Subaru forester vs. toyota rav4: which compact suv delivers on safety, performance, and value?

What To Know

  • The RAV4, on the other hand, has better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway compared to the Forester’s 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
  • The Forester is a better choice for drivers who want a more engaging driving experience, while the RAV4 is a better choice for drivers who want a more comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicle.

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may make one a better choice for you than the other.

Performance

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 offer similar performance, with both vehicles providing adequate power for everyday driving. However, the Forester has a slight edge in terms of acceleration, thanks to its more powerful engine. The RAV4, on the other hand, has better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway compared to the Forester’s 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Handling

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 handle differently, with the Forester providing a more engaging driving experience. The Forester has a lower center of gravity and a stiffer suspension, which gives it better cornering ability and less body roll. The RAV4, on the other hand, has a softer suspension, which makes it more comfortable on rough roads.

Interior

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 offer spacious interiors, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Forester has a slightly larger interior than the RAV4, with more headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The RAV4, on the other hand, has a more upscale interior, with higher-quality materials and a more modern design.

Features

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 offer a variety of features, including a sunroof, navigation system, and heated seats. The Forester has a few more standard features than the RAV4, including a rearview camera and a power liftgate. The RAV4, on the other hand, has a few more available features, including a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system.

Price

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are priced similarly, with both vehicles starting at around $25,000. The Forester has a slightly lower starting price than the RAV4, but the RAV4 has more standard features. The RAV4 also has a higher resale value than the Forester.

Which One is Right for You?

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are both excellent compact SUVs. The Forester is a better choice for drivers who want a more engaging driving experience, while the RAV4 is a better choice for drivers who want a more comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicle. Ultimately, the best way to decide which vehicle is right for you is to test drive both models and see which one you prefer.

Safety

Both the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 have excellent safety ratings. The Forester received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the RAV4 received a four-star overall safety rating. The Forester also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick award.

Reliability

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are both reliable vehicles. The Forester has a slightly better reliability rating than the RAV4, according to Consumer Reports. The Forester also has a lower cost of ownership than the RAV4, making it a more affordable vehicle to own in the long run.

Resale Value

The Toyota RAV4 has a higher resale value than the Subaru Forester. According to Kelley Blue Book, the RAV4 retains its value better than the Forester over time. This means that you will get more money back for your RAV4 when you sell it than you would for a Forester.

Final Thoughts

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The Forester is a better choice for drivers who want a more engaging driving experience, while the RAV4 is a better choice for drivers who want a more comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicle. Ultimately, the best way to decide which vehicle is right for you is to test drive both models and see which one you prefer.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: The Subaru Forester has a slightly better safety rating than the Toyota RAV4.

Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: The Subaru Forester has a slightly better reliability rating than the Toyota RAV4.

Q: Which vehicle has a higher resale value?
A: The Toyota RAV4 has a higher resale value than the Subaru Forester.