Subaru Forester vs RAV4: SUV Showdown Comparison
Can’t decide between the Subaru Forester vs RAV4? Many drivers face this choice. Both SUVs are known for being reliable, safe, and performing well.
Our comparison will help you see how they differ and what they share. We’ll look at performance, fuel usage, comfort inside, and safety features here.
You’ll learn how the Forester’s always-on All-Wheel Drive compares to the RAV4, which offers it as an option.
We’ll also check out their cargo space, putting the Forester’s 74.4 cubic feet against the RAV4’s 69.8. Plus, we’ll explore their tech and safety scores.
You’ll get a complete view on which SUV is more suited to your life and liking. Whether you love weekend trips or the latest technology, our Subaru versus Toyota rundown will help you. Let’s dive into this SUV battle!
Introduction To The SUV Showdown
The debate between the Subaru Forester and the RAV4 showcases two leading compact SUVs. Both have gained a loyal base for their reliability.
Whether it’s family trips or daily drives, they excel. The Forester is known for top all-wheel-drive abilities and loves adventure.
Its design and focus on the outdoors have won many hearts. The Toyota RAV4, however, shines with its modern look and dependable performance.
It’s a strong choice for many, thanks to its stylish design and performance. This guide compares the Subaru Forester and RAV4, giving insights to find your perfect match.
Performance Comparison: Subaru Forester vs RAV4
In the world of compact SUVs, how they perform is key to enjoying your drive. Looking closely at the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4, we see their unique features.
Each has special traits that affect their performance in different situations.
Engine Specs and Powertrain
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, offering 180 horsepower.
It works smoothly with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. This makes sure you have good traction everywhere.
The flat-four engine design helps the car stay stable while you drive. On the other hand, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 has a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 203 horsepower.
It pairs with an eight-speed auto transmission. You can choose all-wheel drive for extra versatility in different weather.
While the RAV4 is more powerful, the Forester provides a smoother ride, especially off-road.
Acceleration and Handling
When looking at a compact SUV, you should think about acceleration. The RAV4 accelerates faster, thanks to its higher horsepower.
It’s great for getting on highways and passing slower cars. The Forester, however, aims for a comfy ride.
Its suspension and handling are tuned to reduce shaking during quick moves. The Forester also has ‘X-Mode’ to better perform on surfaces like snow and mud, making it perfect for some off-road fun.
Notably, it has a quiet cabin when driving, making trips more enjoyable.
Fuel Efficiency: Who Saves More at The Pump?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is a great choice if saving fuel is your goal. In cities, it reaches 26 MPG, and on highways, 33 MPG.
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, it’s both economical for everyday use and long trips. This SUV uses about 3.4 gallons of gas per 100 miles, stretching over 540 miles on one tank.
2025 Subaru Forester MPG
The Subaru Forester’s fuel efficiency shines during everyday commutes. For a 30-mile trip to work and back, it uses just over 2 gallons.
Each week, you’d need about 10 gallons, leading to major savings with nearly 500 gallons a year for those working 50 weeks. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to save on gas and help the environment.
2024 Toyota RAV4 MPG
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 outperforms the Forester in fuel efficiency. It makes 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on highways.
The hybrid model goes even further, with 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on highways.
These figures mean the RAV4 could be better for those looking to cut fuel costs to the max. Plus, the RAV4 offers more power, making it a strong choice for drivers.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are known for their roomy insides that focus on making passengers comfortable.
The Forester offers a warm welcome with heated and ventilated seats, perfect for long trips. It has plenty of room and quiet surroundings that make driving more pleasant.
Passenger Space and Comfort Features
The Forester leads with 111.6 cubic feet of space, more than the RAV4’s 98.9 cubic feet. This means everyone gets extra head and legroom, especially tall people.
With a smart climate control, it’s a top choice for families who value comfort.
Cargo Capacity: Subaru Forester vs RAV4
Both SUVs shine in how they handle cargo, but they fit different lifestyles. The Forester starts with 28.9 cubic feet of space, going up to 74.2 cubic feet with the back seats down.
