Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4: Here’s The Difference
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It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of compact crossover models on the market; there are more than a dozen different models to choose from. And for many car shoppers, this category offers a just-right-sized vehicle combined with the convenience and versatility of an SUV body style. With this in mind, let’s see what a Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 match-up looks like.
Read on as we explore pricing, features, and other highlights of the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Toyota RAV4.
Pricing
We’ll start our Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 battle by looking at sticker prices. The entry-level Forester begins at $25,195 for an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with nothing but the basics. A Forester in top-tier Touring form (there are no options other than aftermarket accessories) runs $35,295.
The starting price for the base RAV4 LE with front-wheel drive (FWD) is $26,525. Add in AWD, and the total increases to $27,925. The top-of-the-line RAV4 Limited with AWD and all major options prices out at $40,005
Verdict: The Forester is the clear winner against the RAV4 regarding pricing. An almost $5,000 difference at the top-end is substantial.
Note: All pricing is based on manufacturer-supplied information and excludes destination charges.
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Appearance
Let’s face it; there are more stylish compact crossovers than what’s offered by Subaru and Toyota. Vehicles like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape have sweeping and curvaceous exteriors that are in stark contrast to the styling in a Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison. This doesn’t mean the Forest and RAV4 are ugly, but their upright and blocky bodies emphasize ruggedness and capability (or at least give off these impressions).
While more sweeping than the earliest versions, today’s Forester still has that blunt front end and boxy body panels. Given the Forester’s strong success, perhaps Subaru doesn’t want to stray too far from the original formula.
Toyota’s opposite approach of completely changing the RAV4’s body style with each generation has done nothing to diminish the vehicle’s success in the U.S. In fact, the RAV4 was the most popular non-truck vehicle for 2021, according to Forbes. Interestingly, the chunky body of the current (and fifth) generation RAV4 looks more like a Forester than ever before.
Verdict: We’ll call it a tie in the looks department. And because beauty is in the eye of the beholder (or buyer), you can pick your own winner.
Powertrain
No matter how much you spend on a Forester, it only comes with one engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It’s a powerplant that will get the job done, but you may be looking at the taillights of more powerful cars in the process (if that bothers you). The continuously variable transmission is also programmed for fuel economy (see below) over performance.
The RAV4 follows the same one-engine approach (but there’s an exception which we’ll get to in a moment). Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is slightly more powerful with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the eight-speed automatic is more precise. The RAV4 is available as a hybrid for a bit more zip. We haven’t included this version in our comparison as Subaru doesn’t offer a Forester in this configuration.
Verdict: The winner in this area of the Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 contest goes to Toyota. The RAV4’s engine is a bit more responsive, and the ability to go hybrid can be appealing to some buyers.
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Interior Space
The ability to haul five people and their gear (even if you never do this) with ease is why so many car buyers are switching to crossovers. So, what does this mean in this Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 competition? Each vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses, so let’s check out the facts and figures.
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A review of the chart reveals that the Forester has been configured to give more space to people than cargo. The differences are especially notable when it comes to front and rear legroom. On the flip side, the RAV4’s cargo space behind the rear seat is more than 30 percent larger than what the Forester has to offer.
Verdict: There’s no clear winner here as it depends on your priorities. If you regularly transport several people with long legs, the Forester may be best suited to your needs. On the other hand, the ability to stuff more gear and groceries in the cargo area can make the RAV4 more appealing.
Features
The Forester and RAV4 come in six different trims each (and more for the RAV4 if you include hybrid options). As each model rises in price (and trim), more features become standard, or access to more options opens up. It can be challenging to figure out which version to buy. So begin by focusing on what features and equipment are must-haves. This could be anything from a power driver’s seat to navigation. Then, sort out what trims have the features you want (or that can be added as options).
For instance, let’s look at heated front seats. This feature is standard on all Foresters (except the base model). However, it’s an option on almost all versions of the RAV4. And similarly to the Forester, heated front seats aren’t even optional on the cheapest trim.
Verdict: We’ll give the nod to the RAV4 only because of one major safety feature, blind-spot monitoring, being standard on all trims, except the base LE (but is optional). Blind-spot technology isn’t available on the cheapest Forester and doesn’t become standard until you hit the middle of the lineup.
HOW MANY SPARK PLUGS DOES A DIESEL ENGINE HAVE?
The answer to this question isn’t as simple as you’d expect. Let’s look explore the difference between gas and diesel engines and explore just how many spark plugs a diesel engine actually has.
Fuel Economy
Most Foresters are EPA-rated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway (25 city/28 highway for the Wilderness trim); keep in mind that AWD is standard across the lineup. Mileage for the RAV4 fluctuates based on trim and drivetrain (FWD or AWD). The FWD XLE/XLE Premium is the most fuel-efficient at 28 city/35 highway. For an AWD RAV4, the best fuel-sipper of the bunch is the Adventure or Limited at 25 city/33 highway.
Verdict: It’s a toss-up when it comes to AWD fuel savings, but from a purely economic standpoint, a RAV4 with FWD takes the crown (Foresters are AWD only).
Wrap Up
The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are closely matched. From a pure price perspective, Subaru takes home the ribbon. And, most of the other comparison areas give Toyota a slight edge. It’s a tough call unless one particular difference nudges you to the Forester or the RAV4.
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