If buying a 4 cylinder, 4 wheel drive small SUV with a manual transmission...would you choose a Hyundai Tucson? Another one I am considering is the Subaru Forester - but not the Toyota Rav4 because it is no longer available with a manual trans.

Dan
smjns333hotmail.com

screw the 4cyl..

Get the Toyota FJ Cruiser. I've had mine for almost a year now and l love it. I've got 6spd manual, all time 4WD and it is a friggin' tank!

*note
My other car is a BMW 740iL and l love driving the FJ as much as the Beemer. The Beemer does NOT go out in the winter.

I'd go with the forester, you can do a lot more tuning with it if you choose.

Subaru Forester all the way. Better handling, performance, All Wheel Drive system, safety. Yes the Forester is a all round better SUV.

The Forester will be much more reliable. The AWD system in Subaru is the best all around.

The Tuscon is a vehicle l would recommend--but the Forester is a vehicle l would recommend very highly.

The Subaru Forester has won more awards than any other small SUV & is an excellent vehicle in many respects. That is not to say that the Tuscon is bad--its a fine vehicle as well. But although the Forester is dated in some respects, there really r no other small SUVs that have such a combination of virtues.

The Forester has the smooth ride & nimble handling of a compact car on pavement, yet it is highly capable offroad. The AWD system is one of the best in existence--it is effective, it operates transparently & it is bulletproof. The base engine delivers good performance & fuel economy. The interior is practical & comfortable, although the rear seat is small. The Forester has a strong, long-standing reliability record (an area where the Tuscon has yet to prove itself). Visibility is good & crash-test results r first-rate.

The Tuscon is quite well-rounded overall. It has a more spacious rear seat than the Forester. It is quieter, roomier & has a generous warranty. But the Forester still has an edge in handling, fuel economy, reliability, AWD efficiency & crash-test results, & l consider it a couple of notches better overall.

Over the last decade, just about every comparison match made by magazines from different countries has placed the Forester at the #1 position (or close) among small SUVs. l have not seen as many comparison tests with the Tuscon since it is newer, but in the ones I've seen, it is ranged from mid-pack to above average overall.

The Forester is a much better vehicle. The boxer engine is proven and is much stronger. The design of the AWD in the subie is superior. Do not waste your time with the hyundai!

2 people l know bought these 2 trucks about the same time,at the second year,the Hyundai has had these replaced:Power steering pressure hose (broke apart at crimp),both axles (vibration),transmission (slipped badly).Warranty by Hyundai though.
The Subaru only needed brakes replaced due to wear and tear.
Enough said.

Dan, l just picked up my Subaru Forester and it is really nice! Good luck with whatever you choose.