This segment demonstrates one of the most active growth rates in the Ukrainian market, so the list of presented models turned out to be quite extensive. At the same time, the selection was limited only to Japanese manufacturers. The following cars were included in our review: Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander XL, and Toyota RAV4.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
History
The Suzuki Grand Vitara began rolling off the assembly line in 2005.
In 2008, the model underwent a planned exterior update.
In 2010, the facelift also affected versions intended for export.
Body
The Grand Vitara could be purchased in both five-door and three-door versions. The body construction is unibody with an integrated frame. There are no particular complaints about the metal's resistance to corrosion, but the quality of the paintwork raises questions. For example, after the first thousand kilometers of mileage, owners noticed that the door seals wore off the paint.
The tailgate, which opens to the right side, also causes inconvenience — it makes it difficult to unload items while standing on the sidewalk.
Interior
The interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara looks nice, but the trim materials are not of high quality.
Over time, extraneous squeaks begin to appear in the cabin — their sources are in the area of the door cards, glove box, rear seat row, and luggage shelf. Sound insulation is also not a strong point of the car: at high revs, the engine's operation is clearly audible, and after accelerating to 100 km/h, aerodynamic noises are added.
The seats are not very comfortable — in long trips, the back begins to tire due to the lack of lumbar support.
Engine
Most often under the hood are gasoline engines with a volume of 2.0 liters (140 hp) and 2.4 liters (168 hp). They do not shine with special dynamics, especially in pairs with an automatic transmission. There are also engines with a volume of 2.7 liters with a capacity of 185 hp and 3.2 liters with 232 hp, but they are rare.
No serious chronic ailments have been identified in the engines, but there are negative reviews about the 2.0 engine — it is prone to oil consumption and frequent clogging of the catalyst. In addition, its appetite is almost as good as the 2.4 unit.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara engines are quite demanding on fuel — even with the least powerful one, achieving consumption below 10 liters per hundred is extremely difficult. In the urban cycle, the on-board computer can easily display 15 liters. The 3.2 engine has the greatest appetite — in the city it consumes up to 17 liters per 100 km.
There was also a diesel version with a volume of 1.9 DDiS, but such cars were not officially supplied to the Ukrainian market.
Transmission
The Grand Vitara is equipped with an all-wheel drive system with the ability to lock the differential and the presence of a low range. The off-road capabilities of the car are at a good level.
There are no significant complaints about the automatic transmissions, of which there were two types (4 and 5 speeds). But the manual transmission on examples produced before 2007 was distinguished by increased noise when engaging first and second gears.
If the transmission is operated incorrectly — for example, driving on asphalt with the differential lock engaged — there is a risk of oil leaks from the axle shaft seals of the final drives.
Chassis
The suspension of the Grand Vitara is quite elastic, which does not have the best effect on ride smoothness. McPherson struts are used at the front, and a multi-link design at the rear.
The chassis is distinguished by enviable durability: the rear arms can last more than 200 thousand kilometers, the front ball joints and silent blocks last the same amount, and the rear ones about 100 thousand. The silent blocks of the camber arms can remind of themselves the fastest, in which the eccentric bolts often sour by 100 thousand kilometers. To avoid such a nuisance, it is recommended to adjust the rear wheel camber at least every 30 thousand kilometers.
At the front, the Grand Vitara has disc brakes. At the rear, "drums" are used, which over time begin to make a squeak. To eliminate extraneous sounds, they need to be regularly serviced and cleaned.
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Honda CR-V
History:
2006: the debut of the third generation Honda CR-V took place at the Paris Motor Show.
2010: the model underwent a facelift.
2012: the fourth generation goes on the assembly line.
Body
The third-generation Honda CR-V stands out with its expressive and swift design. The car's appearance does not hint at belonging to SUVs. And this is fair: with a ground clearance of 185 mm, it is better suited for asphalt than for off-road.
Some owners note insufficient body rigidity — this is felt when overcoming uneven surfaces or when driving onto curbs. But there are practically no complaints about corrosion resistance.