Meanwhile, the RAV4 starts with 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet. So, the Forester is better for big adventures, and the RAV4 is great for daily needs.
| Feature | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 111.6 cubic feet | 98.9 cubic feet |
| Cargo Space behind Rear Seats | 28.9 cubic feet | 37.6 cubic feet |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 74.2 cubic feet | 69.8 cubic feet |
| Comfort Features | Heated and ventilated seats | Standard comfort features |
| Overall Length | 182.7 inches | 180.9 inches |
Technology and Infotainment Systems
The 2025 Subaru Forester boats incredible tech. It comes with advanced infotainment to make your drive better.
You’ll find a huge 11.6-inch touchscreen, which works with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
This makes using your devices easy while on the road, allowing you to focus on navigation and enjoyment.
The suite of technology in the Subaru Forester makes controlling your car simpler. This helps you keep your eyes on the road ahead.
Subaru Forester Technology Features
- 11.6-inch touchscreen display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Premium Harman Kardon audio system available
- Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology
- Standard rear parking distance sensors and rear camera
RAV4 Infotainment Offerings
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 also impresses with its tech. It has an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.5-inch one as an option. These screens give you easy control over the car’s functions.
RAV4 includes standard navigation and an optional JBL premium sound system for top-notch audio.
For safety and convenience, it comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This gives you peace of mind while driving.
- 8-inch touchscreen with an optional 10.5-inch display
- Standard navigation system
- Optional JBL premium audio system
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ driver assist technology
- Rear parking sensors and rear camera standard
Safety Features and Ratings
In the world of compact crossover SUVs, safety is key. The Subaru Forester stands out with its top-notch 5-star safety rating.
It boasts outstanding Subaru Forester safety features, including Subaru EyeSight technology.
This tech is a big deal because it offers tools to help drivers be more alert and avoid crashes.
Subaru Forester Safety Technology
The Subaru EyeSight technology includes:
- Adaptive cruise control to keep a safe gap from the car in front
- Lane departure warning to stop you from drifting out of your lane
- Pre-collision braking to make crashes less severe or avoid them
These features not only boost the Forester’s safety scores but also showcase Subaru’s focus on keeping drivers and passengers safe.
The Forester is designed with safety in mind, offering confidence on every trip.
Toyota RAV4 Safety Cameras and Systems
The Toyota RAV4 also focuses on safety with its own system, Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5, featuring:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Dynamic radar cruise control for smooth speed adjustments
- Lane tracing assist to stay in the middle of your lane
However, the RAV4 has thick rear roof pillars that might make it hard to see out the back for some drivers.
Despite this, both SUVs do very well in crash tests, getting great scores from safety groups.
Reliability and Resale Value
The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 shine in the compact SUV sector. They’re known for being really reliable and holding their value over time.
People who want a car that lasts love the Subaru for its solid build. It’s great for city roads and wild trails.
The Forester’s low upkeep costs and tough build also win a lot of fans. The RAV4, however, does a bit better when it’s time to sell.
It keeps more of its value compared to the Forester after five years. Stats show the Forester’s value drops by 34.5%, while the RAV4 loses just 28.7%.
This means the RAV4 holds onto 5.8% more of its value. Yet, both SUVs are nearly tied on reliability. The Forester scores an 8.3, and the RAV4 gets an 8.5.
This shows both are reliable choices for anyone. The Toyota RAV4 leads a bit in overall quality, with an 8.8 rating out of 10. The Forester is close behind at 8.6.
This small difference could sway your choice, especially if you value long-term quality. They also last about the same amount of time.
Foresters go for 10.9 to 13.4 years, and RAV4s for 9.9 to 13.4 years. Knowing these facts can help you pick between the two. If you want a reliable SUV, both are great choices.
But, if a good resale value is more important to you, the RAV4 might be the better option. It tends to lose value slower than the Forester.
Subaru Forester vs RAV4: Off-Road Capabilities
When talking about off-road capabilities, the Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 are both strong contenders.
Each has features that make them great for adventures and rough terrain. Knowing what they offer can make your off-road adventures better.
Forester’s X-MODE and All-Wheel Drive Benefits
The Subaru Forester shines with its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This gives it great traction and stability.
Its optional X-MODE further improves performance on challenging surfaces like snow or mud. This means you can go up steep paths easier.
