Soft 4Wd

[Ginger]

Gents, I am planning buying soft 4WD. Choices are Honda CRV / Rexton / Rav4/ X-Trail (new model) or anyother similar vehicle.

Regarding utility and other, I am considering....

1. Soft off road drive - in case needed when going outstaion

2. Long distance driving comfort

3. Reliability

4. 2nd hand market value

I think the price range does not vary much, except may be for X-Trail. How do you compare the above SUVs. Any idea about show room cost of these vehicles (not from agents) from car dealers - appreciate help !

[kmeeg]

Gents, I am planning buying soft 4WD. Choices are Honda CRV / Rexton / Rav4/ X-Trail (new model) or anyother similar vehicle.

Regarding utility and other, I am considering....

1. Soft off road drive - in case needed when going outstaion

2. Long distance driving comfort

3. Reliability

4. 2nd hand market value

I think the price range does not vary much, except may be for X-Trail. How do you compare the above SUVs. Any idea about show room cost of these vehicles (not from agents) from car dealers - appreciate help !

If i consider reliability i would narrow down this list to CRV, Rav4, X-Trail. With my personal preference i would look at CRV vs Rav4. Considering the horse power each produce i would go for CRV with 185 vs Rav4 with 176 and slightly better stock ground clearance (you can adjust easily if you want). With a short test drive i did with CRV (2.4L - 5 speed AT - AWD) and Rav4 (2.5L - 6 speed AT - AWD) i would go with the CRV due to comfort and the look of it vs the Rav4.

Also to note that both 2014 CRV and Rav4 has a matte finish plastic around the car and if you scratch it its not easy to paint and cover it. Also i didn't like the back lights of the Rav4 vs CRV. But the Rav4 i test drove had more airbags (8 vs 6 in CRV) and better audio system (JBL) than CRV.

If you really don't want AWD since these are more of road vehicles than to be used for off road you can also go for FWD ones which gives you better fuel economy with same ground clearance for the pot holes in our roads.. Anyways this is just my personal preference and hope it helps at least a little since for far no one put their comments on this one.

KMeeg.

[john cooper]

Hello Ginger

Not sure which model/year of manufacture you looking, but check the below discussion

http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/15917-help-to-select-best-compact-suv/#entry258637

regards

JC

[Ginger]

John & KMeeg thanks gents. A lot of stuff, I was not aware. It seems, you are not even considering, Korean make (Rexton, Sorento etc...) to prpose.

[sathyajithj99]

Don't go soft on 4WD man! Similar topics have been discussed regarding RAV4, X Trail & CRV. Do search

[Ginger]

Gents, have had any experience with Chevrolet Captiva. Some say, parts will be a problem. Even a wheel nut is not available in open market. Any experience you would like to share ?

[john cooper]

Hello Ginger

If you do have any friend or family in AUS then it is not big issue, Chevrolet/ HOLDEN Captiva

2.2 Ltr (after 2010) OR 2 ltr diesel, or 2.4 ltr petrol

- It is an inexpensive RV in here but i have never tested this so i can't comment on the handling or comfort but shouldn't be that bad

cheers

JC

[Ginger]

Thanks John for you time. No I do not have any known person in Australia.

How will I feel with the Captiva, if I totally depend on Sri Lankan facilities - agent and other dealers. Appreciate help.

[Hoonigan]

I'd agree with kmeeg too. I'd leave out the Korean too and personally would consider the CRV RAV4. The Toyota has the advantage of being a Toyota in the SL market since you're considering resale value. The chevy is complete oddball considering your selection criteria I think.

[Schiffer]

i would suggest a Rav4, CRV or a Suzuki Grand Vitara (which you havent consider).

If you want reliability and second hand value these are your best bet,

having experience with a XA20 series rav4 for the past 8 years, this is one tough vehicle.

Edited September 16, 2014 by Schiffer

[sathyajithj99]

As this goes on..... I might say

Resale Value

RAV4 > CRV > X-TRAIL

Body Shape

CRV > RAV4 > X-TRAIL

Space

XTRAIL > CRV > RAV4

Comfort

CRV > RAV4 > XTRAIL

Off road Performance

RAV4 > XTRAIL > CRV

which makes hard to choose, all of them have their ups and downs. But if you're a Sri Lankan I think you should go for a RAV4

[Ginger]

Good analysis sathyajithj99. I am getting more close to CRV - top of the range domestic model 4WD. Any body having, such CRV , please let me know, or could pulish at ik....car sales

[iRage]

As this goes on..... I might say

Resale Value

RAV4 > CRV > X-TRAIL

Body Shape

CRV > RAV4 > X-TRAIL

Space

XTRAIL > CRV > RAV4

Comfort

CRV > RAV4 > XTRAIL

Off road Performance

RAV4 > XTRAIL > CRV

which makes hard to choose, all of them have their ups and downs. But if you're a Sri Lankan I think you should go for a RAV4

Actually having owned all three generations of RAV4s and long-term used first three generations of CRVs and having short term used the first two generations of X-Trails, I can safely say

Body Shape

That is purely individualistic...depends on persons taste. But the thrid gen CR-V has really really poor rear visibility and blind spots that could hide a freaking elephant !

