Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Subaru Forester Hybrid 2020 comparison review

[@chasingcars]

Hope this comparison is useful! Skip ahead to the part you want to see: 1:08 - RAV4 interior 3:43 - Forester interior 6:40 - Boot/cargo space 7:34 - The consequences of the Forester having no spare tyre 8:59 - RAV4 driving 14:42 - Forester driving 20:35 - Conclusion and verdict

[@chasingcars]

Wow, those are some tremendous results. Mr Motormouth must have a lighter foot than I do! Yep, the JBL stereo is perfectly competent. I used to think it stood for "Junk, but loud", but in the RAV4 it's a decently clear unit.

[@chasingcars]

@Matt Ace Ah, fair enough. And let's face it, 3kW on the AWD isn't a huge addition. That said, we had our long-termer in winter and drove it for hundreds of Ks through snow - and the eFour AWD system worked very well in those realistic conditions (navigating slippery roads, rather than actual off-roading).

[@Skysurferau]

No Spare Wheel is a deal breaker for me Subaru, and I’ve loved my Foresters (2) in the past

[@Michael_Mears]

Another great review, Tom. No full-sized spare, or no spare at all, is a deal-breaker for us.

[@chasingcars]

Really important considerations if you live out of town, that’s for sure.

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

@@chasingcars Considering the quality of tires compared to decades ago when flats were extremely common but pretty rare today..I don’t see the big deal. I am elderly and I am not alone.. I dont crawl around changing tires anyway..I have AAA. Passing on a car I really like because it doesn’t have a spare?…or not enough cup holders?

[@MarthaMansbridge]

@@wilshirewarrior2783 Agree - I haven't had a flat tire in 25 years....

[@darylw-m9549]

Very much appreciate your reviews and the real-world expertise that comes through. I've been an owner of Foresters for 20 years but when looking for a hybrid decided to go for the RAV4 on the basis of Toyota's experience building hybrids, its safety features, performance, and well-thought out cabin design. I'm picking it up next week after an 8-month wait.

[@hazeroth]

My oh my... timely indeed with the flat tire insert! Another excellent video!

[@chasingcars]

Must have tempted fate with my remarks about the boot...

[@symmetry08]

In a sense, hybrid system in Subaru Forester is not to make it best off hybridization but to assist CVT transmissions that has innate nature of becoming slow to start off from standstill. It just helps to make it more lively to drive everyday.

[@chasingcars]

You’d think you would just give it a better gearbox rather than go to the vast expense of giving it a weak hybrid system then...

[@realjohnboxall]

Not the first review to point out the pointlessness of the Subaru. No wonder there's a mad line for the RAV4. Can't wait to see the Kluger Hybrid.

[@chasingcars]

The Kluger hybrid should be really good, and at the very least a major improvement over the outgoing model

[@jinkymarieintal9845]

Just got my rav4 cruiser hybrid. Soo good. Waited 2 months on it.

[@lbonken]

Great review. It's a shame that Subaru went that way with the power train, was hoping Subaru would do something more competitive performance wise with the Rav4 but it just sounds like a big let down in power and consumption.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, when the Forester hybrid was announced I figured it’d benchmark the RAV4. It’s still a reasonably good vehicle but the Toyota really knocked it out of the park.

[@madhavamadhav6470]

Make a video for best plug-in hybrid all available models comparison plz

[@Mububban23]

Is 5km on a repaired tyre normal for all companies? That seems ridiculously unusable unless you are right in the heart of an urban centre

[@limpunsing224]

You can't go wrong on these cars but I'd prefer the RAV4 relying on Toyota's long experience in making hybrids Nice comparison review

[@chasingcars]

Thanks mate. Agreed, experience pays in this area.

[@koyrehme4361]

Toyota owns 20% of Subaru and shares it's hybrid tech with them. Most of the hybrid parts (motors, batteries, etc.) are Toyota parts.

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

@@koyrehme4361 that's good then Subaru made a good choice sourcing it's hybrid tech from Toyota aka the global leaders of this technology

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@ryadhasanahmed5443 Yes it is, but Subaru have a long way to go. The RAV4 hybrid is clearly streets ahead of the Forester hybrid in terms of performance and economy. Still, if I was in the market for such a beast, I'd wait and see how the Subaru hybrid unfolds...it might be a couple of years away though.

[@davidmahan4160]

Subaru's hybrid technology is all Toyota.

