Subaru forester vs. toyota rav4: the battle for off-road dominance

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are two of the most popular compact crossovers on the market. Both vehicles offer excellent fuel economy, spacious interiors, and a variety of features. But which one is the better choice?

In this blog post, we’ll compare the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 head-to-head in several key categories, including:

• Performance
• Fuel economy
• Safety
• Interior
• Exterior
• Features
• Price

By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which crossover is right for you.

Performance

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 both offer a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Forester’s 2.5-liter engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the RAV4’s 2.5-liter engine produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Forester’s turbocharged engine produces 250 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, while the RAV4’s turbocharged engine produces 270 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of performance, the Toyota RAV4 has a slight edge over the Subaru Forester. The RAV4’s 2.5-liter engine is more powerful than the Forester’s 2.5-liter engine, and the RAV4’s turbocharged engine is more powerful than the Forester’s turbocharged engine.

Fuel Economy

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 both offer good fuel economy. The Forester’s 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The RAV4’s 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Forester’s turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The RAV4’s turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

In terms of fuel economy, the Toyota RAV4 has a slight edge over the Subaru Forester. The RAV4’s 2.5-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Forester’s 2.5-liter engine, and the RAV4’s turbocharged engine is more fuel-efficient than the Forester’s turbocharged engine.

Safety

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are both safe vehicles. The Forester has received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The RAV4 has also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

Both the Forester and the RAV4 come standard with a suite of safety features, including:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Interior

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 both have spacious interiors. The Forester has 39.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row of seats folded down. The RAV4 has 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row of seats folded down.

In terms of interior space, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the Toyota RAV4. The Forester has more cargo space than the RAV4, and the Forester’s interior is also more spacious than the RAV4’s interior.

Exterior

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 both have stylish exteriors. The Forester has a rugged look with a large grille and flared fenders. The RAV4 has a more sleek look with a sloping roofline and a sharp front end.

In terms of exterior styling, the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are both appealing vehicles. The Forester has a more rugged look, while the RAV4 has a more sleek look.

Features

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 both come with a variety of features. The Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. The RAV4 comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.

The Forester and the RAV4 also offer a variety of optional features, including:

• Navigation
• A sunroof
• Leather seats
• Heated seats
• Ventilated seats

Price

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are both priced competitively. The Forester has a starting price of $25,195, while the RAV4 has a starting price of $26,975.

In terms of price, the Subaru Forester is a better value than the Toyota RAV4. The Forester has a lower starting price than the RAV4, and the Forester comes with more standard features than the RAV4.

Which Crossover is Right for You?

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are both excellent compact crossovers. The Forester has a more rugged look, more cargo space, and a lower starting price. The RAV4 has a more sleek look, better fuel economy, and more powerful engines.

Ultimately, the best crossover for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a rugged crossover with plenty of cargo space, the Subaru Forester is a great choice. If you’re looking for a sleek crossover with good fuel economy and powerful engines, the Toyota RAV4 is a great choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which crossover has better resale value?

The Subaru Forester has better resale value than the Toyota RAV4. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Forester has a resale value of 58% after five years, while the RAV4 has a resale value of 55% after five years.

Which crossover is more reliable?

The Toyota RAV4 is more reliable than the Subaru Forester. According to Consumer Reports, the RAV4 has a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, while the Forester has a reliability rating of 3 out of 5.

Which crossover is better for off-roading?

The Subaru Forester is better for off-roading than the Toyota RAV4. The Forester has a higher ground clearance and a more rugged suspension than the RAV4.