Subaru Forester vs Toyota Rav4

Crossover SUV shoppers have long had to choose between the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. Though their missions are similar, these two models have always differed in key ways.

Price

The RAV4 starts at $26,525, about average for the class. On the other hand, the Forester has a base price of $25,195. That's not a huge difference, but it does make the Subaru the more affordable choice.

With options, the playing field levels out a bit. Both crossovers top out at around $40,000 for the fully-loaded Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE or Subaru Forester Touring.

Reliability and quality

This year, the RAV4 has maintained its position as one of the most reliable SUVs.

In the J.D. Power's 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study, Subaru Forester placed third in the highly competitive midsize SUV class. The Rav4 did rank better than the Forester due in part to the fact that it has fewer reported problems and a more extensive warranty.

Performance and efficiency

The RAV4 comes with a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Forester has a slightly smaller 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 176 lb-ft of torque.

Subaru has the edge when it comes to fuel economy. The efficient Forester gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city and highway driving. However, Toyota's hybrid model is even more fuel-efficient. The RAV4 Prime receives an EPA-estimated 38 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

Comfort and utility

One of the best things about crossovers is their ability to haul a lot of stuff. Both the RAV4 and Forester have plenty of space for cargo and passengers.

The RAV4 has 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet folded down. The Forester has even more room, with 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

Both crossovers have plenty of room for adults in the front and rear seats when it comes to passenger space. The RAV4 has a bit more legroom in the back seat, but the Forester makes up for it with more headroom.