2019 Subaru Forester vs. 2019 Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Subaru Forester and 2019 Toyota Highlander 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 2019 Subaru Forester and the 2019 Toyota Highlander.
In comparing the 2019 Subaru Forester's and the 2019 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. The 2019 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Subaru Forester's and the 2019 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2019 Toyota Highlander.
Pricing: A used 2019 Subaru Forester ranges from $14,995 to $26,482 while a used 2019 Toyota Highlander is priced between $19,977 to $33,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value and the 2019 Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Subaru Forester retains 4.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Toyota Highlander.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 5 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 4 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.0 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the 2019 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. This gives the 2019 Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2019 Toyota Highlander, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2019 Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Subaru Forester and the 2019 Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24295
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24516
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23350 - 26345
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
31830
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
30316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
23245 - 35310
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
21023
Price Range:
14995 - 26482
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
18096
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
14451 - 23922
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
953
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
83766
# Good or Great Deals:
436
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26837
Price Range:
19977 - 33998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
21828
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
14486 - 34454
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1174
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
97430
# Good or Great Deals:
600
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
5.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
3.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 10.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.387
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.651091715658364
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 16.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5467951258971144
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.0 - 25.6
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 54Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 54Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 54Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 54Summary 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 Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2019 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
2019 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, LE Plus, Limited, 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 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:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 24 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 461 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
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
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
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
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
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:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
35.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
147.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
158.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3449 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4165 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
192.5 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 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:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Green
Jasper Green Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Shoreline Blue Pearl
Gray
Predawn Gray Mica
Green
Alumina Jade Metallic
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Brown
Toasted Walnut Pearl
Red
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Ash