The disadvantages, or rather "childhood diseases," include the absence on a number of trim levels of a water-diverting rubber band on the edge of the tailgate. Because of this, when opening the trunk in rainy weather, water gets directly into the cabin.
Interior
The main advantage of the CR-V, which competitors do not have, is an absolutely flat floor. The interior is spacious, the driver sits high, and visibility is excellent. The quality of trim materials is at an average level. Many owners complain about the appearance of squeaks, especially when driving on uneven roads.
The interior has many transformation options. The rear row of seats can be moved forward and backward by 15 centimeters, the backrest is adjustable for tilt, and the seats themselves fold in a 40:20:40 ratio.
Sound insulation is of an average level. In the stowed position, the trunk is one of the most modest in the class, its volume is 442 liters.
Sometimes there is a failure of the air conditioning clutch, which leads to the inoperability of the entire climate control system.
Engine
For the third-generation CR-V, three power units were offered — two gasoline (2.0 and 2.4 liters) and one diesel with a volume of 2.2 liters.
Gasoline engines are most common. They do not cause serious complaints. In the two-liter engine, the damper of the tension roller of the auxiliary equipment often fails, which manifests itself as a rattling sound under load. In the 2.4 engine, a leak of the front crankshaft oil seal is possible.
The timing drive of gasoline engines uses a chain. If the oil level is not monitored, the chain can stretch by 150 thousand kilometers. Thermal valve clearances are recommended to be adjusted every 45 thousand kilometers, and when using gas equipment — every 15 thousand.
Fuel consumption is quite acceptable: the 2.4 engine in the city spends about 13–14 liters per 100 km, and the two-liter one — 11–12 liters.
Diesel modifications are very rare. There are practically no complaints about them, except that over time, especially when using domestic fuel, the particulate filter becomes clogged, which negatively affects dynamics.
Transmission
The Honda CR-V transmission is built according to the plug-in all-wheel drive scheme. The differential lock is simulated by electronics, which brakes the spinning wheels. According to some data, there were also single-drive versions, but such cars are extremely rare in Ukraine. There are two types of gearboxes: a 5-speed "automatic" or a 6-speed "manual" (the latter was installed on versions 2.0 and 2.2).
There are no problems with gearboxes with proper care. The oil in the "manual" needs to be changed every 60 thousand kilometers, in the "automatic" — after 45 thousand. With every second replacement, the oil filter also needs to be updated. The oil in the rear axle is subject to replacement every 75 thousand kilometers.
Chassis
The CR-V suspension is fully independent: McPherson at the front, double-wishbone at the rear. Handling is close to a passenger car, the suspension travel is somewhat stiff, but does not cause serious discomfort.
The chassis is quite durable. The front stabilizer bushings last about 60,000 kilometers, the rear ones 80,000. Stabilizer links survive 100–120 thousand kilometers. Front and rear silent blocks last up to 200 thousand kilometers.
Disadvantages include the rear springs, which sag over time. The brakes are effective, but their service life is short: with active driving, front pads and discs wear out by 30,000 kilometers, rear ones by 45,000.
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Subaru Forester
History
In 2007, the premiere of the "third" Subaru Forester took place. Three years later, the model underwent a facelift, and in 2013 it was replaced by a new generation.
Body
The third-generation Forester is a five-door wagon that looks more like a raised wagon than a full-fledged SUV. From its predecessor, the car inherited the abandonment of frameless side windows — a signature Subaru feature.
Owners often complain about insufficient body rigidity: when driving on uneven roads, rattling appears in the cabin.
Thanks to the brand's all-wheel drive, short overhangs, and 225 mm ground clearance, the car feels confident on dirt roads and light off-road. Owners have no complaints about the body's corrosion resistance.
Interior
Inside, the Forester is quite spacious. The driver sits high, and the seat adjusts within wide limits. Visibility is good — aided by large exterior mirrors and thin front pillars. The interior design is simple, and trim materials are inexpensive. The instruments are hard to read: the scales are small, and the blue backlight impairs information perception.
The trunk in standard condition holds 450 liters, and with the rear row folded — 1,590 liters.
