Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

When you’re in the market for the perfect compact SUV, you have plenty of options. In this space we aim to make your choice a little bit easier, with a side-by-side comparison between two great cars: The Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4. They’re both instantly recognizable on their names alone, and they offer features that are great for family outings and long adventures alike.

Take a closer look, though, and you’ll start to see the importance of some of the small (and not-so-small) differences. Simply put, Subaru Forester specs put those of the RAV4 to shame, and it stands taller in plenty of design aspects as well. Let’s kick this comparison into drive.

Performance & Handling: Confidence in Every Condition

Power is a big part of performance, but it’s not the entire picture. Far from it, actually. You have to factor in control, stability, and the confidence you feel when you’re behind the wheel.

In the case of the Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4, the former is a clear frontrunner for several reasons. You can easily navigate rain-slicked roads, snowy trails, or muddy backroads. In the RAV4, you’re going to have to work harder to reach your destination (or enjoy your journey).

Subaru Forester Specs include:

• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

• Balanced handling and 8.7 inches of ground clearance

• Predictable, ultra-smooth control no matter the season or conditions

And when it comes to Subaru Forester accessories for quality-of-life upgrades, there’s no doubt about which is the better option.

Interior Space & Comfort: Designed Around You

Situate yourself in the driver’s seat of a RAV4, and you’ll probably notice it’s a bit confined. By contrast, the Forester is spacious, open, and comfortable. Thin pillar and tall windows maximize visibility, and the cabin itself is designed to maximize the comfort of everyone in the vehicle, not just the driver.

The Forester also features:

• Plenty of headroom and legroom for each row

• Up-to-date technology with plenty of luxury multimedia and connectivity features

• A generous amount of getaway-friendly cargo space

Does the Toyota RAV4 have plenty of good features? Yes, but when comparing it to the Subaru Forester, it falls short.

Safety & Technology: Built to Protect What Matters Most

Subaru’s designers have prioritized safety since day one, and that priority shines through in every aspect of the model’s build. You could even argue that the Forester is a showcase of their commitment to safety above all. The visibility we mentioned previously isn’t just a stylistic choice; the more you can see outside of the vehicle, the safer your travels will be.

In addition to unparalleled visibility, you’ll enjoy EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which features Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision Braking. These functions are all potential lifesavers, making this one of the safest compact SUVs available today. These aren’t premium Subaru Forester accessories, either; they’re included in all trims!

When it comes to safety features, Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 is hardly a competition. The latter’s safety features don’t quite reach the heights of the former.

Efficiency & Value: More Miles, More Confidence

Now let’s talk fuel efficiency. The Subaru Forester can reach up to 33/mpg on the highway, and that’s without sacrificing control features like full-time all-wheel-drive. This combination of function and efficiency makes it a powerhouse that’s difficult to beat.

And it wouldn't be a true discussion about efficiency and value if we left out some key points around long-term maintenance: such as the fact that costs are lower than those of the RAV4. Throw exceptional resale value into the mix, and you’re really getting your money’s worth.

On top of all that, all-wheel drive and advanced safety tech—things you’d have to pay extra for in a RAV4—come standard with every trim for the Forester.

Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4: The Final Verdict

At this point, the choice should be clear to you; the Subaru Forester is leaps and bounds ahead of the Toyota RAV4 when it comes to performance, comfort, safety, and efficiency. That’s not to say the RAV4 is a poor car. We’re comparing diamonds here, but one of them has some flaws while the other doesn’t.