Toyota has just launched the new 2013 Toyota RAV4 with a new exterior design, interior, and powertrain, but how does it stack up against the all-new 2014 Subaru Forester?
Exterior styling
The fourth-generation RAV4 gets more aggressive styling with a sleek-sloping roofline and aggressively sculpted front and rear fenders. Contemporary buyers are looking for more than just a functional design and want something that has a “fun character.“ Toyota has definitely moved the new 2013 RAV4 in the right direction with its new dynamic styling changes.
The 2014 Forester gets sharply defined details in an all-new body. The 2.0XT models are especially attractive with an exclusive aggressive looking sport design front bumper along with a one-piece mesh style grille and chrome-rimmed fog light bezels. The 2014 Forester is built on a new platform featuring a 0.9-inch longer wheelbase, but the length is increased by just 1.4-inch, and width by 0.6-in. and offers notable gains in roominess. Styling preferences are subjective, but we would give the nod to the new 2013 RAV4.
Interior cargo room
The new exterior design of the new RAV4 affects the interior dimensions of the 2013 model and the cargo area is deeper, larger and easier to access than in the previous generation. The cargo capacity now features just over 38.4 cu. ft. of cargo behind the rear seats. With rear seats folded, RAV4 has a maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cu. ft.
The 2014 Forester offers notable gains in roominess, particularly in the rear seat, where legroom is now 41.7 inches. Higher seat hip points, a lower center tunnel and shorter front console also provide greater legroom and comfort for the center rear seat passenger. Maximum rear cargo area room with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks lowered is now 74.7 cu. ft., which is among the best in class. The new 2014 Forester gets the win here for maximum cargo carrying ability and extra legroom for rear passengers.
Powertrain options
For 2013, RAV4 is available with Toyota’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, which produces 176 horsepower and 172 lbs-ft. of torque. The optional V6 of the previous-generation RAV4 has been discontinued. Replacing the previous-generation RAV4’s four-speed automatic is a six-speed transmission. First and second gear ratios are optimized for around-town performance. To enhance highway fuel mileage, fifth and sixth gears are overdrives.
The 2014 Subaru Forester will come with an all-new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb ft of torque. It will also come with a new intercooler for increased performance. The new 2.0-liter replaces the outgoing 2.5-liter horizontally opposed turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Forester 2.5XT model.
The 2014 Forester crossover will also feature the standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer engine that was introduced in the outgoing model. It will have 170 horsepower and 174 lb ft of torque. It will also come mated to a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. Both variants will be available with a new six-speed manual transmission. The new 2014 Forester wins hands down because of the new 2.0-liter turbo engine. Both crossovers offer a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that offer similar performance.
Fuel mileage
The all-new RAV4’s fuel efficiency is improved from the previous generation. A new Eco mode promotes more efficient driving for maximum mpg. RAV4 front-wheel drive models have received EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models are EPA-estimated at 22/29 mpg.
The new Subaru Forester 2.0-liter will produce 26 more horsepower and 32 lb ft more torque than the larger 2.5-liter turbo engine, but will get better fuel mileage. Subaru says fuel economy is expected to increase in the 2.5-liter standard boxer engine as well. The previous model engine had an EPA estimated 21/27 mpg city/highway. Subaru hasn’t released exact EPA ratings yet on the new 2014 Forester.
The new-generation Forester will benefit from a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The new CVT will also help increase fuel mileage. Our guess is the new Forester 2.5-liter engine with the CVT will at least match the RAV4 numbers and possibly beat the RAV4 all-wheel-drive estimates.
The new 2013 Toyota RAV4 and 2014 Subaru Forester match up well, but this writer would choose the new Forester for its improved interior cargo carrying ability, extra rear passenger legroom, Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and the all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with the extra power to make the crossover both functional, sporty and fun to drive.
Which one would you choose?
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