[@leyland9999]

Very good comparisson! I own the RAV4 in quite similar trim as the one you drove. Toyota uses different names for essentially the same types in the range, depending where you are on the planet. So it might occur that a certain version is not available where you reside, or it is available under a different name, quite confusing. Mine was made in Japan, shipped to Denmark and was a demo there. Due to our tax levels AND the long waiting lists for roughly any current RAV4 version, it is profitable for the Dutch importer to get very young demo’s from everywhere in Europe. So mine only had 5000 demo kilometers driven when it was imported into Holland. I agree with much of what you say about the car, one thing though I do not agree: it can be quite noisy if you push it hard. The 2.5 is noisy if revved but I do not think the noise is annoying, it has a nice sound. But that depends on one’s taste! But if you drive the car Toyota has meant it to be driven, it certainly is quiet and a real pleasure to drive. I had to get used to the car but as for me I guess it will be a long lasting friendship! Kind regards, Willem from Hekelingen, Holland.

[@amramweismann6162]

I also think that when pushed the engine noise is a proper engine noise (Maybe i'm old fashioned having driven cars for the last 47 years) not some chocked strangled muffled noise some of the modern cars do when pushed but in normal driving even on highway acceleration if you don't floor the pedal it's a quiet car and pleasant to drive

[@Neon8787]

Great comparison! I've just placed an order for a RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid, and this totally validates my decision! We are planning on doing interstate trips as well, so seeing you get a flat confirmed my suspicion that tyre repair kits are not for outside-the-CBD driving. Also worth noting that you can buy and fit a full-sized spare under the load cover in the back of the Rav4 even if it only comes with a space-saver. ;)

[@GladwishStephen]

I’ve been waiting since Sep 2019 for my cruiser AWD hybrid with no end in sight...

[@chasingcars]

The full size spare sounds like a good accessory for the RAV4 to make it even better at country touring. Hang in there for your wait times… it's worth it. Up unto a point, that is! I probably wouldn't wait more than a year.

[@Neon8787]

@Matt Ace Cruiser. I got told 4-6 months, but I'm hoping there will be a cancelled order or something I can grab... They are pretty rare though.

[@Neon8787]

@@GladwishStephen I wonder if the state you're in matter... I have a colleague who ordered in October and took delivery in Feb of the same model. Did you get the Nutmeg leather?

[@Neon8787]

@@chasingcars Oh god... I really hope it doesn't take THAT long, but with the current world situation I wouldn't be surprised if things got blown way out...

[@Donster888]

awesome review very concise and informative

[@geenev3]

I would normally go for the soobi but as you said Tom Toyota have been in it longer and there for the rav4 is the clear benchmark. I have a sneaky suspicion all their new land cruisers might also be sharing this new rav4 DNA! Why not if it works!!! Again thanks Tom another great review, cheers!!!

[@henryhonda8408]

The Toyota Hylander hybrid has the exact same powertrain as the Rav4 and almost gets the same gas mileage as the Rav4 even though it's a much larger vehicle. Not sure if it's available in Australia though.

[@jonathanharvey6701]

I have read many reviews on the 2019 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser including statistics, comparisons and road tests. I am awaiting the delivery of mine and can’t wait to be driving a vehicle that is the complete package: performance, economy, luxury and safety along with the peace of mind of Toyota after sales service. Thanks for your review, and unless I discover something to the contrary, I am sure I have made the right choice to purchase this vehicle for my lifestyle.

[@MrRexy04]

Agree Jonathan. When did you pre-order and when have you been told the expected delivery month?

[@andrewtatler5814]

i cant wait to get the 2020 Rav4 hybrid cruiser end of November hopefully.Loved test driving it

[@jonathanharvey6701]

MrRexy04 I ordered the car in January and picked up the car 2 weeks ago.

[@ryanhotrod5416]

Always put the name of the journalist doing the review in the info/details below for new fans that join the channel. So they can follow you on social media etc.

[@Grant0610]

Considering one of these as touring vehicle for a tour operating company in Scotland. No spare wheel on Subaru and only 5km on sealer, sorry, just lost a sale for functional reasons! 🤨

[@wax333]

Subaru Hybrid system will eventually get better. im assuming Subaru maybe testing the waters with this system and will be developing it even further. who knows the WRX could get a performance boost with an electric engine in the future something id like to see.

[@matthewrafferty4117]

We owned a 2021 Rav4 Cruiser for 7 months and 15,000km after selling it for a good profit we upgraded to a Kluger hybrid in the base GX trim. The Kluger is a much more comfortable and quieter ride but doesn't feel as well put together as the Rav. We also have another Rav on order and only bought the Kluger as an in between car to future proof the value as the new Rav will be close to 58k with the price increases. We are reconsidering the Rav though as it just doesn't feel as nice inside as something like a CX5. I also recently sat inside a Jeep Compass and was truly surprised at how nice it was inside with a real quality feel. The Forester also feels like a nicer place to sit in the higher grades. The Rav to me really feels like they are trying to save money in some areas which when the price is pushing 58k in the 2023 update I think the Rav is loosing some shine,

[@sturogers2964]

Hands down the RAV4 is the winner for me. Subaru’s smaller engine👎🏻 no spare👎🏻minimal fuel saving👎🏻

[@chasingcars]

More or less, yep. Both good cars but the Toyota is a spectacular achievement.

