2008 Subaru Forester vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2008 Subaru Forester and 2008 Toyota RAV4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2008 Subaru Forester and the 2008 Toyota RAV4.
When comparing the 2008 Subaru Forester's and the 2008 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2008 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2008 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2008 Subaru Forester's and the 2008 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the 2008 Subaru Forester.
Pricing: A used 2008 Subaru Forester ranges from $3,500 to $10,904 while a used 2008 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $4,995 to $11,995.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2008 Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value and the 2008 Toyota RAV4 loses 30.3 percent of its value. This means the 2008 Toyota RAV4 retains 6.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2008 Subaru Forester.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 1 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 4 and the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 1.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.0 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Toyota RAV4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2008 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2008 Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 166 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, while the RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon. Both have a highway range of 429 miles. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2008 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2008 Subaru Forester and the 2008 Toyota RAV4 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
There couldn’t be two more different vehicles in the same segment than the Forester and the RAV4. Both are compact crossovers competing in the two-row SUV category, but where the RAV4 aims for a more practical-minded, daily driver audience, the Forester shoots for adventure and off-road capability as its core focus. The RAV4 is a best-seller in the segment for many reasons, including its family-friendly interior, high level of refinement, and long list of trim levels and options. The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive and has Subaru’s signature “get out and do stuff” but not- quite-comfortable-enough interior. When comparing all-wheel-drive fuel economy numbers, the RAV4 and Forester have similar ratings. The RAV4 does have front-wheel drive and hybrid options to boost those MPG numbers significantly over the Forester single drivetrain approach.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
21195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
20191
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
16050 - 22545
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
21100
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
20191
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
16050 - 22545
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
7001
Price Range:
3500 - 10904
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
7048
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5305 - 15542
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
12
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
141211
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
8291
Price Range:
4995 - 11995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
7048
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5305 - 15542
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
127
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
155227
# Good or Great Deals:
41
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2008 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2008 Toyota RAV4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6864097701010823
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 14.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
12.320299574219012
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 14.3
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 56Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2008 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium Package, 2.5 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
2008 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
167 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2400 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
166 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
165 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1500 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
318 / 429 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
334 / 429 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
30.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
126.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3140 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
65 inches
Length:
176.6 inches
Wheelbase:
99.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3300 lbs
Width:
71.5 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
181.1 inches
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P215/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Obsidian Black Pearl
Blue
Newport Blue Pearl
Gold
Topaz Gold Metallic
Gray
Dark Grey Metallic
Red
Garnet Red Pearl
Silver
Steel Silver Metallic
White
Aspen White
Beige
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Pacific Blue Metallic
Gold
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Super White
Beige
Savannah Metallic
Green
Everglade Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Desert Beige Cloth
Gray
Graphite Grey Cloth
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Gray
Ash / Taupe
