Source
r/whatcarshouldIbuy•
strobexp

Subaru vs Toyota

It’s about time for me to get a new car, though I’m thinking I might need to lease for now to keep monthly payments as low as possible until I resolve some other obligations.

I think I’ve narrowed my search down to Subaru vs Toyota - CrossTrek, Outback, Forester vs Camry or RAV4

I’m looking for AWD if possible, I have to navigate some snowy hilly areas, and do find myself in some off road situations a few times a year (hiking camping biking kayaking etc).

Fuel economy is important as I do expect to be going on some road trips - interested in some hybrids (plug ins aren’t really an option right now).

I’d like some horsepower / torque as well.

Unless there’s a dramatic change, I don’t expect to put too many miles on it - honestly I’m only averaging ~5k miles per year.

Thoughts?

Posted Oct 6, 2021, 3:25 PM UTC

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coffeeInstantTypeII2016 Kia Sorento•

If you decide to lease I would get whatever you like the most for the lowest price. No idea how these lease but RAV4 Hybrid for fuel economy, "performance", Subaru for more off-pavement driving but I would not expect a large gap for fire roads.

2
Majestic-Macaron60192011 Cruze, 2013 Civic•

Any of those are good choices. They are substantially different in size. Add the Subaru Legacy to your comparison. It's a direct competitor to the Camry (both are midsize sedans). That said, if you're going on rough roads, a little ground clearance could come in handy. I drive compact sedans out to trailheads, but sometimes I have to be really careful dodging potholes.

The Outback and Forester may be a tad safer than the Rav4, but it only shows up on NHTSA tests, not IIHS. Five stars vs Four.

The Toyotas have more oomph than their Subaru competitors. I would ordinarily recommend the hybrid version if you opt for Toyota, but it may take a while to pay off with only 5,000 miles per year.

The Toyotas will likely outlast the Subarus, because Toyota. That said, the Rav4 has had some fuel pump issues in this generation. The Camry is rock-solid.

2