of reliability, but the traditional symmetrical four-wheel drive has won many adherents.

Revolution Toyota RAV4 2019

With the new generation of the RAV4 crossover 2019 model year Toyota decided to make a real revolution, shaking up the foundations on which the long-term popularity of the model was based. If earlier the appearance of the car was neutral with a bias towards femininity, now this is a very brutal proposal in the spirit of the American Toyota 4Runner and Tacoma. “Be a man - buy a RAV4”, it seems that such a slogan is now best suited for an advertising campaign for new items.

In this case, it was the message, the excessive aggressiveness in the “look” that gave the crossover the missing charisma, although we cannot unequivocally declare the beauty of such a design. It is clearly not for everyone (and not everyone). And yet, our applause to the developers for their courage and we hope that this does not turn out to be recklessness. The entire body of the new Toyota RAV4 2019 looks like it was just cut out of a single piece of granite, and not the sharpest tool.

Evolution Subaru Forester 2019

“The main thing, guys, is not to grow old with your heart!” - Subaru engineers heard and immediately spit on these wise words of the "taiga" song performed by Eduard Khil. The developers decided to leave the heart-motor crossover from the previous generation and, apparently, this completely reshaped the work of the design department, which rushed to pull the old 4th generation design onto a completely new and really modern SGP architecture.

Of course, here and there, if you look closely, you can see that the appearance of the 2019 Subaru Forester is different from its predecessor. But these differences are so insignificant that they will not do honor to other restyling. It should not be hidden that we, and many devoted Subaru lovers too, were puzzled by such traditionalism, to put it mildly, and frankly disappointed others - well, you can’t be so careful!

2.5 liters for two

Like RAV4 2019, like Forester 2019, both will be sold with 2.5-liter 4-cylinder “aspirated”, “row” and “boxer”, respectively. Naturally, this does not mean that they are the same, but it is very significant in terms of target audience crossovers, which is the same - orthodox fans of reliable engines, without any "turbo whistles" there. The engine power of the Lesnik is 182 hp, while that of the Rafik is 203 hp. (officially the last figure has not been confirmed, but in new Camry the output of this motor is such).

Salon

Looking into the interiors of both models, one can note the similarity of their architecture, with the only difference that the RAV4 display of the multimedia system is placed above the front panel, while the Forester has it built into it. Also, if you look at both interiors long enough, it may seem that Subaru's cabin design is a little more daring, not embarrassed to play with shapes, transitions, a combination of sharp corners and planes. At Toyota, things are much more straightforward, plus that cushion on the steering wheel…

Who is who in the end?

Of course, the buyer will have to decide, that is, you. Which crossover to spend your hard-earned money on, which one to give preference to? We'd love to see your ideas in the comments section below!

Today we will compare 2 popular cars: Rav 4 and Forester. Toyota Rav 4 looks nice, but without emotions, as for the Forester, this very emotion is here. There is definitely a masculine element. With the organization of the workplace, the Rav 4 is traditionally very good: the steering wheel is adjustable both in height and in extension.

There is a very comfortable armrest, which is also adjustable. Concerning automatic box gears and knobs, then it is in the very right place. The Subaru Forester also has a steering wheel that is adjustable in both stem and height.

It looks very good, while it is multifunctional. electric seats, at least the driver's. As for the passenger, everything must be done with the help of muscles. The armrest is not as wide as in Rav 4, but it is still there, and it is also adjustable.

In Rav 4 you will love the dashboard and really dislike the graphics on-board computer. In the Subaru Forester, the on-board computer graphics will be better, a lot of information and very well-designed graphics.

More on the topic:

As for the head unit in Rav 4, despite the titled manufacturer, it all looks like a Chinese TV in a Russian taxi. If we talk about the graphics, then the buttons are too small and you can’t immediately get into them. By the way, the Forester has a very large sunroof and this adds air to the passenger compartment. In Rav 4, you can find a convenient niche for the phone, while Forester has a whole house built for it. With living space for passengers, the Rav 4 is fine.

The rear seat backrests are adjustable here. The Forester also offers plenty of space, an armrest, two cupholders and adjustable seatbacks.

Who is technically stronger Toyota Rav 4 and Subaru Forester?

On braking at a speed of 60 km / h, both cars invested in 10-11 meters and did not bring any unpleasant surprises. The braking distance itself has not increased. The difference in braking between the two cars was 90 centimeters in favor of the Forester only because the tires were from different manufacturers. Rav 4 is quite obedient in management. And it handles like a normal car.

Everything happens easily and without stress. However, it seems that it is slow and it seems that the Forester with its explosive engine and sporty character will be much more nimble and fast. Both cars passed the serpentine test quite well: with the same rolls and the same speed.

