Rav4 gas or hybrid vs Subaru Outback 2.5 vs Honda CR-V

[DVad3r]

Hey people!

I'm in the market for a family car! I've narrowed it to 3 choices based on budget, fuel economy, and size.

1. Toyota Rav4. Drove both the hybrid and regular gas models. Hybrid is interesting and definitely has good fuel economy. Engine kicks in in weird ways and sounds loud and buzzy sometimes, but overall a pretty decent ride. Regular gas model seems to have a completely different drive train. Cheapest out of the 3 cost wise, and probably the most reliable too. My only concern is the 2019 all new Rav4 is around the corner, and Ill be driving a previous gen model. Also, hybrid reliability is a concern for me, as I drive me cars 15 years + and need this to last 350 - 400 k km.

2. Subaru Outback 2.5. Very nice ride, and good size. Softer ride and more mature than the Honda or Toyota. Good fuel economy. Awesome AWD system. Seems bigger than the other 2. Cost is similar to the CR-V but Subaru has better financing options. Only concern is reliability, don't know too much about the boxer engines and CVT tranny's.

3. Honda CR-V. Great ride, nice finish on the car. Good power with the turbo engine and smooth power curve. Actually don't dislike anything about the car, except the price and very high financing rates compared to the Subaru and Toyota. Only concern again is reliability of the 1.5 turbo and CVT. Seems like a small motor with lots of power squeezed out from it.

What do you guys think?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

The Outback is mid-size while the other 2 fall into compact SUV size. Forester is the direct competitor to the your other two.

Why no Mazda CX5?

RAV4 with its 2.5l 4cyl will probably last the longest. The 1.5L turbo in the Honda is still rather new so its longevity is still up for debate. Subaru is not known for reliability of its engines but has gotten better over time.

 

[postmortemIA]

I would get a CRV since Honda is known to be reliable and comfortable to drive.

There are no guarantees when it comes to a brand new engine. Being turbo does not make it more assuring. And Honda's reliability has taken a hit with problems with their V6 - there was even class action suit for models after 2008.

 

[DVad3r]

The Outback is mid-size while the other 2 fall into compact SUV size. Forester is the direct competitor to the your other two.

Why no Mazda CX5?

RAV4 with its 2.5l 4cyl will probably last the longest. The 1.5L turbo in the Honda is still rather new so its longevity is still up for debate. Subaru is not known for reliability of its engines but has gotten better over time.

No Mazda basically because reliability. I also know a few people who had Mazda’s and they are prone to rust. Here in Canada we get tons of salt and brine on the roads.

I thought that Subaru boxer engine has been around forever? They still have issues?

 

[Tormac]

I have had good luck with the 2.5l boxer in my Impreza. Mine is a 2009, all I have had to do is change the oil in it. I will say that the Subaru AWD is great for snow. Even with the lower ground clearance of my Impreza it has always impressed me how much snow I can get through with it.

 

[Yuriman]

Toyota's hybrid drivetrain has actually proven to be their most reliable, and that's saying something. I would not hesitate to buy the Rav4 hybrid.

 

[jtworldwide3]

I would wait to see what the 2019 Rav4 brings. It is supposed to be a bit bigger and much nicer on the inside.
Assuming you can wait a bit.

 

[drnickriviera]

Was shopping for a new car for mom recently and compared the outback, cr-v and rav4. Thought the crv was cheaper than outback? From what I remember the rav4 was subpar. Infotainment was dated, noisy and rattly. I have a 16' outback. One reason I went with the OB was the engine. It's not direct injected like everything else. I haven't had to wrench on it, but i looks to be very easy to work on. Eyesight is a must for me from now on.

 

[Yuriman]

Was shopping for a new car for mom recently and compared the outback, cr-v and rav4. Thought the crv was cheaper than outback? From what I remember the rav4 was subpar. Infotainment was dated, noisy and rattly. I have a 16' outback. One reason I went with the OB was the engine. It's not direct injected like everything else. I haven't had to wrench on it, but i looks to be very easy to work on. Eyesight is a must for me from now on.

