Non Boring Transportation Appliance?

I recommend you try another sport… Like knitting!
Knit yourself a fuckin' somebody!

As it stands Plan B is to just keep on given'r - Deaner

The Hybrid Highlander and gas Highlander have virtually the same fuel economy so I don't quite get the $5k premium.

I've read that the 2017 Subaru's have finally buttoned up the interiors and have finally taken care of the noise and harshness auto journalists love to point out as soon as they drive one.

I know a couple of people so have the hybrid and it's a lot better in the city. At least 25% to 30% better.

I know a couple of people so have the hybrid and it's a lot better in the city. At least 25% to 30% better.

That's good to keep in mind. Looking at full loaded options a hybrid Highlander is $55k and a Forester is $40k, albeit or a smaller car. $15k covers a lot of fuel at 2l/100km difference.

The Subaru will likely do better on the highway. Hybrids have the most impact in city driving.

Maybe give Cam a PM. I believe he has a Highlander Hybrid.

The Subaru will likely do better on the highway. Hybrids have the most impact in city driving.

Maybe give Cam a PM. I believe he has a Highlander Hybrid.

He posted a few pages back. 10l/100km consistently and is a good vehicle.

He posted a few pages back. 10l/100km consistently and is a good vehicle.

not sure on the newer generation Highlander, we have the 2013, v6, non-hybrid. It's been great, drive lots for biking, Calgary into BC each summer, have over 150k on it from Dec 2013 already. We get about 8.5 to 11.5 combined without the ratrack and 4 bikes, and usually between 10.5 and 13 when I'm driving like an asshole with bikes loaded and shuttling mt. 7 or Fernie. It's a great road trip vehicle, back seats lay flat, can fit a full double size bed in the back if you build a plywood cover over the wheel wells, with room for drawers under for all the bike gear. And it seats seven if needed. Brother in law has a forester, and it's significantly smaller and less power than the highlander.

Would snow and off-road performance be better in a Highlander or a Forester?

The VW thing got settled this week for CANADIAN VW owners

Would snow and off-road performance be better in a Highlander or a Forester?

I think it likely comes down to tire choice. The highlander does come with a snow button, which actually works surprisingly well, alters the program, shifts power ratio between the wheels, and it also has a descent control which is fun. Clearance is an issue with the hitch rack, as it's after-mounted below the bumper. Not sure how that compares to the forrester, but I'm sure subaru folks would tell you the forester has a better 4 wheel drive system, it just felt a lot more like a minivan compared to the highlander. But depends on off-road requirements. I've seen two wheel drive cars in a lot of places that surprised me.

I'd be in a Forester with the 2.0L turbo so it'd go like stink around town and on the highway. A Highlander would be better off road as the Forester is only really a car. Would I cross a shallow creek in a Highlander? Maybe. In a Forester? No way.

Having owned Subaru's AWD, Toyota's AWD, and Toyota's 4WD I can say Subaru's AWD is the best on snow and ice.

4Runner w/Toytec and Hefty Fab works kits for the lux wheeling.

There is too much sense being made on this thread, you should throw sense and sensibility to the wind and buy the upcoming Alfa Romeo Stelvio - 500+HP of "I do what I want"

I don't entirely enjoy the dealership experience and with that in mind I've got a relatively short list of test drives planned. I'm going a bit baller here and there, but I figure I may as well see how the other half lives. I'm also going small and big as I'm not 100% on which size to go with.

• Audi Q5 (SQ5 too)
• Audi A4 All-Road
• Cadillac XT5
• GM Acadia
• Ford Explorer
• Ford Edge
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Subaru Forester (turbo)
• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota 4Runner

I don't entirely enjoy the dealership experience and with that in mind I've got a relatively short list of test drives planned. I'm going a bit baller here and there, but I figure I may as well see how the other half lives. I'm also going small and big as I'm not 100% on which size to go with.

• Audi Q5 (SQ5 too)
• Audi A4 All-Road
• Cadillac XT5
• GM Acadia
• Ford Explorer
• Ford Edge
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Subaru Forester (turbo)
• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota 4Runner

Let us know how they go - I have a similar list that I am looking to test drive in the near future.