Subaru forester vs highlander: which compact suv reigns supreme?

The battle for supremacy in the compact SUV segment rages on, with two formidable contenders vying for the crown: the Subaru Forester and the Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and value. However, discerning buyers may wonder which one truly stands out from the crowd. This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of the Subaru Forester vs Highlander rivalry, helping you make an informed decision about your next compact SUV purchase.

Performance and Engine Options

The Subaru Forester offers a choice of two powertrains: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, features a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.

While the Highlander boasts more power, the Forester’s turbocharged engine delivers impressive acceleration and responsiveness, especially in urban environments. Both vehicles offer optional all-wheel drive systems for enhanced traction and stability in challenging conditions.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for compact SUV buyers. The Subaru Forester with the 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces fuel economy to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The Toyota Highlander with the 3.5-liter V6 engine has slightly lower fuel economy ratings, averaging 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive further reduces fuel economy to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort

Interior space is a key factor in the compact SUV segment. The Subaru Forester offers a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area provides 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which expands to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The Toyota Highlander offers even more interior space, with a cavernous cabin that can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. The cargo area is also larger, offering 16.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats, expandable to 84.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Safety Features and Technology

Both the Subaru Forester and the Toyota Highlander have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control.

The Subaru Forester offers the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite as a standard feature, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Toyota Highlander offers a similar suite of safety features called Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.

Off-Road Capabilities

While both vehicles are primarily designed for on-road use, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge in off-road capabilities thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and X-Mode feature. X-Mode optimizes the vehicle’s traction control, throttle response, and hill descent control for improved performance on rough terrain.

The Toyota Highlander is also capable of handling light off-roading, but it may struggle in more challenging conditions compared to the Forester.

Price and Value

Pricing for the Subaru Forester starts at $26,395 for the base trim level and ranges up to $39,395 for the fully loaded Touring trim. The Toyota Highlander has a slightly higher starting price of $36,420 for the base L trim and ranges up to $50,965 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim.

In terms of value, both vehicles offer a competitive package for their respective price points. The Subaru Forester provides a well-rounded blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and safety features, while the Toyota Highlander offers more interior space and a more powerful engine.

Which Compact SUV Is Right for You?

Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Toyota Highlander ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road capabilities, fuel efficiency, and a lower price point, the Subaru Forester is an excellent choice. If you need more interior space, a more powerful engine, and a higher level of comfort, the Toyota Highlander is a compelling option.

Decisive Verdict: The Compact SUV Champion

After carefully considering all aspects of the Subaru Forester vs Highlander rivalry, we crown the Subaru Forester as the victor. Its combination of impressive performance, fuel efficiency, safety features, and value makes it the ideal choice for buyers seeking a versatile and capable compact SUV. While the Toyota Highlander offers more interior space and a more powerful engine, its higher price point and lower fuel economy ratings ultimately diminish its overall appeal.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which vehicle has a better infotainment system?

A: Both the Subaru Forester and Toyota Highlander offer user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Highlander’s system is slightly larger and features a more intuitive interface.

Q: Is the Subaru Forester more reliable than the Toyota Highlander?

A: According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Subaru Forester ranks slightly higher than the Toyota Highlander in terms of overall reliability.

Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?

A: The Subaru Forester offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Toyota Highlander offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.