[@ianc214]

Whilst I congratulate you on your review, did anyone mention the Forester is a true AWD with significant off road capabilities?

[@dadabok]

I'm very sure I won't buy a car without a spare wheel. Full size spare is better but I think atm only Land Cruiser still has one, so even a small spare is acceptable

[@dingbatt]

Conventional CVT (Subaru) vs eCVT (Toyota), no contest, the RAV4 hands down. No spare tire, no deal and in fact here in NZ the RAV comes with a full size spare. So for anyone in Oz a full size spare should fit, you may just need a different underfloor spacer. The Subaru really is an augmented ICE rather than a true hybrid. Hopefully the RAV4 Prime will be available downunder next year once the world is back on axis.

[@chasingcars]

Looking forward to the RAV4 Prime too - hopefully they can secure it.

[@dominicmota5564]

No spare? No buy, I keep using my XT only and they come with full size tyre too thank you 🤣

[@chasingcars]

Can’t believe we got a puncture...

[@dominicmota5564]

@@chasingcars on the road anything could happen, can't believe a SUV without a spare. And the battery help so little in fuel, I will keep my last turbo version as long as I can, now still under 25,000 KLM 😂

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@dominicmota5564 My Forester XT is now approaching 250k - drives quiet, very quick and offers effortless cruising with peace of mind full size spare.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@dominicmota5564 I've got an MX5 with inflator kit (understandable on a car chasing every gram saved in weight). It's absolutely inexcusable on an SUV in Australia! Surely they didn't poll the prospective market on this. I've had two flats in four years, got home each time (just). I would not buy ANY car without a minimum of a space saving spare tyre. I fear a lot of electric cars coming on to the market will have inflator kits because of heavy, space robbing battery packs.

[@aldoraine9949]

After watching reviews comparing all the hybrids in this segment, it seems like the only thing arguably "better" than the rav4 is the crv... at a 4 mpg loss (real world)

[@yeebies9636]

Would definitely pick the RAV4. The forrester looks so bland and outdated now, as with the entire subie lineup. Honda Australia are basically committing corporate suicide by not bringing the CRV-hybrid here, ridiculous.

[@chasingcars]

Who knows what Honda is up to at the moment. Agree, where’s the facelifted CR-V? Where’s the hybrid? Afraid we don’t have much clarity there.

[@JohnSmith-nz4bn]

Check out auto expert for updates on Honda. They may even leave Australia.

[@chasingcars]

@@JohnSmith-nz4bn Honda have announced their plans. They're eliminating the Jazz and City, concentrating on HR-V, CR-V and Civic, and there will be a small downscaling in the dealer network.

[@JohnSmith-nz4bn]

@@chasingcars that's good they're not leaving entirely then. Still have hope they'll come back to the former glory.

[@awdlover4349]

Hi, very well done review! Here in Europe we get only hybrid versions of both cars; but they are very different and not directly comparable, according to me. Here Subaru’s e-boxer is sold as a mild-hybrid (the scheme is similar to a full hybrid one but both electric motor and battery are quite small, so the effects on the consumptions are not significant). Moreover prices are different: top spec trim Subie costs 43k euros (no options available, all is included), RAV4 costs 48k euros with the options to get Forster trim. Unfortunately EU CO2 emissions laws are making manufacturer to offer only, or near only mild/full/plug in hybrid and electric vehicles and prices are getting very high. Moreover. Some high performance cars won’t be imported anymore (Subie WRX STI, BRZ and so on) here in EU. I wish we could chose the engine and the car we prefer but it’s not so, no more. You’re lucky

[@paulharris2923]

Very good demo and explanation.. I’m really happy I’m getting the aToyota RAV4...

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Paul. Glad the comparison was helpful.

[@aw4610]

Come for the cars. Stay for Tom. ❤️

[@borisdelzenne-b1278]

There seems to be a massive miss conception about any hybrids. They're not meant to be used as ev all the time. You use that system to get the best fuel economy. An exemple: with the Toyota hybrid, you will use more fuel trying to stay in the ev because youre emptying that battery and fast. When it's empty, the engine kicks in to recharge the battery and you're at a red light with your engine on trying to recharge that battery. It's a no no. What you do instead is accelerate as you would with the engine let go and glide. And recharge as you stop. You can use ev for sure but don't empty the battery and recharge it constantly, it will also reduce its useable life and you will get worst fuel economy. Driving with push and glide, I get 2.8l/100km with the corolla hybrid and battery is always charged

[@littlejohnny47]

Since most small SUV’s never go off road, not having a spare may not matter to city folk but is a deal breaker for any vehicle that ventures off road (IMO). Subaru has tried to place their vehicles as a more premium brand these days. They need to work harder at features and refinement if they want to command a higher price. Second place and more expensive than the Toyota is not the best combination.