Engine
Among its classmates, the Forester is one of the fastest, especially in the version with the 2.5T turbo engine. The range of power units is wide: four gasoline engines with power from 150 to 263 horsepower. The lineup also included a 2.0-liter diesel (147 hp), but such cars are very rare in our country. All engines are boxer-type.
The naturally aspirated 2.5 engine paired with an automatic consumes about 13–14 liters per hundred in the city cycle, the version with the 2.0 engine — 11.5–12 liters.
There are no particular complaints about the engines themselves, although the 2.5T turbo engines sometimes have issues with the turbocharger.
It is recommended to change the oil every 10,000 kilometers, using only the specified grades.
Parts and maintenance cost a lot.
Transmission
The Forester is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive with torque distribution between axles of 50:50. The manual gearbox has a reduction gear and a center differential lock (viscous coupling). In the automatic transmission, this function is performed by a multi-disc hydraulic clutch with electronic control.
The manual was offered in two types — 5- and 6-speed, and during operation it caused no complaints. But the automatic was outdated — 4-speed. Its disadvantages include delays in shifting and increased fuel consumption.
Chassis
The Forester's suspension is fully independent. The car features clear handling (although it noticeably rolls in corners) and at the same time decent comfort — it handles potholes and minor road defects well.
Suspension elements last long: front stabilizer bushings last about 35,000 kilometers, rear ones 40,000. Front silent blocks can last 130–150 thousand kilometers.
There are no complaints about the brakes, but during active braking they can overheat, reducing effectiveness.
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Nissan X-Trail
History:
2007: The second-generation Nissan X-Trail was shown at the Geneva Motor Show
2009: Assembly of the X-Trail started at a plant in St. Petersburg
2010: The model underwent a facelift
Body
The second-generation X-Trail looks little different from the first: the same angular shapes. Among competitors, it looks the most "off-road" — which is exactly what the creators aimed for.
Corrosion resistance is generally good, but on the tailgate around the chrome trim (on pre-facelift cars), rust may appear. On updated versions, corrosion spots are sometimes found around the perimeter of the tailgate.
Ground clearance — 210 mm.
Interior
Inside, the car is quite spacious, although there is not too much space in the second row. The seats are soft and comfortable, but lateral support is weakly expressed. The rear seat backrest adjusts to five positions.
The interior is fully practical: many pockets, compartments, cup holders, and niches. The trunk is relatively modest (479 liters), but under the floor there are hidden pull-out drawers for an additional 124 liters.
Sound insulation is average: the main sources of noise are the wheel arches. In the rear row, wheels are also audible when driving on the highway.
Disadvantages include inconvenient entry and exit to the rear row due to the narrow door opening at the bottom. There are also occasional failures of the door handle lock drive (the cable slips off its mount).
Engine
The X-Trail was offered with four engines: two gasoline (2.0 with 141 hp and 2.5 with 169 hp) and two diesel (2.0 dCi with 150 and 173 hp).
The gasoline units are reliable and cause no complaints. After 100,000 kilometers, the valve cover gasket may lose its seal, and contamination of the throttle body leads to unstable idle speeds. The timing drive uses a chain — its service life is very long.
Fuel consumption of the engines is moderate, although the 2.0 with a CVT in the city consumes almost as much as the 2.5 — about 12–13 liters per hundred. However, owners say that with calm driving, you can fit into 11 liters.
There is information that X-Trail engines do not tolerate running on liquefied gas well — up to valve burnout. Diesels, on the other hand, have proven themselves well.
Transmission
The car is equipped with an all-wheel-drive transmission with an electronically controlled clutch, which has three modes: 2WD (front-wheel drive), Auto (automatic), and Lock (clutch lock — for difficult sections). All-wheel drive and solid ground clearance provide the car with decent off-road capabilities.
Three types of gearboxes were offered — manual, automatic, and CVT. The CVT is the most common. All transmissions are reliable and operate without complaints.
Chassis
The suspension is independent: McPherson struts at the front, multi-link at the rear. The ride is comfortable and energy-intensive, perfectly absorbing bumps. But there is a downside: on waves, the car sways, and in fast corners it noticeably rolls.
