Toyota RAV and its 4 alternatives
Today's car market is saturated with a large number of offers in every segment. In the niche of small mid-priced crossovers, there is also a lot of competition. Many have been waiting for an updated version of Toyota's popular Rav4 crossover.
With the release of the updated version from the Japanese, whose cars are loved there in Russia, choosing a car has only become more difficult. There are many detailed reviews on the Rav4, but for car enthusiasts who are now at the stage of choosing, a direct comparison of the Japanese with other worthy representatives from other popular manufacturers will be appreciated.
The following article will briefly compare the Rav4 with the best in the market to compete with it. These include the Kia Sportage, the Skoda Kodiak, the Subaru Forester and, naturally, the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Rav4 vs Sportage
The confrontation features quite popular cars in the Russian Federation. If we talk about generations, here at once the variant from Toyota looks more interesting, as Rav4 is presented in strongly updated body and in new (5) generation, and Kia offers still past (4) generation, but in restyling.
If we touch on how the cars have been welcomed in Russia, the situation here turns slightly in the direction of the Korean. About 32 thousand cars were sold in the first year, against 30 thousand for Rav4. However, for the first code Kia delivered about 34 thousand copies of the Sportage to dealers, while the Rav4 was delivered exactly as many as it was sold, accordingly it is possible that the Japanese would have shown better figures if it had been produced in larger numbers.
It is difficult to speak objectively about appearance, but it seems that Japanese looks more interesting because of renewed body, thus Korean has already been on our roads in such version for a long time. It is also necessary to notice that Rav4 offers higher clearance (19.7 vs. 18.2 centimeters). Concerning a saloon also wins Japanese, here all looked much more modern, and by capacity of a saloon and a boot everything is almost identical.
It is also difficult to judge objectively about the technical part. Both cars have all-wheel drive. Boxes are different, Koreans are mainly bought with 6AC gearbox and Japanese with variator. As for engines, there are three variants there and there.
Volume (litres) Fuel Power (hp)
Rav4 2 Gasoline 146
Rav4 2,5 Gasoline 180
Rav4 2,2 Gasoline 150
Sportage 2 Gasoline 150
Sportage 1,6 Gasoline 177
Sportage 2 Diesel 185
In terms of behaviour rather than numbers, the Rav4 clearly outperforms the Korean in terms of dynamics and economy.
In the end, we can say that the cars are almost equal, the Japanese, on average, will cost 10 percent more than the Korean. But still Toyota enjoys its reputation as a reliable brand, and the Rav4 introduces a new generation that is still more functional and modern.
Rav4 vs Kodiaq
More recently, the popular crossover from Skoda has been updated and it could still compete with the Japanese as well. We can note right away that the Rav4 is more stylish and youthful. Also even before the inspection on Toyota's side is that it is already a legendary model, with its connoisseurs, while Skoda is only taking its first steps in the segment, but under the guidance of an experienced Volkswagen, which is also important.
Inside, the Skoda is definitely in the lead, the cabin is more spacious and it can also have seven seats, which for some is very important. In terms of aesthetics, it's hard to judge objectively, but the Skoda variant again looks more interesting.
If to deviate from a technical part and to talk about sensations, both variants are managed quite well. In off-road conditions, the Japanese will win, as it has more clickensis. In a city also leads Rav4, nevertheless VAG has not conquered problems with a box up to the end, though progress is appreciable, but Japanese all works much more smoothly in Japanese. But it is probably more comfortable to be in Skoda on a motorway.
Summing up, we can say, that both models are worthy of attention. Kodiak is a little bit cheaper than Rav4 (but more expensive than Sportage). We can only say one thing that as a family car is definitely better than Skoda, but for the lovers of stylish appearance we should definitely recommend a Japanese.
Rav4 vs Forester
The models were updated around the same time, the Subaru is also available in 5th generation. The figures are not worth touching on, you can get them from the dealer. It's worth mentioning right away that Subaru has done a very good job, the fifth Forester is so successful that it can be called almost the most successful representative of its class, naturally, with some reservations.
In Europe many people treat Subaru with suspicion, it will be difficult to compete with reliable Toyota and people's Volkswagen in sales. One may jump to a conclusion, the Forester beats the Rab4 at speed, off-road and in comfort very confidently, but it is much more expensive.
For city use, it is definitely better to take Toyota, but for all the rest it is better to take Subaru, if, certainly, the budget allows and the brand is not frightening. Also Toyota will be easier to maintain because of its greater popularity.
Rav4 vs Tiguan
The two people's favourites, Toyota and Volkswagen, and their prices are the most similar of today's comparisons (the Rav4 is only slightly higher). Not surprisingly, they are the ones that lead the segment and are constantly being compared and debated. Most interestingly, there is no winner and loser here. They are really two very successful cars. The figures can be compared as much as you like, but it's hard to come to any conclusions here, either.
Toyota's side of the story is:
high liquidity;
fresher and more stylish design;
a slightly higher comfort level;
better suspension response.
That said, the following are relevant for the Tiguan:
fresher multimedia;
checked and predictable motors (in Japanese there are new variants, about which reliability it is too early to speak);
responsiveness and dynamics.
We obtain, that the cars are really equal; you should choose only that, to which your soul lies more; both models justify expectations and become reliable assistants on the road for many years.