[@philipzwick]

Non-hybrid Foresters not only have a spare included but also a tray for storage above it underneath the floor.

[@chasingcars]

Indeed.

[@oddities-whatnot]

If I get a Forester next year, it will be the last shape with low miles. Much better car overall in my opinion compared to this new model in the UK.

[@tabes10]

Car makers just need to bring back a full size spare. They need to listen to us the buyers.

[@chasingcars]

Mmm. As others have noted, you can fit a full size spare to the RAV4 as an accessory, which would be a smart buy for those well out of town

[@commsguy71]

@@chasingcars Only available as a factory option on GX grade (petrol or hybrid). Space-saver on all other variants. Full-size spare not offered as an accessory.

[@MrBenHaynes]

They don't ask the buyers. Well, they will learn when they don't sell.

[@MrRexy04]

Thanks for another great review of this car. Can you advise if this cruiser spec has an auto tailgate (either foot sensor or other) or are you required to physically press things to operate the lift? Cheers

[@chasingcars]

No worries. I've checked for you and it looks like Australian-spec cars don't have the kick-to-open function from overseas. Hopefully Toyota changes this in future. If anybody knows differently or I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me!

[@markthompson5803]

@@chasingcars The kick to open the power tailgate only comes on the limited. Not available on any other trim.

[@MaurizioLattuada]

This feature is not available anywhere for Subaru, except for the Outback 2020 sold in USDM.

[@ryantaylor6530]

I love our RAV4 we bought a few months ago, the amount of kit you get for the money beats any competitor. If I could do it again I would definitely have gone with the hybrid, not for the fuel economy as that just does not make any financial sense but the HP gets a big bump and the 2.0L engine really does need it as it can feel quite sluggish at times.

[@chasingcars]

Yep, great summary.

[@wind7sailor]

Sadly, I can see why Subaru hasn't brought this E-boxer hybrid to the US market. I'd been hoping that Subaru would put a similar sized hybrid motor, with similar power in the Forester, but Subaru has again shot itself in the foot with another under-powered, 2'nd rate and poor performing engine. With all the newer, higher powered, and higher MPG models hitting the market from its competitors, Subaru sales should start declining over the next decade. Nice, factual review, great job.

[@sacitizen1089]

Sabaru has really messed up the no Tyre

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, it does seem like a bit of an own goal

[@sonnybocalajr.725]

Its the same story with the CRV Hybrid too, only that the CRV has a way better Hybrid system.

[@henryhonda8408]

The CR-V hybrid has a true mechanical AWD but with no spare tire & it can't tow anything is a deal breaker for me.

[@Theprofessor1212]

A lot of people don’t know that Toyota is a majority shareholder of Subaru. A lot of Subaru parts are also made by Toyota owned companies like Denso.

[@morgasshk]

Toyota own 18% of Fuji Heavy industries, who own Subaru. Not sure if it makes them majority Shareholder. Denso and Aisin Seiki are Toyota owned and actually have parts in most vehicles coming out of SE Asia, Korea and other Euro Markets. Denso do make the best AC after all :D

[@DreamerTillTheEnd]

Assuming they are made the same every where .The Subaru does have a spare you have to lift where the tire jack is. So instead of lifting one thing to get to it you have to lift 2.

[@ptn2452]

Please use lens hoods to keep the sun out of the frame. It’s very annoying to watch washed out details. Also, drive out in the open so trees don’t lend a strobe effect.

[@ozevox]

so driven in the same manner the forester would have similar fuel economy numbers to my wifes wrx . no cvt thanks

[@amramweismann6162]

Very good review i agree with your view on the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and agree Subaru could have done better as Forester is a nice car but as my Dad used to say there are Japanese cars and there is Toyota after driving over 400000 KM on his Toyota

[@chasingcars]

That's a very hard earned reputation for reliability.

[@poobum9857]

i'm upto 300k in outback over 7 years , but cvt starting to !!!

[@brianwilliams9706]

In my opinion the decision by Hyundai to release a car with no spare tyre is essentially an insult to Australian drivers, but of course, if you only use the car to drive from your home to the nearest shopping centre then the car 'might' be a reasonable option.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

A hybrid is of little use for those in the country - hybrids are good for stop start driving, not highway travelling. A vehicle with either a space saver or a kit is pretty useless for country driving where you will want to travel at 100km/h (space save limited to 80km/h). Neither vehicle is for the country. These are city cars.

