Toyota RAV4 Cruiser vs Subaru Forester XT

Not super-cheap (add $2500 for a six-speed auto) but it gets dual-zone climate control, satnav, power tailgate, leather trim, sunroof, touchscreen and voice control infotainment, clever split-fold (flat) rear seats, trip computer and capped-price servicing.

This variant is CVT-only. There are USB and Bluetooth audio, trip computer, leather-wrapped wheel, dual-zone climate control, cloth trim, cruise control, whopper sunroof, one-touch flat split-fold rear seats and 18-inch alloys. It lacks satnav and some of the RAV4's power features.

Not far from being a Corolla on stilts, the new-look RAV4 cuts a sharp figure -- but aggressive "chin'' and low-slung exhaust might not survive off-road, given ground clearance of about 160mm. Good rear cargo space, slightly eroded by full-size spare.

Chunky and familiar, it no longer sports a bonnet scoop for turbo models. Extra length and wheelbase give greater rear legroom. Cargo space -- 422L, less than RAV4 -- also suffers for the full-size spare. Ground clearance is 220mm and child seat anchor points are on seat backs.

No ground breaker but it's got the Camry's 2.5-litre four (132kW/233Nm), tuned for 91 RON and not as thirsty. The six-speed manual is sharp (albeit with a dead clutch pedal) and on-demand AWD shoves drive fore and aft as required, or it can lock 50-50 up to 40km/h.

Turbo 2.0-litre (177kW/350Nm) gives a big edge in oomph, similar thirst to the Toyota -- but for 95RON. Constant (and active) AWD and SI mode carry over, the latter now controlled from the steering wheel. The CVT makes good use of the outputs.

The list includes seven airbags (the standard six plus one for the driver's knees), AWD, stability and traction control, ABS, hill start assist, auto-dimming mirror, electronic diff lock, blind spot warning, HID auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Five-star crash rating, with seven airbags (including driver's knee bag), ABS, stability and traction control (including X-Mode for off-road), reversing camera (but no sensors), xenon headlights and clever AWD.

Peppy power plant and comfortable, spacious cabin are offset by sharpish ride quality and odd boot design. Cabin noise suppression and body control are good and so are in-cabin storage and features list. But it's not the yardstick any more.

Subaru has stopped the "flare'' of revs in CVT to exploit meaty mid-range. Dynamics make the most of the outputs. Ride, though a little better than the RAV, is still too fiddly and there's some wind noise. AWD gives ample grip and balance.