What To Know
- The Forester’s fuel economy is slightly lower than the RAV4’s, with the four-cylinder model getting an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- However, the RAV4 offers more standard features for the price, such as a larger touchscreen, more advanced safety technologies, and a more powerful engine.
- However, if you’re looking for a more spacious and off-road-capable SUV with a more advanced safety suite, the Subaru Forester is the better choice.
The Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester are two of the most popular SUVs on the market. They offer a combination of practicality, reliability, and value that has made them favorites among drivers for years. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
Both the RAV4 and Forester have received recent design updates. The RAV4 now features a more rugged and aggressive look, with a prominent grille and angular body lines. The Forester, on the other hand, has a more refined and understated appearance, with smooth curves and a sleek silhouette. Ultimately, the exterior design will come down to personal preference.
Interior Space and Comfort
The RAV4 and Forester offer similar amounts of interior space. However, the Forester has a slight edge in terms of headroom and legroom, especially in the rear seats. Both SUVs offer comfortable seats, with the RAV4 providing more support for long drives. The Forester’s interior is more spacious and airy, thanks to its large windows and panoramic sunroof.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The RAV4 is available with a choice of three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter hybrid, and a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid. The Forester, on the other hand, offers only two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
The RAV4’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid model combines the same engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 219 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid model offers the highest fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 41 miles per gallon in electric-only mode.
The Forester’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine boosts output to 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Forester’s fuel economy is slightly lower than the RAV4’s, with the four-cylinder model getting an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the RAV4 and Forester come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. The RAV4 also offers a host of advanced safety technologies, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Forester’s EyeSight suite of safety features includes lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology and Infotainment
The RAV4 and Forester both offer user-friendly infotainment systems with large touchscreens. The RAV4’s system is more intuitive and responsive, while the Forester’s system offers more features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Both SUVs also offer a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and Wi-Fi.
Off-Road Capabilities
The RAV4 and Forester are both capable of handling light off-roading. However, the Forester has a slight edge in this area, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and X-Mode, which provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions. The RAV4’s available all-wheel drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring is also capable, but it’s not quite as advanced as the Forester’s system.
Price and Value
The RAV4 and Forester are both priced similarly. The RAV4 starts at $27,975, while the Forester starts at $26,395. However, the RAV4 offers more standard features for the price, such as a larger touchscreen, more advanced safety technologies, and a more powerful engine.
Verdict: The Winner is…
The Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. However, the RAV4 has a slight edge in terms of performance, fuel economy, and technology. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a more powerful and fuel-efficient SUV with a more intuitive infotainment system, the Toyota RAV4 is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more spacious and off-road-capable SUV with a more advanced safety suite, the Subaru Forester is the better choice.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Subaru Forester has slightly more cargo space than the Toyota RAV4.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester have received excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester have a reputation for reliability. However, the RAV4 has a slightly higher reliability rating from Consumer Reports.