Suspension elements are durable: the rear lasts about 250,000 kilometers. The front is more modest: arm and subframe silent blocks last 60–80 thousand, front strut support bearings — 45–50 thousand, stabilizer bushings — 30 thousand at the front and 50 thousand at the rear.
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Mitsubishi Outlander XL
History:
2007: Debut of the Mitsubishi Outlander XL
2007 (August): A 2.0-liter diesel was added to the engine lineup
2010: The model was updated
2012: The Outlander XL gives way to a new generation
Body
The exterior of the Outlander XL looks stylish: aggressive headlights and flared wheel arches give it a dynamic appearance.
There are no complaints about the body's corrosion resistance. A distinctive feature is the two-section tailgate: the upper part lifts up, the lower part folds down. This simplifies loading and unloading. Moreover, you can sit on the lower flap — for example, while fishing or putting on skis; the cables withstand up to 300 kg.
Among the disadvantages are owner complaints about fogging of the rear lights.
Ground clearance — 215 mm.
Interior
The interior is designed in a sporty key, like the exterior. But the quality of materials is low: the plastic is hard and may start to creak over time.
There is enough space in the cabin, and entry and exit are convenient. The rear seat slides forward and backward, and the backrest adjusts for inclination.
The sound insulation is a bit weak — the wheel arches are clearly audible. However, the trunk is the most spacious in comparison: 774 liters.
Another drawback is the stock stereo: owners complain that the left speakers fail without any apparent reason.
Engine
The Outlander XL was offered with gasoline and diesel engines. Only gasoline versions with the MIVEC system were officially imported to Ukraine: 2.0 with 147 hp, 2.4 with 170 hp, and 3.0 with 220 hp.
The 3.0-liter unit gives the car confident dynamics, but it is sensitive to fuel quality and has noticeable consumption — in the city it reaches 14-15 liters per 100 km. The 2.4 engine is often called the optimal choice: it combines decent traction with moderate fuel consumption (11-12 liters per 100 km). Among its weak points are possible leaks from the front crankshaft oil seal.
As technicians note, gasoline engines are not designed to run on gas fuel.
Transmission
The car is available with both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive — the latter with the 2.0 engine and manual transmission. The all-wheel drive system has three modes: 2WD (front wheels only), Auto (automatic engagement of the rear axle via an electromagnetic clutch), and Lock (forced clutch lock).
There are three types of gearboxes: manual, automatic, and CVT.
All are considered reliable and rarely cause trouble. The only nuance is that in the CVT, during a long trip or intense off-road driving, the oil may overheat, which will be indicated by a warning light on the dashboard. In such a situation, it is worth stopping and letting the lubricant cool down.
Oil in the automatic and manual transmissions is recommended to be changed every 40,000 kilometers, while in the CVT — at intervals of 80,000.
Chassis
The Mitsubishi Outlander XL suspension is fully independent: McPherson struts at the front, multi-link at the rear. The suspension is short-travel and slightly stiff: it handles small bumps without issues, but on large potholes, bottoming out is possible. Handling is excellent — body roll in corners is minimal.
The suspension is quite durable: front arm silent blocks last 120-140 thousand km, rear ones about 100 thousand km. Shock absorbers last on average 100-120 thousand km, with the front ones wearing out faster. Tie rod ends last about 60 thousand km. After 100 thousand km, sweating often appears at the connections of the power steering hoses.
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History:
2006: start of production of the third-generation RAV4
End of 2006: production of the extended version for the American market began
2008: the model underwent a facelift
2010: a version with a continuously variable transmission was added to the lineup
Body
The Toyota RAV4 was offered only with five doors and two wheelbase options — 2560 mm for Europe and 2660 mm for the USA. The body has good rigidity. On off-road and in high-speed corners, body roll is minimal. A drawback is the bumpers painted in body color: they are easily scratched when driving on forest or dirt roads. Also worth mentioning is the tailgate with a spare wheel attached to it: due to its considerable weight, the hinges sag over time, and the door starts to close worse. Moreover, like the Grand Vitara, it opens to the right side.
