Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDI VS Subaru 2.0 Forester X

[yuichi]

a friend of mine is looking for a 5-seater mini-suv, he trims down his choices to both tucson and forester. i dont want to be biased, so could u give some suggestions or inputs?
Thanks!

[OTEP]

What kind of budget and usage are we looking at here?

Bang for the buck probably goes to the Korean. But to get ABS and SRS, you'd have to spring for the CRDi 4x4 diesel at around Php1.198M. Gasoline variants and 4x2's don't get ABS and SRS.

The Forester can hold its own. The least expensive model is around Php1.250M (2.0 gasoline) which is pretty close to the Tucson's and it has a more comprehensive equipment level with better interior. What it doesn't have is the 'butch SUV look' of the higher riding Tucson.

[creepy]

Mukhang station wagon ang Forester

[Horsepower]

Your friend might also wanna look at the Sorento.

[niky]

Yeah, for that price, the Sorento is a bigger vehicle than either of the two.

But if it's a choice, I think the Forester offers more metal for the money, as well as better handling and a more sophisticated 4x4 system. Of course, the Tucson will be cheaper to run, by far.

[yuichi]

budget yata is 1.0-1.2M ....what about in terms of power, ride, comfort?

[praetorian]

I've driven my father-in-law's Forester, albeit it's the older version before the current facelift, and it was a very sweet, well-balanced ride. Even my wife felt that it was like riding in my father's Accord (previous gen). In short, it's more like driving a sedan rather than a higher-than-usual CUV. Power delivery is adequate for most purposes and the only quibble may be in terms of interior space - it's not cramped really but when you compare it to a CRV's space, for instance, you'll really miss the space. I don't know if these are still valid impressions but for what's it's worth...

I've also test-driven a Tucson CRDi 4x2 recently and it drives like a regular CUV would - not uncomfortable but certainly not sedan-like. The wife also liked the ride and space in the back (certainly bigger than the Forester though the boot space may be a bit smaller). One thing, though, is that you'll really notice that you're driving a diesel - there is some clatter but not obtrusive, it's just that it's different from driving a petrol. I suppose you'll get used to it when you're driving it regularly. Power delivery is also adequate and the fit is surprisingly good. Overall, a very good effort by hyundai.

Conclusion: If the budget is 1 to 1.2 M (and no more) then there really isn't any choice but the Tucson. I'd go for the 4x4 since that's the version with all the safety equipment. But if the budget can be stretched, I'd go for the Forester 2.0 since it's a better drive overall.

[Horsepower]

or, he can pay the 1.2M to Hyundai and get a Santa Fe CRDi VGT then installment na lang yung remaining. hehe

[kmo]

the forester mas sulit you get more for what you paid

[squala]

I'd only consider the Forester if it can really get through the rough stuff. If it isn't a true SUV, I'd much rather pick the RAV 4. It looks way better and is more economical. Subarus, in general, are notorious for their gas guzzling, especially the turbo ones.

But among your choices, the Tucson should be better. It's a diesel so it should have more or less the same consumption as a regular 1.6 car. It's also cute and relatively cheap, and by my reckoning, Hyundai reliability is getting better and better. I think they even have a better warranty than the usual Japs.