[@chasingcars]

In the past, that was true. However, in our long term ownership the RAV4 Hybrid returned excellent highway economy (in the vicinity of 6L/100km), meaning there is little to no difference between running the Hybrid or the alternative 2.0L petrol-only version. Plus, the electric torque remains available to assist hard acceleration, making overtaking faster. Ergo, there are definitely benefits to a strong hybrid in the country.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@chasingcars OK, thanks for updating me. It's nice to learn (and unlearn old "truths"). Cheers, keep up the great vids.

[@topiramate100]

In Australia, a space-saver spare tyre should never be standard issue.

[@chasingcars]

I dunno. With such a vast percentage of buyers living and operating the vehicle in the city, surely a space saver is enough - but NO spare is definitely rubbish.

[@WidleyWesident]

Almost bought the Subaru but was put off due to the ridiculous price here in the U.K. the hybrid motor and battery so small as to be useless. Petrol engine emissions far too high for Europe. Subaru has lost the plot and I’m not keen on the RAV4’s styling. I should have kept my Jeep.

[@davidmahan4160]

I totally agree, I'm about to change vehicles and I've been looking at hybrids. The Subaru may be great off road but poor fuel consumption, too small battery and electric motor has put me off; not the mention the sky high hike in VED and purchase price of near £40,000.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Yes, here in the UK its overpriced for no real benefit by having the hybrid system. Subaru have got it wrong. I will more likely look at a used last shape Forester.

[@stewartmarler1416]

12.3kW of hybrid system doesn't even make up for the lack of a spare tyre, let alone the weight gain, the complexity gain or the price hike. Subaru thinking it would make up for ALL these things added up might just go down as their greatest folly since the aircraft inspired grills of the early noughties.

[@chasingcars]

The idea of a Forester hybrid is a great one, but the execution of the future, updated version needs to be a lot better

[@Corvette1658]

Dear Subaru please bring the Forester Hybrid to the USA. Subaru really needs some Hybrids.

[@danielporter1218]

Found that previous rav4 had trouble handling corners, felt like you we going to be ejected especially in rural setting where roads don’t have smooth cornering. Is this still the case? Also is there an option to have a full size spare with Rav 4 if not then it’s a deal breaker.

[@chasingcars]

Not the case on the new one. It handles well. It's not sporty, but the handling is very competent and the roadholding is good.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

First And can you do a discussion on the various PHEVs available in Australia, and what's best?

[@chasingcars]

Yes, I’m sure we can. Leave it with me.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

@@chasingcars do you know much about the new Ford escape? Looking like a good option.

[@chasingcars]

@@pastorofmuppets8834 Don't know a huge amount about it other than the price and specs, which we've covered on the site. I'm sure we'll get a drive of the Escape and Escape PHEV when it arrives in Australia. www.chasingcars.com.au/new-ford-escape-suv-priced-for-australia-includes-plug-in-hybrid/

[@MrBenHaynes]

Comparison over at the Subaru tyre repair. Reading the other comments, I'm not Robinson Crusoe there! Subaru, once again 🔙

[@djolemerc]

Toyota owns 15% of Subaru.Subaru uses Toyota hybrid technology made by Denso that is also owned by Toyota

[@chasingcars]

Indeed, but their corporate structure and product development is entirely separate to Toyota. It's not like, say, Volkswagen Group. Toyota has an investment in Subaru but Subaru runs their own race.

[@morgasshk]

Toyota also still own 1000 different patents on the Gen 3 technology. The Gen 4 stuff is not really shared with anyone. And Toyota own part of Fuji Heavy Industries, doesn't mean they are going to shell out tech and know how to them without them paying for it. ;)

[@ro0ster648]

They recently upped it to 20%

[@MaurizioLattuada]

Definitely no. The hybrid powertrain on the Forester is 100% Subaru homemade. It shares nothing with the Toyota one.

[@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

The subie feels more airy because of the larger moon roof....Toyota should make the pano moon roof standard on the adventure, TRD off road and hybrid...

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, though I don't actually mind a smaller sunroof - the pano roof installation is a prime candidate for rattles and creaks as the structure ages

[@bluearmy7690]

Very good comparison

[@chasingcars]

Thank you.

[@johnwang8799]

Who makes Subaru cvt transmissio?

[@DronieUp]

I was hoping this is a John and Tom review lol

[@chasingcars]

We'll have to look into doing that!

[@mackeymichael]

Didn't you test this Rav against the Tiguan recently and for similar acceleration the Toyota used 50 % of the fuel that the Vw used ? They have a major technical lead over any of their rivals. They might need to learn some things from Tesla if battery only powered cars are the future though.

[@chasingcars]

Yep, we did. The RAV4's fuel efficiency gains in the real world are very, very impressive. Agreed that Toyota have a task ahead in terms of the big jump to full BEV but the signs are good.

