Small SUV For Kayak Fishing

can you sleep in the back of the crv or rav4?

yes...97' CRV

Jeep YJ!!! or TJ... will go places those others won't

I think my 1999 CRV would be a little cramped for me to sleep in. If I was planning to do that I would take my truck.
The newer model CRVs may be better in the interior room department.

Never owned any of those but,,,,,

The GF and I just did some extensive "shopping" at something new for her and the grandkids.

The CRV and RAV4 are equivalent class smallish vehicles, the OB is up a class or 2 in size and power even tho it may not look like it. 

You didn't mention the Forester, the 2014 has been redesigned and is really worth a close look.

The GF was stuck between the CRV and RAV, til she saw the new Forester, now indecision has met financial reality and she's waiting. 

Between the 3 you listed and your purpose, go OB.

I've never met a subie owner who didn't love their vehicle.
 

I bought a 2012 impreza last year and it's been great except for the interior trims that like to rattle. This is the same with my 2006 sti but it's a great car i currently have 130k on the STi and the 2012 has 25k on it already. They're great cars because of the symmetrical awd instead of the crappy 4wd the rav4/crv's have. I'm pretty sure with the new FB25 engine and cvt transmission the outback can get some good MPG.

2 more cents supporting Subaru:
Couple years ago Subaru introduced new engine with CVT. Both of them were slightly modified for 2013 OB - engine and CVT have chains, so it reduces maintenance cost.

if you are up to light off road than 4 cylinders and CVT would be fine otherwise 6cyl with 5AT should be considered.
I live in South San Francisco and most of my roads are hills, so I use "hill assistant" daily and love this small feature that is standard for OB.

returning to mileage: if I'm not in the rush I can reach 35-36 MPG from SFO to San Jose on 101 without heavy traffic, just keeping my speed 45-65 mph. even when i have kayak on top I had 28-30 mpg when strong winds were not present.

The only side note for 2013 OB: - Yakima does not produce landing pads yet, so I used Subaru adapters clip to install Yakima kayak career set. Also you would not be able to install Thule Hullavators without installing after market rack like Fish 'n Brew.

Scott,  I haven't looked into the Outback, but I'm sure it's bigger cargo and luxury interior fits your needs.



I've been looking at the redesign 2014 Forester.  Because the price of getting one with the X-mode I'll have to wait and see about next year.

With X-Mode on.


With X-Mode off.



All I have to say is demo, demo, demo.   

if you get an outback add in the eyesight, i wish they had an option for it on the impreza . They do have it on the impreza in japan

Those new Subaru XV Crosstreks looks pretty sweet. And they're coming out w/a hybrid version in 2014.

Those new Subaru XV Crosstreks looks pretty sweet. And they're coming out w/a hybrid version in 2014.

why even consider the hybrid?

GAS MILEAGE: Subaru expects 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. That's three miles per gallon better in the city than the gas version with an automatic transmission, but only one mpg better on the highway.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/auto-shows/subaru-shows-hybrid-new-york-auto-show-article-1.1305393#ixzz2W26aaQcy

i do wish i waited for the xv because of the height

I test drove a Crosstrek, it's just a raised up impreza, and it was my first experience with a CVT.  biggest downside for me was a lack of power, and the feeling of the CVT was that the connection between the engine and rear wheels was a rubber band, other than that it's a pretty spiffy little setup.

Outback for me.  1st.  It is reliable.  2nd.  Made for outdoors.  Have you ever tried to change the spark plugs on an outback.  Damn things are wrapped up in auto condoms.   I have had mine loaded up with an AI, Revo, and three crab cages on top. I put two iron bars and attached them to the stock racks.  It is ironman strong.  I fold the back seats down and I have enough room to store fishing supplies, food storeage, and have a sleeping compartment.  I'm short, so it's not a problem to sleep in the back.   Also, you can reach the racks.  On some of vehicles NCKAers use, if I tried to reach the kayack, or had to get up to them, I would get a nose bleed because of the altitude.  

can you sleep in the back of the crv or rav4?

yes...97' CRV

yeah but you like to cuddle in the 'small spoon' position so you take up less space 

Outback for me.  1st.  It is reliable.  2nd.  Made for outdoors.  Have you ever tried to change the spark plugs on an outback.  Damn things are wrapped up in auto condoms.   I have had mine loaded up with an AI, Revo, and three crab cages on top. I put two iron bars and attached them to the stock racks.  It is ironman strong.  I fold the back seats down and I have enough room to store fishing supplies, food storeage, and have a sleeping compartment.  I'm short, so it's not a problem to sleep in the back.   Also, you can reach the racks.  On some of vehicles NCKAers use, if I tried to reach the kayack, or had to get up to them, I would get a nose bleed because of the altitude.

oh man do i hate changing the spark plugs. the plugs are right next to the frame of the body because of the boxer (horizontally opposed) engine. I've done it so many times i'm used to it now, you just have to get an elbow extension for your socket wrench.

Those new Subaru XV Crosstreks looks pretty sweet. And they're coming out w/a hybrid version in 2014.

why even consider the hybrid?

While drooling over LilRiverMan's new Crosstrek, he mentioned it isn't as efficient as they claim. So when I saw they were producing a hybrid, I thought Sweet! It's all hypothetical anyways because I don't plan to buy a new car within the next decade...but it's fun to dream!