Forester vs Rav4 vs Sonata vs Impreza
So I am in my final leg of shopping.
2018 Sonata Sports with tech package and 2018imprezza premium with eyesight are costing around 20K +TTL.
Rav4 XLE AWD with blind spot and Forester premium with all weather and eyesight are costing 24 and 25 + TTL respectively.
I am yet to decide whether I will chose 20 or 25K car. I have pain around lumber area so leaning towards SUV.
Live in Seattle area so typical rain and snow but not too heavy. Don't go to mountains often but would like to explore. Is Rav4 awd good enough. Is forester's engine reliable.
I am a sedate driver for most of the time.
Looking forward to hear from our insightful community.
Thanks for your time and efforts.
Posted Aug 27, 2018, 12:24 AM UTC
24
All are wonderful vehicles.
For what you're doing, I don't think you need the Subara AWD system over the Rav4 AWD or even the Sonata FWD. A good set of snow tires matters more, so don't cross any FWD vehicle off your list necessarily.
I'm a sedan guy and I like Hyundai value + reliability, so I'd go for the 2018 Sonata as my first choice. If I wanted something bigger, it'd be an easy choice for me to get the Rav4. That think will never break and definitely gives you a bit more flexibility in the mountains and certainly if you have pain around lumbar area, maybe this is a better pick for you. I will say you won't get as many of the cabin goodies or tech, but it's a good vehicle. Something else to keep in mind is there's a 2019 Rav4 coming, and if you're buying new, you may as well wait. I am also thinking if it were me, I'd still possibly get a Rav4, but wait a couple more months for the new one that looks to fix my main complaints.
I really like the Forester and Impreza too, but their reliability won't be quite as good as the other options. That being said, you really can't go wrong with either. I would get a Subaru if you like how they drive or feel, not because of their AWD systems because they won't make a huge difference for your usage I believe.
Thank you. I am leaning towards Forester, mostly because it has got heated seats and car play (Rav4 for this config doesn't have either). Also, 2019 rav4 will be few more thousands costlier. I had to work quite a bit to get the dealer to agree to this price. Toyota's reliability over Subaru's is making me hesitant to go with Forester.
If that’s the only thing holding you back, I suggest you get the new Forester then! We’re still talking new cars, Subaru is pretty darn good even if not Toyota reliable, so go get it! I’m sure it’ll still last a very long time and the differences are still on the margins.
Thank you for the helping inputs.