Subaru Forester vs. Toyota 4Runner
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Forester and Toyota 4Runner 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 Subaru Forester and the Toyota 4Runner.
In comparing the Subaru Forester's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the Toyota 4Runner is a better car than the Subaru Forester.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Forester ranges from $35,568 to $45,694 while a used 2025 Toyota 4Runner is priced between $55,901 to $79,696. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $37,165 and $46,234, with the Toyota 4Runner priced between $54,469 and $72,842.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 39.5 percent of its value and the Toyota 4Runner loses 32.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota 4Runner retains 7.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Forester.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.2 out of 10 while the Toyota 4Runner's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 8 out of 36 Best Hybrid SUVs and the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 1 out of 36.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.0 out of 10. For the Toyota 4Runner the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 194 horsepower, and the Toyota 4Runner base engine makes 326 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru Forester has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37165 - 46234
Starting MSRP:
36595
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
35699
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
28495 - 44565
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
54469 - 72842
Starting MSRP:
51990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
48413
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
37800 - 60490
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
40574
Price Range:
35568 - 45694
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
39518
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
33748 - 52824
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
10513
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
922
# Good or Great Deals:
415
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
65239
Price Range:
55901 - 79696
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
51507
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
40518 - 65239
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14536
Depreciation %:
0.39721732
Resale Value $:
22059
Residual Value %:
0.60278268
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.36835733
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.30618901 - 0.53124407
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17028
Depreciation %:
0.32753242
Resale Value $:
34962
Residual Value %:
0.67246758
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38635449
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.32753242 - 0.55374955
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
7.5 - 14.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.991300032850205
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
3.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2.2 - 19.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4967415681961866
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.2 - 7.9
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
32 out of / 36Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
14 out of / 14Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
34 out of / 36Summary 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
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
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
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Limited Hybrid, Premium Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Touring Hybrid
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited HV, Platinum HV, Trailhunter HV, TRD Off-Road HV, TRD Off-Road Premium HV, TRD Pro HV
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 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):
Not yet available
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:
194 hp
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
326 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
465 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
35 / 34 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
581 / 564 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4 / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
27.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
42.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
82.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3873 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
183.3 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5225 lbs
Width:
78 inches
Height:
73.6 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/70R18
Exterior Colors
Beige
River Rock Pearl
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Daybreak Blue Pearl
Gold
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Autumn Green Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Blue
Heritage Blue
Gold
Not available
Gray
Underground
Green
Everest
Red
Supersonic Red
Silver
Cutting Edge
White
Ice Cap
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Black/Boulder w/ Anodized Blue / Black/Boulder w/ Smoke Silver
