We have an SUV match up today between the award-winning Toyota RAV4 and the reliable Subaru Forester. Let’s see which sporty ride is better for you based on price, capabilities, safety, tech, and more. 

The Toyota RAV4 VS The Subaru Forester 

To get started in the Subaru Forester, you will only need to spend about $24k, making it a great option to enjoy. 

The Toyota RAV4 starts at a slightly higher price, around $25k. So there is only about a $1k difference between both of these SUVs. 

Also, the Subaru Forester only has a slightly lower fuel economy compared to the RAV4. The Forester gets up to 26 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. The RAV4 gets up to 36 mpg on the highway. 

Toyota RAV4 And Subaru Forester Performance 

The Subaru Forester comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 182 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 1,500 lb. 

But unfortunately, the Subaru Forester is the slowest option in its class. It takes 8.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. 

The RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Depending on which build you choose, the RAV4 can tow between 1,500 to 3,500 lb. 

Also, the RAV4 is a little peppier with an acceleration time of 7.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. 

Both of these compact SUVs are equipped with all-wheel-drive to handle snow, gravel, and other slippery conditions. 

The RAV4 comes with multiple driving modes, including mud, snow, normal, and more. Plus, the active cornering assistance helps you safely enjoy winding roads. 

The Toyota RAV4 has an independent MacPherson strut suspension with a stabilizer bar in the front. 

There is also a multi-link suspension in the rear with a stabilizer bar for a smooth, comfortable ride. Meanwhile, the Subaru Forester seems to only offer traction control for off-roading. 

Toyota RAV4 And Subaru Forester Features 

Both of these SUVs have a spacious interior with soft-touch materials and leather-trimmed accents for an upscale feel. 

The Subaru provides up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the RAV4 provides only 69.3 cubic feet of cargo space. 

They both have 8” touch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Only if you spend more with the Subaru, you can have a TomTom navigation system as well.

However, the RAV4 can connect to Alexa, phones, and smartwatches for voice recognition and commands at the touch of a button. The RAV4 also has a Heads up display behind the steering wheel to provide crucial vehicle information. 

The RAV4 also has tons of safety features such as pedestrian detection, trailer sway control, lane departure assistance, and more included with the base model. 

To access safety features in the Subaru, you will have to spend a little more for a higher trim option. But the Driver Assistance feature can track your eyes and alert you if you’re tired or distracted. 

The only reason to choose the Subaru Forester is for the Driver Assistance feature or if you want a little more space. The RAV4 is more powerful, smarter, has more safety features included, and better tech. It’s the clear winner.