I don't think the Rav4 Hybrid's engine is DI either?

 

[DVad3r]

Rav4 definitely is the least refined out of the 3, but again, most reliable, costs less, and most fuel efficient in hybrid form. The hybrid engine isn't DI, but it doesn't need to be, it basically works as a generator. The hybrid Rav4's are also still made in Japan, can't beat kaizen quality.

 

[Yuriman]

Rav4 definitely is the least refined out of the 3, but again, most reliable, costs less, and most fuel efficient in hybrid form. The hybrid engine isn't DI, but it doesn't need to be, it basically works as a generator. The hybrid Rav4's are also still made in Japan, can't beat kaizen quality.

A generator which directly drives the wheels, yes. Much like the Volt, it is connected to the wheels through an orbital gearbox, which allows for a nearly infinite ratio of power distribution between electric motor and gas engine. I expect the reason it isn't DI is because it runs Atkinson cycle, which brings its thermal efficiency way up, at the expense of low-end torque, which the electric assist makes up for.

 

[pauldun170]

Define "family"
If I were to eyeball a family car to hold on to for 15 years, I'd take a used Highlander over a new Rav4.
Hybrid version gets great mileage.

 

[DVad3r]

Family 3 people, me, wife, 2 year old. My parents come on a lot of trips with us too so 5 seater is great. Going to drive the hybrid again today.

 

[bigi]

No Mazda basically because reliability. I also know a few people who had Mazda’s and they are prone to rust. Here in Canada we get tons of salt and brine on the roads.

I thought that Subaru boxer engine has been around forever? They still have issues?

I own 2 mazda CX-5. 53K and 51K, 2014 and 2015. No issues so far.

I am not brand loyal really, just got those for the looks vs price vs fun to drive.

I am replying because me thinks that Subarus might not be that much better in terms of reliability in the long run.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

When you look at the hybrid again, bring your whole family (inc. kids) along and get it up to about 75mph on the highway for a few minutes. You may need to bring the salesperson a cookie.

Listen carefully.

The hybrid system in my housemate's Lexus ES300h emits a high pitched whine at highway speeds. Normal electric motor behavior, not super loud, the mechanic at the Lexus dealership said "yeah, they do that."

My parents' Prius does not do that.

I can hear it and it doesn't bother me but it gives her headaches. (Which is why she's getting rid of it now.)

Which is why it's important to bring everybody along and ensure you don't have anybody doing the "princess and the pea" thing. It's high pitched enough that you might not hear it but your kids definitely will.

 

[ChronoReverse]

A generator which directly drives the wheels, yes. Much like the Volt, it is connected to the wheels through an orbital gearbox, which allows for a nearly infinite ratio of power distribution between electric motor and gas engine. I expect the reason it isn't DI is because it runs Atkinson cycle, which brings its thermal efficiency way up, at the expense of low-end torque, which the electric assist makes up for.

It doesn't have DI because it's cheaper and more reliable.

The current GS450h has DI because it needs to make more power but it's still Atkinson cycle.

 

[DVad3r]

I took a hybrid for a drive again with 3 heavy adults on the highway. Seemed alright, didn’t hear anything out of the ordinary?

When you look at the hybrid again, bring your whole family (inc. kids) along and get it up to about 75mph on the highway for a few minutes. You may need to bring the salesperson a cookie.

Listen carefully.

The hybrid system in my housemate's Lexus ES300h emits a high pitched whine at highway speeds. Normal electric motor behavior, not super loud, the mechanic at the Lexus dealership said "yeah, they do that."

My parents' Prius does not do that.

I can hear it and it doesn't bother me but it gives her headaches. (Which is why she's getting rid of it now.)

Which is why it's important to bring everybody along and ensure you don't have anybody doing the "princess and the pea" thing. It's high pitched enough that you might not hear it but your kids definitely will.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I took a hybrid for a drive again with 3 heavy adults on the highway. Seemed alright, didn’t hear anything out of the ordinary?

Test passed.