Verdict on Rav 4 and Subaru or what is better Subaru Forester or Toyota Rav 4?

Both competitors have enough virtues to acquire and love for the rest of their lives. According to the results of the tests described above, the Forester pulled ahead, the Rav 4 certainly lacks all-wheel drive, like the Forester. But you should not immediately run to a car dealership and buy the Forester, because both Rav 4 and Subaru have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Choose a car according to your preferences.

Can two companies, whose annual sales turnover is incommensurable, offer a product that is equally interesting and equivalent in terms of its consumer characteristics?

After all, no one will deny that Subaru, a small company by world standards, which produces a little more than half a million cars a year, competes very successfully in some market segments with the giant Toyota, which has long been considered car manufacturer number one in the world. Take at least Toyota crossovers RAV4 and Subaru Forester. On our roads they are equally common. But which one is better?

The RAV4 crossover has always been considered female car. It just so happened that Toyota designers offered motorists smooth lines and a calm appearance. All this seemed not very attractive to men, but the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity liked it.

A man buying a RAV4 in Russia was considered, how can I put it ... a little strange. Usually "rafik" was taken to the spouses, and the men continued to ride on something more brutal. And finally, while working on Toyota's appearance RAV4 of the latest generation, "Toyota" decided on a real revolution. Feminine lines have been replaced by sharp corners and pronounced edges. So from now on, Toyota RAV4 is perfect not only for women, but also for men. No wonder the latter behind the wheel of a Japanese crossover has recently become much more.

But Forester and previous generations was definitely male car. It is not youthful, but confidently masculine. With your ego and testosterone boost. And now even more so. And it's not to say that Forester impresses with some bright or aggressive solutions. Not at all. His appearance is Japanese restrained. For the sake of economy appearance"Subarika" was always quite ascetic? I doubt it ... Keep in mind that at present the cost of a "forester" starts from 1.6 million rubles, and in a good configuration it costs 2 million. Yes, the price does not please, but the car itself pleases the owners - it is still produced in Japan. The thrill of Subaru is in drive and reliability, in the same quality from year to year. Yes, and of course, in terms of durability - Rav4 and Forester breathe "nostril to nostril".

In Subaru's restraint, literally from the very first seconds of acquaintance with the Japanese crossover, strength and confidence are felt. IN model range Subaru - The Subaru Forester is an iconic model. It's iconic in terms of daily use and versatility (it's not a WRX for you to drive without your family and jump over bumps). On the "forik" just comfortable to ride. Ride everywhere and not think about the road surface. Yes, this is not a full-fledged SUV, but how often do they climb to the “plowing” with their family? Potential Subaru Forester buyers will be pleased to hear that this year's crossover has been updated a bit. That's just external differences from the "pre-styling" model is difficult to find.

What has changed? The "skirt" of the bumper has changed - lower gray plastic insert lines near the fog lights have appeared. The lines of the head light with LED edging have changed slightly. Plus a little changed the grille. It should be noted that Subaru is equipped with an excellent LED head light, which pleases the eye in the dark and in bad weather. At the back, the lanterns remained of the old form, but their content has changed “cosmetically”. The stern remained the same, but the design of the wheel alloy wheels, which, although controversial in terms of borrowing from the Korean "brothers", looks very organic with the rest of the car.

There are differences inside as well. They are also minor. Most Forester buyers have complained that the interior of the car looks too modest. That is why during the update the Japanese tried to make it more interesting. As a result, Forester got a new three-spoke steering wheel and silver edging air ducts. The first thing you notice is the new screen multimedia system with an abundance of black lacquer details around. I must say that the quality of graphics and multimedia content leaves much to be desired…

Not to say that the above changes radically transformed the interior of the "forester", but it really looked prettier, although it retained its austerity. As for the ease of use of controls and ergonomics in general, the Subaru Forester had no problems with this before. The only questions are the quality of the picture of the rear view camera and the complete absence of parking sensors (front and rear). Why they are not there is a mystery of the century. Perhaps because "blondes" do not buy this "device", and the rest simply do not need this due to first-class visibility.

Finally, Subaru has a heated steering wheel! The interior options include traditional heated front and rear seats (dual-range), and also (in our configuration) there was a memory function for two positions for the driver's seat. There is a retractable armrest in the cabin, two USB and one AUX connectors. The instrument panel remained in the old style, probably because it did not cause any complaints. Perforated leather handles and black lacquer inserts appeared on the doors. Still, inside the car has become more modern, though not pretentious. Designers didn't follow the path revolutionary change corporate style.