Space

The second gen CR-V has tons of space actually (I would say even a bit more than the X-Trail of the same vintage).

Comfort

Agreed. Although the X-rail does have more cushioned seats.

Off-raod

Strongly disagree...the X-Trail's 4WD has a bit more capability than the RAV4s' and CR-Vs'. This is primarily because most X-Trails have a selectable and lockable 4WD (there were a few odd versions, especially in the NT30 series which didn't have it) which the RAV4 and CR-V doesn't The RAV4, since the 3rd generation; and all the CR-Vs come with a real-time system which you have no control of. In some situations you might already be stuck when the rear decides to kick in. The first gen RAV4 had a 50-50 power split and the second a 60-40 power split which was a bit better and had a center diff lock in some manual versions. In fact the Pajero iO and the Vitara (don't know if it still has it) had 4wd systems which were tons better with high/low range and diff locks....

So off road "performance" the X-Trail hands down.

Just do a search....there are tons of other threads (like the one JC pointed you to) discussing the very same vehicles.

Edited September 16, 2014 by iRage

[Ginger]

Thanks iRage. How confusing it is to finalize a buying decision. I have realy taken note of all your points. Xtrail - new version, I have given some thought, the show room price is around Rs. 13 million. CRV domestic model is much less than that. One person has approched me, with a Chevrolet Captiva for Rs 7m. CRV 4WD domestic version, no clue how much it will cost, since not seen at any showroom. But somesay could be around Rs. 7.2m. Today I have seen an Outlander hybrid for 8.2m, which I am not aware, whether the price is ok.

[iRage]

Personally i found the latest XTrail somewhat under powered (over here it onlt comes with a 2ltr gasoline engine still), and the ride very pudgy with too much body roll even though it has a fancy electronically controlled susp. setup. Interior felt leathery but stll felt a bit fake. Ride, handling and perf wise the CR-V feels a lot better but has a dlight heavy feel to it. LIKE the RAV4s acceleration and having owned 2 ACA31s ghey have been pretty durable and ride wise not bad, feels a lot lighter than the CRV. However interior does not feel as luxurious as any of the CRVs or the new XTrail

[kmeeg]

Did anyone tried Mazda small SUV in SL?

Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 are good ones too. In CX-5 i'm not sure Skyactive 2.0L would be underpowered or not, but for Mazda 3 Skyactive 2.0L produce enough power with 6 speed AT even on mountain roads. So i would suggest the Skyactive 2.5L would be good for CX-5. Just gave you an option.

http://www.mazdalanka.lk/mazda-cx-5.html

KMeeg.

[Ginger]

Thanks KMeeg. I have seen CX9 in other countries, but not sure here. It is a good suv of Nissan Murano size. But the Mazda here a bit small, it is more like hatch back car.

Do you have any exprience with outlander, agents are selling same at 7.4m.

[kmeeg]

Thanks KMeeg. I have seen CX9 in other countries, but not sure here. It is a good suv of Nissan Murano size. But the Mazda here a bit small, it is more like hatch back car.

Do you have any exprience with outlander, agents are selling same at 7.4m.

If you don't mind asking is this going to be "lady driven" or "man driven"? Just asking as those 2 look for different type of vehicles as far as i know. So when it comes to Mitsubishi i haven't used an Outlander but one of my friend bought one and i might have a look and drive this weekend but not sure. But i can say that Montero Sports Diesel is a good competitor in SL roads and a good friend for off-road trips up to a good extend depending on what mods you do. Even the stock car is capable of handling impressive amount of "katta"..

<Going off the topic>

Also another option would be use a fuel efficient car for daily office travel and have a good 4WD vehicle for going out with family and friends. Just saying as i prefer a fuel efficient vehicle for my daily office travel plus its easy to drive in traffic.

Also there are crossover type vehicles which are little bigger and has AWD with fare fuel economy. They have much better fuel economy as normal they drive by 2wd and automatically switch to 4wd when needed.

Also there are Hybrid SUVs work much closer to the crossover type vehicles but instead has a electric motor additional.

(Sorry if this is a very dumb option, its just what i think)

Edited September 18, 2014 by kmeeg

[sathyajithj99]

Actually having owned all three generations of RAV4s and long-term used first three generations of CRVs and having short term used the first two generations of X-Trails, I can safely say

Body Shape

That is purely individualistic...depends on persons taste. But the thrid gen CR-V has really really poor rear visibility and blind spots that could hide a freaking elephant !

Space

The second gen CR-V has tons of space actually (I would say even a bit more than the X-Trail of the same vintage).

Comfort

Agreed. Although the X-rail does have more cushioned seats.

