Forester III (SH) vs Venza I (AV10): which is better?
Subaru Forester III (SH) (2008–2013) vs Toyota Venza I (AV10) (2008–2017): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Subaru Forester III (SH)
Toyota Venza I (AV10)Specifications
| Subaru Forester III (SH) | Toyota Venza I (AV10) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2008–2013 | 2008–2017 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 | 2.7 |
| Power, up to | 172 hp | 185 hp |
| Torque, up to | 226 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 560 mm | 4 800 mm |
| Width | 1 780 mm | 1 905 mm |
| Height | 1 700 mm | 1 610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 615 mm | 2 775 mm |
| Ground clearance | 215 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 64 L | 67 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 40 325 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Subaru Forester III (SH)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- High ground clearance: 215 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5) engine: head gasket leaks
Engine (Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5)): head gasket leaks; oil consumption; head gasket on the EJ253.
Toyota Venza I (AV10)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- Forester III (SH) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Venza I (AV10) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
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 III (SH) or Venza I (AV10)?
Forester III (SH): up to 172 hp, Venza I (AV10): up to 185 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Forester III (SH) — about 29 450 ₸, Venza I (AV10) — about 40 325 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.