[@tonycoz2309]

Why would Subaru put out such an inferior product? I own a 2016 Forester 2.5S petrol that gets 6.8lt/100klm on a country run. What incentive is there for me to update to a Forester Hybrid?

[@chasingcars]

Not much incentive, I don't think. If most of your miles are in the country an efficient ICE vehicle is still a better bet at this point.

[@lorinsdawood842]

I don't know how people think the rav4 interior is any good. The chunky infotainment system, the half digital dash like it's from 2005, the steering wheel has no design, the exhausts not integrated in the bumper like all modern cars are, the really cheaper rear air vents, no seat pocket for the drivers side, etc. The whole interior is the dullest interior I've seen for the past 5 years, so cheap and flimsy, the exterior is not that great either.

[@markthompson5803]

As compared to what? I love the interior of our XSE. Much better than a Prius and just as good as the Avalon.

[@bluearmy7690]

Not that good. Agree.

[@Dan4096]

So that RAV4 drivetrain needs to be stuck directly into a performance Corolla!

[@chasingcars]

That’d be awesome

[@koyrehme4361]

The 300 hp RAV4 Prime drivetrain would be awesome in a Corolla.

[@anubizz3]

There is no surprise that Rav 4 hybrid will beat Subaru hybrid, one is designed around hybrid one is just afterthought, if you want Subaru buy the petrol version, and alot of reviewer only say ah Rav 4 use less fuel than petrol engines competitor well that's the only think that Rav 4 shine, alot of reviewer fail tomention how much superior Subaru in terms of savety features. Rav 4 is designed around fuel economy, forester is designed around safety, Subaru have hardcore follower for a reason they need to tap on that, rather than give turbo like XT, they give hybrid which will flop.

[@kobusraaths4529]

No comparison Subaru still best AWD car on the market that's a fact.

[@davidmurray5926]

Forester XT driving past in the background @17:39

[@kenwillmott6059]

Hi how safe is it to drive a Rav4 Hybrid cars in water and snow. I live in the country and I have to drive through low level water on the roads and during winter I have to drive through snow.

[@chasingcars]

Drove it through snow and ice for about 7 hours straight during our long term period and it was great.

[@kenwillmott6059]

@@chasingcars thanks for that. It has helped me make a decision, down to two cars to test drive

[@SuperTorquemaster]

RAV4 by far, but you can't even buy one in NSW. 6-12mth wait list for Hybrids…what a joke….

[@chasingcars]

Very popular car, and complicated by the fact that Toyota have to send most of their supply to Europe in order to avoid multi million dollar fines for failing to comply with very harsh EU total sales average emissions laws.

[@GladwishStephen]

Been waiting since September 2019 with no end in sight..

[@morgasshk]

@@chasingcars Toyo Europe also had the balls to say sod the Petrol and give us all Hybrid... We persisted in needing/asking/wanting petrol variants... So Australia of course gets less of the hybrids as we have others able to "satisfy" needs... :S

[@markthompson5803]

That's why you have the internet. We wanted a RAV4 XSE Hybrid in Bilzzard white with all the options. Had to drive 250 miles to get it, but it was available. Our local dealer couldn't get one. It was worth the drive, I love ours.

[@chasingcars]

Unfortunately Australia is a much smaller market, with a much, much lower number of dealers - so it's basically sold out continent-wide. Still, worthy of the wait we reckon.

[@srinivassanikommu3559]

Hi Tom..whats the tank capacity of Forester

[@chasingcars]

48 litres.

[@apb1441]

Why don't Toyota have ventelated seats for the rav4? They have them in the camry? That's not great for our only getting hotter Australian summers

[@chasingcars]

Doubly odd as the American version has cooled seats.

[@apb1441]

@@chasingcars it seems we can get it in the top of line petrol only version...? oh well looks like i will be getting the GLX, i've had enough leather seat cars without cooling in hot summers to know to stay far far far away.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

When do you think Subaru will shift their service schedule to 12 monthly? I'll never buy one if it has to be serviced every 6 months.

[@Iwishiwasflying]

Was already under the impression all Subaru was 12 months due to the global platform ?

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

@@Iwishiwasflying yes you're right, I just checked their website, but the turbo and 6cyl engines still need 6 monthly servicing. They're the only engines I'm interested in having.

[@car24dude]

RAV4 Hybrid needs to learn from Subaru and make a real AWD. I had 2010 Impreza, wanted to try something bigger, now I have 2023 RAV4 hybrid, not a true full time AWD, not happy with it.

[@Grant0610]

You can tell this is not a UK review. There is no German car to be reviewed! I am sure they are all sponsored by the German manufactures.

[@kamchan7606]

A spare tyre is definitely a differentiator.