With a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, the Forester is ready for off-roading. It’s perfect for outdoor fun and handling uneven paths.
RAV4’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
The Toyota RAV4 has Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive for adaptable off-road performance.
This system boosts handling by sending power to the wheels that need it most. This lets you tackle changing terrains well.
Though good on many terrains, the RAV4 doesn’t quite match the Forester in off-roading. Still, its robust build keeps it strong for outdoor trips.
Price and Value Comparison
The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are top picks in the small SUV market. The Forester starts at $29,695, making it cheaper than the RAV4, which begins at over $32,000.
This makes the Forester a great deal with cool features for less money. Also, the Forester is known for its reliability. 96% of Foresters sold in the last 10 years are still on the road, says Experian Automotive.
The Toyota RAV4 offers a wide selection, including hybrid models. Its Hybrid LE version starts at $33,295, pricier than its standard version.
However, the Forester wins with its lasting value and good resale price. It’s been named Best Resale Value in its class by Kelley Blue Book for four years running.
Both SUVs offer similar warranties, featuring a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. While the RAV4 shines with its engine variety, the Forester guarantees a solid performance with all-wheel drive included in every model.
This makes the Forester more versatile for different driving needs.
Subaru Forester vs RAV4 Driving Experience
When you compare the driving experience of the Subaru Forester and the RAV4, you look into their on-road and off-road skills. Each has unique features that shape how you feel when driving.
On-Road Performance Insights
The Subaru Forester offers a smooth ride because of its flat-four engine. Even though it might not look strong on paper, it handles daily drives well.
It has ‘S/I’ drive modes for different acceleration styles, but changes in performance are slight.
You’ll hear a humming sound when speeding up because of the CVT, but the car stays quiet most of the time.
The RAV4, on the other hand, has sharper handling and feels more sporty. However, it might not be as comfy on bumpy roads, where the Forester does better.
The Forester also has less body roll when turning, making it stable for city and freeway use.
Off-Road Handling Capabilities
Off-road, the Subaru Forester is outstanding, thanks to its ‘X Mode’ for different terrains like snow and mud. It has a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches, good for light off-roading and adventures.
The RAV4 is good too, but it focuses more on day-to-day use instead of tough off-roading. The Forester’s suspension adds comfort on uneven rural roads.
Conclusion
Overall, the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 cater to different tastes. The Forester is perfect for adventurers, with its off-road skills, top safety, and spaciousness.
But, the RAV4 wins for city folks, offering better fuel economy, sleek looks, and more power. Which one to choose depends on what you value in a drive.
If you’re into exploring and safety, the Forester is for you. If you prefer efficiency and style, go for the RAV4. This guide helps you pick the SUV that meets your needs.
FAQs
Which vehicle has better performance, the Subaru Forester or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 has a more powerful engine, giving it faster acceleration. The Forester, though, has smooth handling and comfort, especially off-road.
How do the fuel efficiencies compare between the Subaru Forester and RAV4?
The Subaru Forester gets 26 city MPG and 33 highway MPG. The Toyota RAV4 is slightly less efficient, making the Forester the greener choice.
Which SUV provides more interior comfort and cargo space?
The Subaru Forester offers more room inside, with cozy seats and good sound insulation. It has more cargo space than the RAV4, which can feel tighter.
What technology features can I expect from the Subaru Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes with a big 11.6-inch touchscreen, plus wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This setup makes navigation and entertainment easy.
How do both SUVs perform in terms of safety ratings?
The Subaru Forester earned a 5-star safety rating, thanks to its EyeSight technology. The RAV4 is also safe, but the Forester has more high-tech safety features.
Are the Subaru Forester and RAV4 reliable vehicles?
Both SUVs are reliable. The Forester is great for the long haul due to Subaru’s reputation for durability. The RAV4 is known for low upkeep costs.
Which SUV is better for off-road capabilities?
The Subaru Forester shines off-road with its standard All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE. It’s better for adventure than the RAV4.
How do the prices of the Subaru Forester and RAV4 compare?
The Subaru Forester’s base price is usually lower than the RAV4’s. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t cut corners on quality.
