Subaru Forester vs Toyota Vanguard: Subaru Forester SJG vs Toyota Vanguard; which is the better buy?
These two crossover SUVs come from the most reliable brands globally. Kenyans love them for their utility and performance combined but which one gives the best blend of value for money, fuel economy, space and performance.
There is one important point to note though; The Toyota Vanguard was discontinued in November 2013 so from next year you will not be able to import one. It was discontinued in favour of the redesigned Harrier XU60.
In this article we will compare and contrast these two.
The Vanguard is a variant of the Toyota Rav 4, sold in the Japanese Domestic market only. It comes in two engine options which have scored very well when it comes to reliability and have been used across several models in Toyota’s line up. You can get the 2400cc inline 4 2AZ-FE or the 3500cc V6 2GR-FE. If you choose the larger V6 you will get more power but at the expense of fuel economy.
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It comes in both 2WD and AWD drivetrain configurations but i have never understood why someone would buy a 2WD SUV.
Its an ideal family SUV and comes in both 5 seater and 7 seater configurations, however the third row of the 7 seater Vanguard is uncomfortable for adults.
The 5 seater is denoted by the model code ACA33W
The 7 seater is denoted by the model code ACA38W.
The 2013 Forester has not shed off performance in its DNA. Just like the Vanguard it comes with 2 engine options for the JDM variant. The 2000cc flat 4 F20A that comes with two turbo scrolls and the 2500cc FB25 Flat 4 Naturally Aspirated (Non Turbo) engine. The 2000cc F20A engine was introduced in 2012 and in 2015 made it to the 10 best engines list at Wards Auto.
The Subaru Forester SJG comes with AWD as standard.
When it comes to matters transmission, they both run on CVTs. The Vanguard with Toyota’s Intelligent CVT and The Forester, Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT but there are some rare 6 speed manuals.
Scoreboard:Â
The only point where the Vanguard scores more than the Forester is when it comes to availability of a 7 seater option plus ease and cost of maintenance.
When it comes to power figures, the Forester scores higher in both the Turbo and Non-Turbo options.
Off-Road capabilities: I have driven the Vanguard in extreme conditions at Mt. Elgon (You can watch the video here)Â and it is quite commendable. However Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD has been proven to be better. It is important to note that these two are not to be used for extreme off roading.
With on road driving, obviously the Forester has better handling and better control thanks to torque vectoring technology and the engine’s low center of gravity.
The Vanguard form my experience struggles to handle on corners.
My Verdict:
The Forester is well priced, retailing for between Ksh, 1.9 million to ksh 2.3 Million depending on trim level. Its a vehicle that you will get a good bargain on.
The Vanguard’s prices start from Ksh,2.4 million and for that price it does not offer enough. The Forester is way ahead in terms of variants, performance. safety and technology.
