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2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Toyota RAV4

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Subaru Forester and 2018 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 2018 Subaru Forester and the 2018 Toyota RAV4.

In comparing the 2018 Subaru Forester's and the 2018 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Subaru Forester's and the 2018 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the 2018 Subaru Forester.

Pricing: A used 2018 Subaru Forester ranges from $14,292 to $25,000 while a used 2018 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $16,487 to $26,664.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value and the 2018 Toyota RAV4 loses 28.7 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Toyota RAV4 retains 5.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 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 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 2 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 17 and the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 5.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.3 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 the reliability rating is 8.5 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 2018 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2018 Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 176 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 445 miles. The RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 477 miles. This gives the 2018 Toyota RAV4 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Subaru Forester. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2018 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Subaru Forester and the 2018 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.

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Model & Pricing
2018 Subaru Forester
2018 Toyota RAV4

2018 Subaru Forester
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2018 Subaru Forester for Sale

2018 Toyota RAV4
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2018 Toyota RAV4 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$22,795

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,370

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,550 - $27,895

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,660

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,370

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,550 - $27,895

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$19,907

Price Range:

$14,292 - $25,000

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$18,697

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$15,309 - $27,261

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

705

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

86,504

# Good or Great Deals:

147

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$21,320

Price Range:

$16,487 - $26,664

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$18,697

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$15,309 - $27,261

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

966

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

86,433

# Good or Great Deals:

227

Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.3 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.8 / 10

Reliability:

8.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.7 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Subaru Forester

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

4.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

3.8 - 7.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

10.1%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Toyota RAV4

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.9

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

4.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

3.8 - 7.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

40.7%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

8

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.9 - 13

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.9 - 13

Subaru Forester Rankings

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

1 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

2 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

2 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

2 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

2 / 6

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

4 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

5 / 20

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

5 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

5 / 14

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Best Small SUVs

6 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

6 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

7 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

7 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

8 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

10 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

10 / 30

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 19

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

12 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

14 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

15 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

24 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

26 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

28 / 59

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

32 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

33 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

49 / 67

Toyota RAV4 Rankings

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

1 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

1 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

1 / 20

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

1 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

1 / 14

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

1 / 4

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Best Small SUVs

2 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

2 / 19

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

3 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 39

Most Reliable Small SUVs

3 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

3 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

5 / 30

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

5 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

6 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

6 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

7 / 19

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

9 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

10 / 19

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 39

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

16 / 19

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 39

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

19 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

19 / 19

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

22 / 59

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

25 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

29 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

30 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

32 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

33 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

34 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

35 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

36 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

37 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

38 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

45 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

65 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

66 / 67

Summary 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.

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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.

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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

2018 Subaru Forester Trim Levels

2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Premium Black Edition, 2.5i Touring

2018 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels

Adventure, LE, Limited, Platinum, SE, XLE

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:

2 years / 25000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.051 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

176 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

172 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.051 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

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):


22 / 28 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

350 / 445 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


23 / 30 / 26

Range (city/hwy):

366 / 477 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Navigation System:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.4 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.8 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56.5 inches

Cargo Space:

34.4 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

74.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

142.7 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.8 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.6 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.3 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.9 inches

Rear Leg Room:

37.2 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.4 inches

Cargo Space:

38.4 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

73.4 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

140.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3322 lbs

Width:

80.5 inches

Height:

66.4 inches

Length:

181.5 inches

Wheelbase:

103.9 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3455 lbs

Width:

72.6 inches

Height:

65.9 inches

Length:

183.5 inches

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

6.1 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

225/60R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

P225/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Silica

Blue

Quartz Blue Pearl

Gray

Dark Gray Metallic

Green

Jasmine Green Metallic

Red

Venetian Red Pearl

Silver

Ice Silver Metallic

White

Crystal White Pearl

Brown

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Black

Blue

Electric Storm Blue

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Green

Galactic Aqua Mica

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Silver

Silver Sky Metallic

White

Super White

Brown

Black Currant Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

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