Battle of the compact suvs: toyota highlander vs subaru forester – discover the optimal choice for your family
What To Know
- The Toyota Highlander with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The Subaru Forester with the base engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- If you need a powerful and spacious SUV with a luxurious interior, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice.
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Forester are two highly regarded SUVs that have consistently ranked among the top choices for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and impressive performance, making them formidable competitors in the midsize SUV segment. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Forester to help you make an informed decision.
Powertrain and Performance
The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 243 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provides ample power for towing and highway passing, while the four-cylinder engine offers better fuel efficiency.
The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower is available as an option. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Forester’s CVT provides smooth acceleration, but some drivers may prefer the more responsive feel of a traditional automatic transmission.
Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota Highlander with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine returns 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The Subaru Forester with the base engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine slightly reduces fuel efficiency to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Forester offer spacious interiors with ample seating for up to eight passengers. The Highlander has a slight edge in cargo capacity, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row of seats compared to 15.3 cubic feet in the Forester.
In terms of comfort, the Highlander’s interior is more luxurious and features high-quality materials. The Forester’s interior is more utilitarian but still offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin.
Safety Features
Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Forester have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features on both vehicles include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The Highlander offers additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The Forester comes with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Subaru Forester has a slight advantage in off-road capabilities thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and X-Mode, which optimizes the vehicle’s performance for different terrain conditions. The Highlander also offers all-wheel drive, but it is not as well-suited for tackling rough terrain as the Forester.
Technology and Connectivity
Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Forester offer a range of advanced technology features. The Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Forester comes with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen display with a more user-friendly interface.
Both vehicles offer a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone integration.
Pricing and Value
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,025, while the Subaru Forester starts at $26,395. The Highlander offers a wider range of trim levels and options, which can increase the price significantly.
When comparing similarly equipped models, the Highlander is typically more expensive than the Forester. However, the Highlander offers a more luxurious interior, more powerful engine options, and a higher resale value.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Forester are both excellent SUVs that offer a compelling combination of space, comfort, and safety. The Highlander is the better choice for those who prioritize power, luxury, and resale value. The Forester is a more affordable option that offers better fuel efficiency and off-road capabilities.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a powerful and spacious SUV with a luxurious interior, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient SUV with strong off-road capabilities, the Subaru Forester is a great option.
Popular Questions
Q: Which SUV has the better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester with the base engine has slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander with the four-cylinder engine.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Toyota Highlander has slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Forester.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Subaru Forester has a slight advantage in off-road capabilities thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and X-Mode.
Q: Which SUV has a more luxurious interior?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more luxurious interior than the Subaru Forester.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Subaru Forester has a lower starting price than the Toyota Highlander.