Toyota RAV4 XA40 vs Subaru Forester SJ

Two used rivals sold in Australia, side by side. Everything below comes from each car's guide.

Our verdict

The Toyota RAV4 XA40 is rated Good value in our guide, with 16 known problems (3 high-severity, led by Battery hold-down / electrical fire-risk recall).

The Subaru Forester SJ is rated Good value in our guide, with 16 known problems (4 high-severity, led by Lineartronic CVT judder / shudder and failure).

On our data the Toyota RAV4 XA40 is the safer used buy, because of the same rating but fewer high-severity problems. Condition and service history still matter more than the badge.

Toyota RAV4 XA40 · 2013-2018 Value

Subaru Forester SJ (4th gen) · 2013-2018 Value

Used price (AUD)

$15k-$32k

$12k-$30k

Type

suv-soft
5-door wagon

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive (2WD), On-demand AWD (Dynamic Torque Control, electronic locking centre coupling)

Symmetrical full-time AWD

Engines

2.0L 3ZR-FAE petrol 111kW @ 6200rpm · 195Nm @ 4000rpm 7.0-9.5 L/100km combined (real world) Tows 1500kg braked Chain-driven Service: 15,000km / 12 months (severe-use 10,000km / 6 months)

2.5L 2AR-FE petrol 132kW @ 6000rpm · 233Nm @ 4100rpm 8.5-11 L/100km combined (real world) Tows 1500kg braked Chain-driven Service: 15,000km / 12 months (severe-use 10,000km / 6 months)

2.2L 2AD-FHV turbo diesel 110kW @ 3600rpm · 340Nm @ 2000-2800rpm 6.0-7.5 L/100km combined (real world) Tows 1500kg braked Chain-driven Service: 15,000km / 12 months (severe-use 10,000km / 6 months)

2.5L FB25 petrol (2.5i) 126kW @ 5800rpm · 235Nm @ 4100rpm 8.1-9.5 L/100km combined Tows 1800kg braked Chain-driven (timing chain, no service interval) Service: 12,500km / 6 months

2.0L FB20 petrol (2.0i) 110kW @ 6200rpm · 198Nm @ 4200rpm 7.2-8.5 L/100km combined Tows 1500kg braked Chain-driven (timing chain, no service interval) Service: 12,500km / 6 months

2.0L FA20 turbo petrol (2.0XT) 177kW @ 5600rpm · 350Nm @ 2400-3600rpm 8.5-11 L/100km combined Tows 1800kg braked Chain-driven (timing chain, no service interval) Service: 12,500km / 6 months

2.0L EE20 turbo-diesel (2.0D) 108kW @ 3600rpm · 350Nm @ 1600-2400rpm 5.9-6.5 L/100km combined Tows 1800kg braked Chain-driven (timing chains, no service interval) Service: 12,500km / 6 months

Known problems

16 known · 3 high

16 known · 4 high

Top issues

highBattery hold-down / electrical fire-risk recall

highHead gasket failure / carbon-related overheating

highExcessive oil consumption

highLineartronic CVT judder / shudder and failure

highHigh-torque CVT wear / failure

highDPF clogging and EGR / intake fouling

Made

Japan

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