Subaru Forester Vs. Toyota RAV4: A Side-By-Side Comparison
Sporty, feature-rich, and value-oriented – no vehicles represent the compact SUV market more than the two options in a Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison. The Toyota RAV4 is a popular model for a reason, boasting a hybrid engine and exceptional value. However, the Subaru Forester has design and feature choices that make it an even better choice. Our Sutherlin Subaru of Huntington Beach team has put together a video and guide, highlighting all the ways the capable, spacious, and functional Subaru Forester excels.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester At a Glance
- The Subaru Forester is a functional model first, with a flat roof and open cabin to emphasize spaciousness. The RAV4 is too dedicated to sporty design that it loses capability.
- While the RAV4 hybrid engine is impressive, the Subaru Forester outdoes its Toyota competition in dimensions and spacious specifications.
- If you like the RAV4 for its focus on value, the Forester elevates your drive with even more options, like an 11-speaker Harman Kardon® premium sound system.
- Where the RAV4 attempts to look sporty, the Forester is sporty. Enjoy better ground clearance, stronger AWD, and improved suspension.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Overview
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Colors & Design
Let's begin our comparison with style. New Subaru Forester vehicles are practical, from their design to their customization options. The exterior is flat, boxy, and durable, made to weather the elements while providing space for your family. The hood handles its sporty appeal, with sleek headlights and a stand-out grille, and 11 exterior colors (starting on the second-level Premium) give you plenty of opportunities to customize to your liking.
The RAV4 focuses more on the sport element: a curved roof and tighter design. It looks – and feels – more compact than the Forester does. It comes in 12 paints, though many are hidden behind higher trim levels, limiting your expressiveness.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Specs
The battle under the engine category goes to the Toyota RAV4, which has a hybrid-only 2.5-liter I-4. However, the Forester offers higher torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a snappy, responsive startup every time you drive. That's further enabled by the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, a standard program that gives you incredible traction on the road. The RAV4 comes standard with FWD, and its AWD system is only active when it detects unstable surfaces.
And when you look at the exterior dimensions, the Forester scores win after win. Check out the chart below.
Subaru Forester vs.Toyota RAV4 Features
Highlights of the dimension comparison include:
- Legroom: The Forester has 2.3 extra inches of front-row legroom and 1.6 additional inches of rear-row legroom over the RAV4.
- Headroom: Depending on the trim, you can get 3.3 extra inches of front-row headroom with the Subaru model.
- Cargo Volume: The Forester provides 4 cubic feet of space over the RAV4.
- Ground Clearance: Your Subaru SUV can have another .8 inches of ground clearance, which can make all the difference on trails.
The RAV4 and Subaru Forester share a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped and with the right trim, making that comparison neutral.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Interior
Just like with all new Subaru models, the Forester prioritizes value and comfort throughout all trim levels. Standard amenities include a dual-zone climate control system, EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology (including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Technology), and a three-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls. Your available interior options include an 11.6-inch central touchscreen (on the second trim), leather upholstery, and an 11-speaker premium sound system by Harmon Kardon®.
How does the RAV4 shape up? Like the Forester, it comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, a driver information suite that includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. It also features dual-zone climate control and a steering wheel-mounted control.
However, as you climb the trim ladder, you'll notice that the Toyota RAV4 doesn't hold the same amount of value as the Subaru Forester. For instance, the most luxurious upholstery available for the RAV4 is the synthetic SofTex seating. It does boast a larger central console than the Subaru Forester, but only at the second-highest trim level. And its premium sound system has only nine speakers, reducing the fidelity of your audio experience compared to a high-end Forester.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Reviews: Lifestyle & Longevity
The last part of our Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 review is how it feels to drive either of these models. Generally, the Subaru Forester is considered an excellent vehicle for off-roading and stability. Its extra ground clearance, always-active Subaru Symmetrical AWD, and low center of gravity have earned it rave reviews year after year from sites like J.D. Power, which gave it a "Best" score in dealership experience.5
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular model, but that doesn't make it the top choice for driving. Its lack of permanent AWD (even though it's an available feature), higher center of balance, and more compact interior make it feel even smaller than it is, which earned the 2025 model a 79/100 overall score from J.D. Power.6
While the preferred experience is a question only you can answer, many SUV drivers across America prefer Subaru financing due to its stable driving style.
Explore the Winner at Sutherlin Subaru of Huntington Beach
Are you ready to take on the road in an SUV that comfortably sits your growing family without sacrificing its style? Schedule a test drive with our team to get behind the wheel of any Subaru Forester trim in our showroom – from the standard Base to the high-end Touring. A representative will guide you through the array of safety and comfort features available in the cabin of the Forester.
If you have any questions about the Forester or any model within our used or new inventory, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 compare for all-weather driving?
The Subaru Forester is a consistently more comfortable experience than the Toyota RAV4, for all-weather driving. The Toyota RAV4 doesn't have constant AWD; instead, it only engages when it senses the vehicle slipping. The Subaru Forester will always have symmetrical AWD active, and it has a more functional suspension than its competitor. The available X-MODE further improves your traction and off-roading capabilities.
Is the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4 better for long-term ownership?
The Forester appears to be the better option for long-term ownership. The non-hybrid, non-inline BOXER engine fires horizontal pistons – which reduces wear and tear on the engine and makes achieving 200,000 miles or more easier. That earned the Subaru Forester significant Quality & Reliability ratings from J.D. Power, at 81/100,5 which is slightly higher than the 2025 Toyota RAV4's 77/100.6
Which SUV is better for families and active lifestyles?
The Subaru Forester is better for growing families and active lifestyles. Families enjoy the extra cargo space, legroom, and headroom offered by the Subaru SUV's functionality-first design. Those who want to brave the wilderness will want the 9.3 inches of ground clearance provided by the Forester over the 8.5-inch ride height of the off-road RAV4 trim.
1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. (Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.) Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations./small>
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2026/subaru/forester.
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/toyota/rav4.