Toyota RAV4 is different inside. If in Forester the center console is a simple vertical plane, then in Toyota a much more interesting two-story architecture is used. Good and stylish steering wheel with three spokes. However, the Subaru Forester is no worse. Both Japanese crossovers are approximately at the same level in terms of the quality of finishing materials. If desired, hard plastic can be found in each of the cars. So the volumes of production are volumes, but so far we have to admit that both crossovers are very worthy rivals to each other.

There is plenty of space in the back of the Toyota RAV4. Even those passengers whose height is close to two meters will be quite comfortable on the second row of seats in a Japanese crossover. The situation is absolutely the same in the rear seats of the Subaru Forester. A tall man calmly sits on the back sofa and does not experience any discomfort. For children, this is a “playroom” at all. And there is nothing surprising in this, since both crossovers differ in their dimensions by just a couple of centimeters. The Toyota RAV4 is 4570mm long, while the Forester is just 25mm longer. But in terms of trunk volume, Toyota RAV4 is several tens of liters ahead - 547 liters versus 505 for Subaru. Subaru's trunk will be enough for you, besides, it is very comfortable, and backdoor equipped with an electric drive. Toyota RAV4 will be in the lead even if the rear seatbacks are folded down. Although in this case, it is unlikely that it will be possible to notice the difference with the naked eye. Subaru luggage compartment will increase to 1577 liters, and in RAV4 about 30 liters more will be allocated for things. Subaru also has a factory dark tint on the back, adding to the “inhabitants” back row seats a little comfort.

The basic versions of Japanese crossovers will have a two-liter gasoline engine under the hood, which in the case of Subaru will develop 150 Horse power, and in the case of the Toyota RAV4, 4 "horses" less. That's only if the most affordable Toyota will have mechanical box gear shifting and front-wheel drive only, then the Subaru Forester after the update for its customers does not offer “mechanics” in principle. The same as front-wheel drive. Only CVT and only all-wheel drive - proprietary symmetrical all-wheel drive with an additional x-mode off-road function. It gives a feeling of confidence and security. However, as is often the case, there is one small snag. Subaru is more expensive. The base Forester costs the same as a Toyota RAV4 with a CVT and all-wheel drive. And now the comparison between the two crossovers seems quite correct. In addition, these versions are the most popular in our market.

Both cars come with all-wheel drive. The only difference is that the RAV4 has an automatic, while the Forester has a CVT. We had a Forester with atmospheric engine volume of 2.5 liters, consuming only 8 real liters per 100 km. mileage, while the Toyota RAV4 will already burn 11.4 liters. Subaru has very good torque, the car behaves cheerfully on the road and in the stream you don’t feel “wobbly” even with a CVT. It should be noted that the "forik" has a very comfortable suspension, which swallows all the bumps and flaws of domestic highways and field directions. RAV4 is still more clamped and more designed for the city. Under the hood of the Subaru, everything is simple and “open” for repairs (there are no plastic plates). Everything is clear and concise.

For fans of the Subaru Forester, three engine options are offered on the market: a 2-liter 150 hp, 2.5 liter. 171 HP and a 2-liter turbocharged 241 hp and that is all. Diesel power units in our market are not offered. Still, 2.5 liters is optimal choice for most consumers. But "Toyota" ventured to offer in our country another interesting option - a diesel crossover, the engine of which, with a volume of 2.2 liters, develops 150 horsepower. And now attention! FROM diesel engine japanese crossover gains the first hundred kilometers per hour in exactly 10 seconds, and with the same power gasoline engine Toyota RAV4 does the same exercise in 11.3 seconds. That is, the diesel crossover outright wins in terms of dynamics from the gasoline version identical in power. Including on top speed- 185 versus 180 kilometers per hour. So call after that diesel cars sluggards.

In motion, both crossovers delight with absolutely predictable behavior in any conditions. The only difference is that the Subaru Forester is more tailored for gambling driving (the car accelerates very quickly), and Toyota engineers relied on comfort when setting up the suspension and steering of the RAV4. The steering in it is slightly less informative and is in no hurry to convey to the driver absolutely all the information about what is happening with the car. And this is quite consistent with the image inherent in the cars of each brand. Toyota is peace of mind behind the wheel and the notorious Japanese reliability, Subaru is cars with “pepper”, covered with the glory of the past sports victories. Although Subaru has excellent sound insulation and you can’t say at all that it is sport car. Rather, he is still family. If you drive a car calmly, then the “forik” behaves quite comfortably.

How to sum up our comparative test? Both cars have evolved for the sake of time, but have not changed their "niche" in the market. RAV4 has become a little less feminine and elegant, and Subaru continues to delight men. Price tags have grown significantly in parallel with the improvement performance characteristics. It is difficult to choose a clear leader - both Japanese are good. As the saying goes, "there are no comrades for the taste and color." Buy both cars in the family and rejoice depending on their mood different characters feeling inside the cabin security, comfort and reliability!