There are no complaints about corrosion resistance.
Interior
Inside, the RAV4 is quite spacious — three passengers of average build can easily fit in the back row. Ergonomics are good, everything is at hand, except that you have to reach for the hazard warning light button.
Sound insulation is decent, visibility is good. However, the trim plastic is of average quality and may start to squeak over time. The seats are comfortable, with good lumbar support, and getting in and out is not inconvenient. The rear bench slides forward and backward by 165 mm, and the backrest is adjustable for recline.
The trunk has a volume of 500 liters, and in the Long version — 540 liters.
Engine
The RAV4 engine lineup includes four gasoline units: 2.0 (152/158 hp), 2.4 (170 hp), 3.5 (269 hp), as well as two diesels 2.2D-4D (136/177 hp).
The most common engines here are 2.0 and 2.4. They are reliable and unpretentious. Due to the quality of local fuel, injectors have to be cleaned every 50 thousand km — when they get dirty, the idle speed starts to fluctuate. Once every two years, the radiator needs to be flushed: a clogged radiator increases the load on the air conditioning compressor and worsens engine cooling. This is especially true for the 2.4 engine, which is sensitive to overheating. The 3.5 engine was installed only on cars for the American market. Service station technicians note cases of oil channels clogging when the oil change schedule is violated. All gasoline engines have a chain drive timing.
Fuel consumption is moderate: the 2.4 engine in urban conditions spends 13-14 liters per hundred, the 2.0 engine — about 10.5-12 liters.
Diesel versions are rare here. Parts and maintenance are expensive.
Transmission
The RAV4 is equipped with plug-in all-wheel drive. On asphalt, the car is front-wheel drive, but when one of the wheels slips, the rear axle is engaged via an electromagnetic clutch. There is also a locking of the center differential. During prolonged wheelspin, the differential quickly overheats, so off-road it is better to engage the lock immediately.
There are three transmissions — manual, automatic, and CVT (the latter replaced the automatic in 2010). The oil and filter in the automatic need to be changed every 40 thousand km — ignoring this rule threatens serious breakdowns. The automatic and manual transmissions may have leaks from the axle shaft seals and the transfer case tail seal.
Chassis
The Toyota RAV4 suspension is independent: McPherson at the front, multi-link at the rear. The car handles like a regular passenger car — thanks to the dense suspension and the active handling system IADS.
The suspension resource is impressive: stabilizer bushings last about 50 thousand km, front silent blocks — about 150 thousand km, front shock absorbers — 100 thousand km, rear ones — about 150 thousand km. Tie rods last 100 thousand km, ends — about 150 thousand km. In the brake system, every 30-40 thousand km it is recommended to carry out preventive maintenance of the rear calipers — lubricate the guides.
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Specifications
| Mitsubishi Outlander XL | Suzuki Grand Vitara | Honda CR-V | Subaru Forester | Nissan X-Trail | Toyota RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body type | wagon 5-door | wagon 3 and 5-door | wagon 5-door | wagon 5-door | wagon 5-door | wagon 5-door |
| Dimensions, mm Length Width Height | 4640 1800 1720 | 4500(4035) 1810 1695 | 4530 1820 1675 | 4560 1780 1700 | 4630 1785 1770 | 4395(4600) 1815 1720 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2670 | 2640(2440) | 2620 | 2615 | 2630 | 2560(2660) |
| Ground clearance, mm | 215 | 200 | 185 | 220 | 200 | 195 |
| Weight, kg curb gross | 1650 2175 | 1670(1380) 2100(1830) | 1648 2080 | 1515 2015 | 1650 2175 | 1505(1530) 2070(2110) |
| Trunk volume, l | 774/1691 | 400/1385 (184) | 442-556/955 | 450/1190 | 479/1649 (603/1773) | 500/1469 (540/1750) |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 60 | 66(55) | 58 | 60 | 65 | 60 |
| Drive type | plug-in all-wheel | plug-in all-wheel | plug-in all-wheel | permanent all-wheel | plug-in all-wheel | plug-in all-wheel |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed automatic CVT | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic CVT | 5-speed manual 4/5-speed automatic CVT |
| Front brakes | ventilated disc | ventilated disc | ventilated disc | ventilated disc | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Rear brakes | disc | disc/drum | disc | disc | disc | disc |
| Suspension front rear | independent independent | independent independent | independent independent | independent independent | independent independent | independent independent |
| Gasoline engines | 2.0 147 hp 2.4 170 hp 3.0 220 hp | 1.6 106 hp 2.0 140 hp 2.4 169 hp 2.7 188 hp |
Crossover Engines
This section presents the gasoline and diesel powertrains that were installed on SUVs popular in Ukraine.
