Forester IV (SJ) vs RAV4 XA40: which is better?
Subaru Forester IV (SJ) (2012–2018) vs Toyota RAV4 XA40 (2012–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)
Toyota RAV4 XA40Specifications
| Subaru Forester IV (SJ) | Toyota RAV4 XA40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2012–2018 | 2012–2019 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 171 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque, up to | 235 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 595 mm | 4 570 mm |
| Width | 1 795 mm | 1 845 mm |
| Height | 1 735 mm | 1 670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 640 mm | 2 660 mm |
| Ground clearance | 220 mm | 197 mm |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 220 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru FB20/FB25 engine: oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines
- Subaru Lineartronic gearbox (CVT): torque converter and chain wear
Engine (Subaru FB20/FB25): oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Subaru Lineartronic (CVT)): torque converter and chain wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Toyota RAV4 XA40
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AR-FE engine (2.5): VVT-i actuator rattle on cold start
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2AR-FE (2.5)): VVT-i coupling rattle on cold start; water pump leak; at high mileage — increased oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- Forester IV (SJ) — if you care more about: torque, ground clearance.
- RAV4 XA40 — if you care more about: power, wheelbase.
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 IV (SJ) or RAV4 XA40?
Forester IV (SJ): up to 171 hp, RAV4 XA40: up to 180 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Forester IV (SJ): 220 mm, RAV4 XA40: 197 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Forester IV (SJ) — about 29 450 ₸, RAV4 XA40 — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.