Topic: First Drive: 2019 Subaru Forester

[johngenx]

Subaru is still using the full time AWD - so slip/grip.  Yet, anyway.

The RAV's AWD has been changed, and the way it works is like the Subaru system that was used with the four speed AT transmissions.  It engages the rear wheels under a lot more conditions, but unlike the Subaru system, will operate in a FWD only mode in certain instances.  The FWD is used when driving at a steady state on a dead straight road.  Go around a corner, accelerate, etc, and the rear axle is engaged to some degree depending on the need.

The 2019 RAV is a really appealing.  I think it's the best looking RAV yet and the available hybrid is a really good value.

[dirtyjeffer]

The 2019 RAV is a really appealing.  I think it's the best looking RAV yet and the available hybrid is a really good value.

agreed, and i think the Hybrid is the one to get...it uses the new 2.0 system shared with the new Camry.

[Dante]

The said AWD version is only available on the "Adventure" trim not across the board. You need to like everything else about that trim if you want the better AWD. This is the catch.....

[Dante]

Why not?

A bunch of reasons.  The Rav has more power, will be better on gas, has a conventional auto, will likely be more reliable.   Resale will be better. They are ultimately both bowls of vanilla ice cream, so to me it makes more sense to get the Toyota for vanilla based reasons.

Granted if you aren't going to be keeping it for more than 6 years the Subaru becomes more compelling.

As for your points:

- better AWD

I am not sure this is true any longer, it appears Toyota put a lot of work into the AWD system.  At the very least, it's going to be a moot point for most buyers.
***Agree, as long as you get the specific trim that comes with the better AWD (constraint) - That's Adventure (Trail trim in Canada)

-higher ground clearance

I assume the Subie will have more but I haven't found the specs for the new Rav.  I did read a motortrend article that said the Rav gained an inch and a half of clearance.  So it's an inch less than the Subie.
*** Subie is 8.7 inch. RAV4 Trail/Adventure is higher than the regular trims so it should be fine, but again constrained to a specific trim

- standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and auto-climate control

This is coming to the Rav.
*** CarPlay only. No Andriod Auto (which is what I use)

Out of the two, I would go with the RAV4, but I can see reasons for people to buy the Subie.

[ericcc]

A bunch of reasons.  The Rav has more power, will be better on gas, has a conventional auto, will likely be more reliable.   Resale will be better. They are ultimately both bowls of vanilla ice cream, so to me it makes more sense to get the Toyota for vanilla based reasons.

Granted if you aren't going to be keeping it for more than 6 years the Subaru becomes more compelling.

As for your points:

- better AWD

I am not sure this is true any longer, it appears Toyota put a lot of work into the AWD system.  At the very least, it's going to be a moot point for most buyers.

-higher ground clearance

I assume the Subie will have more but I haven't found the specs for the new Rav.  I did read a motortrend article that said the Rav gained an inch and a half of clearance.  So it's an inch less than the Subie.

- standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and auto-climate control

This is coming to the Rav.

Fuel economy is in no way a certain win for the Rav4. The old Forester beat the old Rav4 AWD by 4 MPG highway and city, while powering all wheels all the time. Even if the new Rav4 beats the new Forester, difference likely won't be notable.

AWD capability isn't moot point for people considering Subarus. It's literally the #1 reason people buy them in Canada, northern US.

Here are some reasons for the Forester. Its practicality and ease of access to rear seats and cargo must be top or near-top of the segment. Outward visibility is fantastic as always. Go look outwards the rear windshield of the current Toyota products -Rav4 and NX- and they are friggin horrendous. New rav4 looks to be an improvement, but very likely won't best the Forester. If you have small children, Subaru's are fantastic with multiple carseats; old Rav4 average to below average.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Subaru is the  Japanese  equivalent of FGC
Great if under warranty, pricey out of warranty

[Noto]

Nearly 8 years with our Fozzie.  Total out of warranty costs are about $400 for an O2 sensor.

Brake job was easy to do.  Wife loves Subaru.... It'll be hard to get her into something different, but the kids of the turbo hurts and I'm not buying the 2.5i.

Agreed that the Rav is more compelling, though the CX-5 2.5T is even more so.

[chignectohead]

Who said they went to slip and grip? Daddy Warbucks? No change so far as I know - three years ago, they dumped the VTD system on the higher-end cars. It had an actual centre differential. Perhaps that's what you mean. If not, well show me your reference - they cling strongly to tradition  at Subaru to have always -on AWD.

So far as this new Forester is concerned, it'll be just great for bumbling down to the farmer's market Saturday morning, dog in tow, mind out of gear. Then on Sunday, a death-defying clamber across the muddy dirt parking lot at the local provincial park walking trail. Nice tailgate to sit on for putting on genuine brand name hiking boots for a challenging two km workout.

Yawn. Next. CX-5 turbo? Oh yeah! The superior replacement for the old XT. Already on sale in Japan.