Gasoline Engines
- Mitsubishi Outlander XL: 2.0 (150 hp), 2.4 (170 hp), 3.0 (230 hp) — for the V6 version.
- Suzuki Grand Vitara: 2.0 (140 hp), 2.4 (166 hp).
- Honda CR-V: 2.0 (150 hp), 2.5 (172 hp), as well as 2.5 with output of 230 or 263 hp.
- Subaru Forester: 2.0 (141 hp), 2.5 (169 hp).
- Nissan X-Trail: 2.0 (152/158 hp), 2.4 (170 hp), 3.5 (269 hp).
Diesel Engines
- Mitsubishi Outlander XL: 2.0 (140 hp).
- Suzuki Grand Vitara: 1.9 (129 hp).
- Honda CR-V: 2.2 (140/150 hp).
- Subaru Forester: 2.0 (147 hp).
- Nissan X-Trail: 2.0 (150/173 hp).
- Toyota RAV4: 2.2 (136/177 hp).
Cost of Spare Parts
Below are the average prices for the main consumables and suspension parts for each of the vehicles in question.
| Parts | Mitsubishi Outlander XL | Suzuki Grand Vitara | Honda CR-V | Subaru Forester | Nissan X-Trail | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake pads front / rear |
700 UAH / 500 UAH | 300 UAH / 240 UAH | 460 UAH / 490 UAH | 460 UAH / 300 UAH | 400 UAH / 300 UAH | 400 UAH / 320 UAH |
| Brake discs front / rear |
1150 UAH / 850 UAH | 850 UAH | 1150 UAH / 750 UAH | 1100 UAH / 900 UAH | 850 UAH / 820 UAH | 1160 UAH / 1080 UAH |
| Filter air / oil |
130 UAH / 51 UAH | 60 UAH / 50 UAH | 80 UAH / 65 UAH | 50 UAH / 45 UAH | 65 UAH / 60 UAH | 120 UAH / 65 UAH |
| Shock absorber front / rear |
700 UAH / 600 UAH | 900 UAH / 500 UAH | 1100 UAH / 700 UAH | 950 UAH / 770 UAH | 1000 UAH / 600 UAH | 750 UAH / 500 UAH |
Summary
All the listed crossovers in most cases reach a mileage of 100 thousand kilometers without serious breakdowns. After this milestone, various troubles are possible. Nevertheless, these cars are considered quite reliable and well adapted to operating conditions in Ukraine. Current prices for used cars can be viewed in the Used Cars section. Approximate price drop dynamics and tendency to depreciate are reflected in the table:
| Model | Price of new car in minimum trim in 2009 |
Min. price of car with mileage in 2013 |
Loss in price, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V 2.4 | ~ 35 thousand USD | ~ 23 thousand USD | 34.20% |
| Nissan X-Trail 2.5 | ~ 33.5 thousand USD | ~ 23 thousand USD | 31.30% |
| Subaru Forester 2.5 | ~ 31.5 thousand USD | ~ 22.5 thousand USD | 28.50% |
| Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 | ~ 26 thousand USD | ~ 21 thousand USD | 19.20% |
| Toyota RAV4 2.4 (facelift) | ~ 39 thousand USD | ~ 29.5 thousand USD | 24.30% |
| Mitsubishi Outlander XL 2.4 | ~ 30 thousand USD | ~ 20 thousand USD | 33.30% |
