2021 Subaru Forester vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester and the 2021 Toyota RAV4.
When we compare the 2021 Subaru Forester's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Subaru Forester's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the 2021 Subaru Forester.
Pricing: A used 2021 Subaru Forester ranges from $22,378 to $30,900 while a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $22,244 to $32,499.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 loses 28.7 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota RAV4 retains 5.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 203 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles.This gives the 2021 Toyota RAV4 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Subaru Forester the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2021 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Subaru Forester and the 2021 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:
$24,795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,350
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,678
Price Range:
$22,378 - $30,900
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,078
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42,648
# Good or Great Deals:
229
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,833
Price Range:
$22,244 - $32,499
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,845
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
48,244
# Good or Great Deals:
232
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 2021 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota RAV4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
40.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 59Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
36 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
65 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
2021 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
2021 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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:
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 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:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 508 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
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
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
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:
31.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
143.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3453 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:
3370 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 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 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Jasper Green Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blue Flame
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Super White
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Beige
Nutmeg
