The problem of choice. Need an SUV up to ?30000 / Subaru test drives

Alexey Alekseevich Ivanov, 65 years old, pensioner, driving experience — 44 years. Wants: a crossover. Budget: €30,000

An anniversary is not only a feast and tender emotions, but also gifts. His son gave our reader money to buy a soft-roader. To spend it wisely, he came to us for advice. Based on his wishes, we brought in a Subaru Forester and a Ford Escape, and on our own initiative added a Mitsubishi Outlander XL to them.

What he expects from a car:

Alexey Alekseevich Ivanov
© Photo: Igor Kuznetsov, 5 Koleso

IMAGE - Solid but not flashy, for those who no longer need to prove anything.

STYLE - Simple, conservative design is preferred.

RIDE QUALITIES - Not necessary to tear away from the start, but handling should be decent.

ECONOMY - Fuel consumption should be within 10 liters per 100 km.

INTERIOR - Need a spacious cabin and an equally spacious trunk.

EQUIPMENT - Active and passive safety systems are desirable, but priority is given to the former.

2008 Ford Escape
© Photo: Igor Kuznetsov, 5 Koleso

Why did the choice fall on the Subaru Forester and Ford Escape? Probably because they are not as flashy as their competitors. It seems to me that their appearance honestly reflects their capabilities. No ostentatious sportiness or invented power — only simplicity and clarity. One is a "Japanese", the other is an "American". Which of them is better, I wanted to find out. But why you added the Mitsubishi Outlander XL, I don't understand. You say it's in fashion now? But it's almost 200 thousand more expensive. Since it's here, I'll have to compare with it too. Where to start?.. Let's start with the Ford.

Ford Escape

You could say that my automotive life, which began forty-four years ago, started with it. My first car was a "polutorka" (half-ton truck), which in essence was a Ford AA.

2008 Ford Escape
© Photo: Igor Kuznetsov, 5 Koleso

As I already noted, I like this car's appearance. Moderately handsome, moderately plump, and moderately "iron". As a former professional driver, I immediately notice: both the ground clearance and geometric cross-country ability are sufficient to get to the dacha without problems. The only thing that bothers me is the low-mounted rear suspension arms. Catching such a "stretch" on a stump in the forest is a piece of cake. Also, it seems to me that the exterior mirrors are a bit small for confident maneuvering in dense city traffic. Although, if I recall the mirrors on my "rafik" (RAF minibus), these are just a dressing table. Now the cabin. I won't say it amazed me with its richness, but overall it looks decent. In my life, I've seen more luxurious cars. However, the wood and aluminum inserts make it quite attractive. Although, in my opinion, functionality is more important than beauty. Therefore, I appreciate the handle on the front pillar with more enthusiasm than the leather-wrapped automatic transmission lever. It's also thoughtful that you can rigidly lock the axles. A real SUV can't do without this. I understand that the Escape is far from a real SUV, but it's nice that such a function exists. But the lack of a low-range gear is a reason for regret. As tests showed, in loose snow, the engine's power is no longer enough. I wanted to add gas, but 145 horses can't always pull the car out of captivity. However, the suspension on bumps turned out to be quite good. Still, after sitting behind the wheel of this car, I can say: it doesn't suit me. What's the matter? It's cramped for me in it. If I were a bit slimmer, everything would be fine, but... I'm not going to the gym, and you can't fool nature.

Chosen because: time-tested design, spacious cabin, sufficient ground clearance, not too flashy exterior. €22,500

Style
Does it have style? I think yes, but in my opinion, it's stylish like a well-groomed village horse next to a trotter. Simple

Ride qualities
It holds up well both on asphalt and on dirt roads, but high speeds are clearly not its forte. Acceptable

Interior
I like it when everything is in its place, and here it's exactly that. One thing is bad — I can't turn around in it, and there's less space in the back than I'd like. A bit cramped

Economy
I think it won't ruin me. We'll get along

Standard equipment
The base doesn't have much of what I want, but in principle, there's everything for calm and sensible driving. After all, I'm not going to drive recklessly; age isn't right. Reasonable

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Behaves decently off-road, dynamics are sufficient.
- Cramped, by my standards, cabin and inability to disable the stability control system.

Technical specifications

Make and model - Ford Escape 2.3
Dimensions - 4480x1845x1730 mm
Engine - petrol, 2261 cm3, 145 hp/6000 rpm
Transmission - automatic, 4-speed
Dynamics - max 160 km/h

Subaru Forester

Now about the Forester. Externally, it's very similar to the Escape, and this resemblance reminded me of the ZIL-130 and GAZ-53. They seem like different cars, but the similarity is striking. So talking about the appearance is pointless. But I'll tell you about what's inside. First, the Subaru, in my opinion, is significantly more interesting in terms of interior than the Ford. There are also aluminum-look inserts here, but there are exactly as many as needed, so the car doesn't try to seem richer than it is. Moreover, the controls are arranged more ergonomically. I only didn't like how the handbrake is installed. With my build, I practically sit on it, and in an emergency, I have to yank it out from under myself. The gear lever's selectivity didn't inspire me either. I remember on the Lviv bus, where I also had to work, the gears were also hard to find. But there, the remote shift linkage ran through the entire cabin. Here, the gearbox is nearby, but the gears engage somehow indistinctly. However, the low-range gear in the transmission pleased me. Indeed, with such a "detail", you can climb anywhere, as long as the clearance is enough. True, sometimes the stability control system interferes with a sudden start, but as I understood, it can be turned off. In my opinion, it would be better if it didn't exist at all. Without it, the car literally digs the earth. And there don't seem to be many more horses than the Ford, but it sweeps like crazy. Also, on the highway, the Forester seemed more composed to me than the Escape. Although the car really starts to go only when the tachometer needle goes past 3500 rpm.