[@billysmith5721]

too cramp for the Toyota. i was looking at the truck but my head hits the door frame and gas mileage in USA is very low. i got the forester sport

[@casey6933]

I had one of these for a week as a hire car on a work trip. (Subaru) It's a very poorly executed car. The door bottle holders are useless - bottles fall out and roll around on the floor after acceleration. The hybrid - absolutely pathetic. The transition between electric and petrol is jarring. And there is no electric motor on the air conditioning compressor. So when the car is in battery only mode (and that's rare as it's such a weak hybrid system, so at lights etc) the air flow gets hot as the air con compressor relies on the traditional petrol engine unlike other hybrid systems which have a separate motor to drive the compressor.

[@rxgamingyt--101]

the rav4 is better with looks on the outside and inside.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Plenty last shape Foresters for sale with low mileages in the UK. Rather have one of them than the new model. Doesn't look as pretentious either without that silly fake looking plastic side and bumper trim crap. What ARE Subaru doing ? Where are the rugged no nonsense cars we all know and love ? This is now aimed at school run mums by turning it into a fashion statement. The fact you cannot have a spare wheel has also made me cross this one off my next long term car list. I dont really have much interest in other brands because im a huge fan of the characterful boxer engines and Subaru in the UK are a rare sight, it would feel special in one. I really like the Mitsubishi ASX but the 2 litre engine just sounds bland by comparison.

[@younggandhi7278]

5kms on the puncture repair kit is a bit misleading. The wheels can go up-to 300km using the puncture repair kit.

[@chasingcars]

That’s what it is rated for in the manual. Not up to us.

[@michaelw.8731]

boring design, no spare, smaller fuel tank? I´m from germany -> the next petrol or service station is not so far away... Every day I see the main stream designed european cars - that´s boring. Touareg has a side view of a steel helmet. Most of them has no around view from inside the car, medium cargo space and a terrible passenger room space in the fond (in the same class). With my teens I´m verry happy inside a Forester. Thirst hybrid by Subaru in the Forester, next would be better. The decision to buy a Forester was the trailer load of 1870 Kg at 12%. My trailer has max load of 1700 Kg and I would not buy a diesel engine (sounds like a tractor -> unattractive). Show me a hybrid vehicle with a trailer load of 1700 Kg. (the Rav4 hybrid doesn´t... only 1650 Kg) btw: It is only a mild hybrid system... In the first 700 Km I have saved more then 2 litres of petrol (thru electric sailing and start/stop automatic).

[@aussie8114]

If you can only travel 5 k once you’ve pumped it up then it is not suitable at all. In fact it should not be on sale.

[@davidmahan4160]

I'd love to own a Subaru but they are too expensive due to tax, the engine battery and electric motor are too small, 5km after repairing a puncture is laughable; Subaru management need a re-think. What I don't like about that Toyota rear space Head and knee the sat-nav small fiddle buttons, uninspired interior off road capability.

[@wayneyoung146]

Rav 4 like the box style body

[@andremontmartin7207]

Bonjour, Ayant été l'heureux propriétaire d'un Forester 2015 - 2.0D avec CVT pendant 4 années, j'aurais aimé que Subaru nous présente un Forester Full hybride, réellement équivalent et concurrent du RAV4, et non cet insipide et très cher e-boxer. Je vais donc prendre possession d'ici 1 ou 2 semaines, d'un RAV 4. Les fans de Subaru pouvaient espérer plus d'audace et de réalisme de cette marque d'ingénieur!!. Malheureusement, le conservatisme et le manque de vision manifeste de Subaru leur est très préjudiciable, ici en France. Rejets polluants toujours aussi élevés entrainant un malus très importants à l'achat, disparition de la motorisation Diesel, raréfaction du réseau annoncent à court terme, signent la disparition à terme de cette marque sur le sol français. C'est dommage, car en terme de confort, de prestations, de comportement routier, (surtout lorsque les conditions sont difficiles :neige, pluie, etc) ce véhicule est vraiment au top, sans égal sur ce créneau. Bien mieux que le RAV4 AWD, très probablement.

[@Danielle-tx2es]

we dont have so many kids anymore guys

[@JohnSmith-nz4bn]

Can't see hybrids being used in a rural setting. Batteries are great for stop start and that's where the fuel is saved. Constant highway, all those bits just become weight. I'm talking 100/110kmh speeds which are common out of town.

[@chasingcars]

Yes, if all your miles are on high speed country roads it does negate much of the impact. That said, over our long-term ownership of the RAV4 hybrid, it still delivered really good economy at sustained high speeds - 6L/100km or so. You still get the benefit of the electric motor working in concert with the petrol engine, making overtaking manoeuvres etc faster.

[@JohnSmith-nz4bn]

@@chasingcars that's damn impressive economy! That's what about what my 2012 TSI Polo gets.

