2013 Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Forester Comparison

2013_rav4_1
Toyota RAV4
VS 2013_forester_1
Subaru Forester

Welcome to the new 2013 Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester comparison. Both are brand new models for 2013.

Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Forester exterior: Like all the latest SUV releases they both RAV4 and Forester essentially look good. Of course they have been slightly uglified as per the current design trend but is a fair way. For example the rear end of the RAV4 and the Forester don’t quite match up. The light doors on the Subaru do not make it feel like a quality car…

Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Forester interior: it been awhile since we said anything nice about a Subaru’s interior, but this time we can say it is a good effort. Sure it looks identical to the XV interior but it is a nice place to sit in. The Forester interior does look like a Toyota of last generation in particular the 120 series Prado. The RAV4 takes awhile to adjust due to the modern design but it is pretty decent place to be and nicer quality (for the top range version) than the dark Subaru. The RAV4 interior has higher quality materials and design.

Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Forester engine and technology: The Forester inherits the newest engine internals and latest technology from the XV so it is up to date and has the option of the powerhouse ex-WRX engine. There are 4 engines to choose from and even a a CVT. Unfortunately despite all that it’s claimed fuel consumption is NOT impressive especially when you add in an increase of at least 2 litres in real world traffic. The RAV4 uses more traditional technology that errs on the reliability side of things before releasing new technology. This includes its minimal tow rating for the diesel – admittedly capable for more weight but let’s face it 99% of the time these things appear to be towing above their weight often unbraked which is where the problems lies. 

Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Forester on road: N/A

The Forester has plenty of appeal, the standout will be the performance turbo but lets face it not many will buy that particular model.  The new Forester is a better package than the smaller XV and nice upgrade on the last model. We like the RAV4 for its solid feeling behind the wheel which the Subaru has too but again the doors prove its flaw. Which one you choose will depend on which sales person is the nicest and there aren’t very many.

 

Toyota RAV4 Subaru Forester
2013_rav4_2 2013_forester_2
Engines  

IL4 Cylinder – Petrol – (3ZR-FE)
DOHC 16 Valve VVT
2.0 Litre (1987cc)
Claimed 107Kw @ 6200RPM
Claimed 187Nm @ 3600RPM

IL4 Cylinder – Petrol – (2AR-FE)
DOHC 16 Valve VVT
2.4 Litre (2494cc)
Claimed 132Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 233Nm @ 4200RPM

IL4 Cylinder – Diesel – (2AD-FTV)
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
2.2 Litre (2199cc)
Claimed 110Kw @ 3600RPM
Claimed 340Nm @ 2000RPM

FB20 series engine
F4 cylinder Petrol (91 Octane)
2.0 Litre (1998cc)
DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 110Kw @ 6200RPM
Claimed 198Nm @ 4200RPM

FB25 series engine
F4 cylinder Petrol (91 Octane)
2.5 Litre (2498cc)
DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 126Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 235Nm @ 4100RPM

EE20 series engine
F4 cylinder Turbo Diesel 
2.0 Litre (1998cc)
DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 108Kw @ 3660RPM
Claimed 350Nm @ 16000RPM 

FB20 series engine
F4 Turbo Petrol (95 Octane)
2.0 Litre (1998cc)
Claimed 177Kw @ 5600RPM
Claimed 350Nm @ 2400RPM 

Weight  
Kerb weight FROM 1485Kg
Towing capacity up to 1500kg (2.5 Petrol)

Kerb weight FROM 1566Kg
Towing capacity up to 1800kg

Fuel capacity & consumption  
Up to 60 litres
3ZR-FE 2.0 Petrol 7.7 litres per 100km
2AR-FE 2.5 Petrol 8.6 litres per 100km
2AD-FTV 2.2 Diesel 5.6 litres per 100km

Up to 60 litres
FB20 2.0 Petrol 7.2 Lts per 100km AVG (CVT)
FB25 2.4 Petrol 8.1 Lts per 100km AVG
EE20 2.2 Turbo Diesel 5.9 Lts per 100km AVG
FB20T 2.0 Turbo Petrol 8.1 Lts per 100km AVG

Other specifications  
6 speed manual or 6 speed Auto CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1715/1845 
Overall length/wheelbase 4570/2660 
4WD system: On demand AWD or 2WD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size: 225-55-17 

6 speed manual or CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1735/1795
Overall length/wheelbase 4595/2640
4WD system: AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size: xxx

Capability   
Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max

Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Min ground clearance xxx mm
Water Fording depth xxx mm

Performance  
  FB20 Petrol 0-100kph 10.5kph secs
EE20 Turbo Diesel 0-100kph 10.5 secs
FB20 2.0 litre turbo petrol 0-100kph 7.5secs  
Pricing  
2013 $28,490 – 48,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!

2013 $30,990 – 50,490 AUD