Forester I (SF) vs RAV4 XA10: which is better?
Subaru Forester I (SF) (1997–2002) vs Toyota RAV4 XA10 (1994–2000): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Subaru Forester I (SF)
Toyota RAV4 XA10Specifications
| Subaru Forester I (SF) | Toyota RAV4 XA10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1997–2002 | 1994–2000 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 122 hp | 129 hp |
| Torque, up to | 184 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 450 mm | 4 115 mm |
| Width | 1 735 mm | 1 695 mm |
| Height | 1 580 mm | 1 655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 525 mm | 2 410 mm |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 58 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Subaru Forester I (SF)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5) engine: head gasket leaks
- Age: the last cars were built in 2002, condition is everything
Engine (Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5)): head gasket leaks; oil consumption; head gasket on the EJ253.
Toyota RAV4 XA10
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota S-FE (2.0–2.2) engine: oil consumption after 250k+ km
- Age: the last cars were built in 2000, condition is everything
Engine (Toyota S-FE (2.0–2.2)): oil consumption after 250k+ km; seal leaks.
Which one to choose
- Forester I (SF) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- RAV4 XA10 — if you care more about: power.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Forester I (SF) or RAV4 XA10?
Forester I (SF): up to 122 hp, RAV4 XA10: up to 129 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Forester I (SF) — about 16 475 ₸, RAV4 XA10 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.