[@morgasshk]

This is where the full hybrid system of Toyota's stands strong. I punch out 40-50,000km in Toyota's every year, mostly in country and rural settings and a large proportion of that in Hybrids... Whilst you do get slightly better fuel economy around town, you still get crazy good fuel economy on the freeway/highway also. The unfortunate thing is, a lot of bad journos' (not this dude obviously!) bleat about "worse economy ont he freeway" - this is compared to its OWN use around town. The freeway economy is still far outstripping anything else in the marketplace because the Full hybrid has anything from a 45kw (Prius c) to a 105kw (Camry) electric motor providing support and assistance at all times, even if not independantly driving it like it would around town. Less strain and use of petrol motor is always going to equal less fuel use, less wear and tear.

[@charliemontero5217]

Toyota is a better hybrid but everything is extra pay, pay,pay

[@chasingcars]

In what sense? The only option on this RAV4 is the premium paint ($600).

[@MrRexy04]

I think overseas there are a lot of add ons to pay for different models. Here in Australia it's pretty straight forward.

[@chasingcars]

@@MrRexy04 Ah, makes sense. The very simple range works well here I think, though the Cruiser is not quite as highly specified as top-shelf models overseas

[@MrRexy04]

@@chasingcars why the cruiser spec here doesn't have ventilated seats but only heated is staggering. Never thought I'd care or should care about that but hey its a thing now I guess at this price point😄

[@Dan4096]

5km on the repaired tyre - even in town, why bother?! It's still useless.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah. I mean, it’s a conservative rating. We had to drive it carefully back to our office (30km) and it was totally fine and held full pressure the whole way.... but a proper spare would be better

[@anakinskywalker4113]

All cars need a spare tyre, even if it's a space saver at least you won't be stranded on the side of the road. Should be mandatory none of this bullshit run flats or tyre sealant.

[@chasingcars]

Won't lie, the sealant worked and got us back to our office (~30km) - but it wasn't rated to go that far and it was a big faff

[@philipzwick]

Non-hybrid Foresters not only have a spare included but also a tray for storage above it underneath the floor.

[@markbergan2180]

I would not purchase ANY vehicle without a full size spare, regardless of how good all the other features are. For me, it’s a 100% complete deal breaker. I just don’t get why car manufacturers have gone down this road. I can only presume it’s a penny pinching exercise and a dumb one at that, particularly if it means the difference between a sale or not.

[@stevemuscat4601]

Looks like you won't be getting a long term car from Subaru

[@chasingcars]

Haha… possibly not. That said, we love the Outback here! I find Subaru very realistic and fair and no doubt they have benchmarked the RAV4 Hybrid and know how far ahead it is. As for the Forester, the underlying petrol only version is quite a bit more compelling than the hybrid. Not trying to gild the lily, just laying out the facts as I see them.

[@JimboJones99]

A Mazda CX-5 Hybrid would kill both these cars

[@chasingcars]

It could, but that is pretty hard when Mazda say they’re not interested in making one

[@anubizz3]

@@chasingcars I hope they don't follow Subaru mistake, just improve what make Mazda shine, and drop that price mark-up and persistent of deliberately to make tiny car

[@trd42]

No spare tire = less weight for Subaru

[@philipzwick]

Non-hybrid Foresters not only have a spare included but also a tray for storage above it underneath the floor.

[@chasingcars]

Not really a tradeoff I am that keen on given these aren't exactly sports cars, though.

[@timowen5332]

no spare no sale

[@kevinjaran3139]

More technology more maintenance spent more money..

[@tonys8243]

Even the Toyota would be problematic at around the ten year mark as far as maintenance ... I think people will avoid them second hand as they age.

[@Danielle-tx2es]

i hate big suv

[@samadahmed7804]

Everybody gangsta until the head gasket blows on the Subaru.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Samad Ahmed head gasket is not going to blow on the Subaru. Stop reading owners club forums with their "expert" opinions about an issue that Subaru had many years ago on early WRX STis, which was engineered out very quickly. Dont believe all the rubbish you read.

[@vincebagusauskas278]

5kms!!!! Lol. Yes. Deal breaker. It is a flop.

[@lukeweier1916]

They are incorrect with the distance. Its 200km and unlike most repair kits when used the goo peals out of the tyre and is then repairable.

[@goldpilgrim]

No mentioning of engineering? Toyota is a genuine hybrid! Subaru is a hodgepodge of redundancies and afterthoughts. No cab driver would buy a Subaru.

[@chasingcars]

Those points were discussed at length

[@aw4610]

Tom is so hot.

[@marklivos]

The Subaru looks hideous

[@trippplefive]

They are perpetually stuck in the past when it comes to design

[@caioronnau5226]

First

[@chasingcars]

So quick.

[@JohnSmith-nz4bn]

@@chasingcars that's what she said 😂