Unfortunately, I find myself in the market for a new vehicle. I've researched and test driven a number of SUV's but am stuck making a decision as to what to purchase. A consideration for me is that I'm hoping to retire in the next 5 years, so want a vehicle that will bring me well into retirement. I am considering all 2023 vehicles. Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage and the Toyota Rav 4. In the Kia and Toyota, I'm also stuck between hybrid vs non hybrid.Thoughts based on experience with these vehicles appreciated.
The RAV4 would likely be the most reliable and longest-lived, followed by the Forester. Unless you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving the additional cost of a hybrid may not pay for itself in gas savings. If you do decide to go with a hybrid Toyota is the only really good choice.
Forget the Kia. (See the site Hyundai/Kia topic.)
Thank you. I was leaning towards the Rav 4 even though I like the styling of the Kia better. However just saw an article about water damage to electrical systems in Toyotas. It didn't indicate 2023 models, but hoping Toyota fixed the issue. Have some concerns about the boxer engines in the Subarus, even though I've always wanted one and liked the one I test drove. Nowadays, I think alot of it is a crap shoot and just plain dumb luck .
If Hybrid: RAV4 or Venza. Toyota is the king of hybrids. Others don’t even compare. Venza is a sleeker looking RAV4 or the RAV4 is a more rugged Venza, depending on how you look at it. The hybrid versions are the same car underneath.
If non-Hybrid: RAV4 or Forester. Forester gives you a little more bang for your buck in terms of features, but the RAV4 may be more reliable and cheaper to maintain in the long run. The RAV4 is basically a Camry underneath, and Camry has a long reliable history for the most part.