In general, of these two cars, I would choose the Forester. Although I'm not very comfortable in it either due to my size. And the "stick" at my age, you know, is not the best option. Even when I worked on the LiAZ, commonly known as the "cattle carrier", I realized: an automatic transmission is the thing.

Chosen because: optimal in terms of price-quality ratio, has all-wheel drive and a low-range gear in the transmission. The cabin is spacious enough. €24,000

Style
It exists, definitely. And this is despite the fact that the Forester is very similar to the Escape. However, it looks much more elegant thanks to the more detailed refinement of the details. Pleasant

Ride qualities
Here is the translated text of the test drive into English: The car holds the road surprisingly well, as if glued to the asphalt. But the main pleasure is the low-range gear. If you also switch off the stability control, it flies over dirt roads like a broom. Just what you need **Interior** The interior is curious and attractive, but even here I don't feel completely at home—there's not enough freedom for my needs. Not my choice **Fuel consumption** It's hard to believe that you'll average 8.5 liters. But if it doesn't exceed ten, that's already good. Acceptable **Base trim** The equipment is pleasing—everything you need is there, especially nice for this price. Worthy **Strengths and weaknesses** + Off-road, you're only limited by ground clearance, and the dynamics are quite lively. - The handbrake is awkward to use, and the gearbox isn't precise in selection. **Technical data** Make and model — Subaru Forester 2.0 Dimensions — 4560x1780x1700 mm Engine — petrol, 1994 cm³, 150 hp/5600 rpm Transmission — manual, 5 gears Performance — 184 km/h; 8.4 s to 100 km/h **Mitsubishi Outlander** Since Mitsubishi Outlander XL is involved, let's consider it too. Outside, it looks flashier and more striking. And in size—seems just right. At least, it doesn't yield to either Forester or Escape. The only concern is the length and the spare wheel hanging under the trunk. But otherwise, it's quite good. The interior also appealed to me: it has style. But the main thing is that I fit in it without any effort. Plus, the trunk is impressive: with friends or with my son on a fishing trip with tents—no problem. Ergonomics are also top-notch. For instance, the driver's cup holder is a very handy thing. And everything on the center console is laid out neatly: you won't have to figure out where things are. The car also drives well, a bit stiff, but that's tolerable. Honestly, I'm a bit confused. This option appealed to me more than the ones I was thinking about initially. And perhaps, I'll settle on this one. After all, I won't be the only one driving the car—my son will too. And the Outlander XL looks more interesting and more prestigious. Since my son gave me such a gift, let him enjoy it too. Everything I have belongs to him as well. **Chosen because:** attractive looks, spacious interior. Well equipped with active and passive safety systems. €29,100 **Design** This car has pedigree. Against its rivals, it looks like a track athlete who accidentally wandered into a weightlifters' gym. Despite its size, the car seems very light. **Fresh** **Driving performance** On asphalt, it behaves impeccably, but on dirt roads you need to be careful due to the large rear overhang. Plus, there's a spare wheel hanging underneath. But in principle, I'll get to the dacha without adventures. **Good enough** **Interior** I love when everything is in its place, and here that's exactly the case. But what pleases me most is the space—it seems this factor will be decisive. **Right** **Fuel consumption** It's unlikely to be more voracious than the others. **Acceptable** **Base trim** In the base, there are too few airbags, but you can choose a richer version—there are already six of them. **Worthy** **Strengths and weaknesses** + Lots of space in the cabin, including the second row. Huge trunk. - I doubt that the folding lower part of the fifth door will add convenience. **Technical data** Make and model — Mitsubishi Outlander XL Dimensions — 4640x1800x1720 mm Engine — petrol, 2998 cm³, 220 hp/6250 rpm Transmission — automatic, 6 gears Performance — 200 km/h; 9.7 s to 100 km/h **Editor's choice** Each of these cars has a decent set of virtues. But only the overall balance of qualities and its price allow a final conclusion. Considering all the nuances, the Ford Escape looks like a Spartan—both in equipment and character. The Mitsubishi Outlander XL is the complete opposite: a stylish guy promoting a life of luxury. But sometimes he takes his idea to the extreme. And the Subaru Forester, though not without its quirks, is a child of a successful compromise. An example of that very golden mean that determined the editor's sympathies. **My choice** I never expected that, choosing from cars I like, I'd settle on a completely different one. However, it's logical: you can truly appreciate a car only after close acquaintance with it. And after such interaction, I chose the Mitsubishi Outlander XL. It suited me in all respects. And not only me—I think my son will approve too. However, both the Subaru Forester and the Ford Escape are quite worthy cars. But if I were a bit less bulky, I'd probably prefer the Subaru Forester: in terms of price-quality-capabilities ratio, it seemed more successful to me than the "American." The latter is too, too simple.