Off-raod

Strongly disagree...the X-Trail's 4WD has a bit more capability than the RAV4s' and CR-Vs'. This is primarily because most X-Trails have a selectable and lockable 4WD (there were a few odd versions, especially in the NT30 series which didn't have it) which the RAV4 and CR-V doesn't The RAV4, since the 3rd generation; and all the CR-Vs come with a real-time system which you have no control of. In some situations you might already be stuck when the rear decides to kick in. The first gen RAV4 had a 50-50 power split and the second a 60-40 power split which was a bit better and had a center diff lock in some manual versions. In fact the Pajero iO and the Vitara (don't know if it still has it) had 4wd systems which were tons better with high/low range and diff locks....

So off road "performance" the X-Trail hands down.

Just do a search....there are tons of other threads (like the one JC pointed you to) discussing the very same vehicles.

I completely agree that desire of body shape is individualistic. But here I mentioned it considering the socially accepted way Anyway about the interior measurements I did a search on Honda official website and nissan website. According to them 2012 Xtrail has a few more cubic ft. of passenger volume than CRV 2013.

[Ginger]

Thanks gents: It will be male driven. I have a 2014 Premio for daily use and I am satisfied with the car, sofar. This is for weekend and occational outstation travel. Motero is a bit bulky, I suppose. I checked the vehicle at UNi, few months back. I have been driving a 2013 Murano, which my employer has given me (not here Brussels). It is an suv with salon car comfort. But the car with SL agent is very very expensive, they quoted me like 25m.

It is correct to say that X-Trail is spacious than CRV, on the look of it, never checked the actual dimention. But the latest version, is smaller with more comfort, I suppose.

[kmeeg]

Thanks gents: It will be male driven. I have a 2014 Premio for daily use and I am satisfied with the car, sofar. This is for weekend and occational outstation travel. Motero is a bit bulky, I suppose. I checked the vehicle at UNi, few months back. I have been driving a 2013 Murano, which my employer has given me (not here Brussels). It is an suv with salon car comfort. But the car with SL agent is very very expensive, they quoted me like 25m.

It is correct to say that X-Trail is spacious than CRV, on the look of it, never checked the actual dimention. But the latest version, is smaller with more comfort, I suppose.

Montero sports is smaller than the Montero..

[iRage]

Has the latest Montero Sport improved? The previous one was crap!

Taking u completely off tracj would something like a GT86 not be the typeof weekend fun u r after? (Granted u will have to depend on the premio for outstation travel) Also If u want a 4wd, would a well used registered Prado 120 or something be completely out for the same price? Have u considered options like a Vanguard as well?

How muchdo registered freelands and evoques go for these days?

[Ginger]

iRage, Evoque is out of my options. I do not like the car at all. Back seats are not comfortable, would say tiny. More of a town suv. I can go up to 10m on the most. Prefer a brand new vehicle. Montero sports also, have the improvised pick up look.

[YALA]

iRage, Evoque is out of my options. I do not like the car at all. Back seats are not comfortable, would say tiny. More of a town suv. I can go up to 10m on the most. Prefer a brand new vehicle. Montero sports also, have the improvised pick up look.

i seen its offroading capabilities first hand and much as i was a skeptic after the run i went up to the owner and said ive underestimated the jeep as an offroader.

[iRage]

iRage, Evoque is out of my options. I do not like the car at all. Back seats are not comfortable, would say tiny. More of a town suv. I can go up to 10m on the most. Prefer a brand new vehicle. Montero sports also, have the improvised pick up look.

LOL....now now...you are just going to hurt posh spice's feelings

Actually, Tanzania had tons of those things around and I have seen it go through some pretty impressive terrain and places most usual safari modified Land Cruisers and Defenders go which is a lot more than what the soft-roaders you mentioned can do. Granted it does seem a bit cramped and the rear is for two people to sit comfortably.

No but seriously..has the Montero Sport gotten better ? The previous version was really bad...

As much as it may have the improvised pick-up truck look it and the Fortuner and the Land Cruisers are some of the last tough 4x4s with a frame on ladder constructed SUVs these days; perhaps the only ones being made by the Japanese.

Seems like you need space so the Vezel is out...so is the Impreza XV.

Since you want a brand new car the Vanguard is out as it stopped production this year (although you still see some B/N ex-stock and extremely low mileage cars coming up now and then at this end).

I guess the new Harrier will be out of your budget range...

So going back to your original list...my personal preference is the RAV4 (okay..i am biased) but I love the luxuriousness of the CR-V. I hate the new X-trail (see prev posts/threads for reason, maybe if there is a diesel variant or a lager engine it might be a little bit better). The Outlander...well to be honest..it looks too much of an over grown station wagon to me (granted the others too look a bit like so but not this much...) and reminds me of the robots from iRobot (it has the same face ne ?).

I love the Forester with the DIT engine and looks a lot more rough than the previous versions.

Edited September 18, 2014 by iRage

[Madcat23]

+1 for vanguard. the more i drive it and compare with others the more i appreciate it. it might be awful for ppl considering fuel consumption (average around 10Kmpl in Colombo - not enough for todays hybrid standards..)

look at this advert calling it a tough and general 7 seater

it can also make rain look like diamonds ! Edited September 18, 2014 by Madcat23