Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 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 RAV4 Hybrid.
In comparing the Subaru Forester's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Pricing: For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $31,497 and $38,867, with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid priced between $33,984 and $44,681.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid loses 30.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid retains 4.1 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 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid being ranked 2 out of 12 Best Hybrid Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.3 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid the reliability rating is 6.2 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester an advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid base engine makes 219 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, 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 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$31,497 - $38,867
Starting MSRP:
$29,695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,563
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$28,895 - $30,100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,984 - $44,681
Starting MSRP:
$31,725
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$35,591
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$28,220 - $43,690
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$38,897
Price Range:
$33,827 - $44,499
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$39,761
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$33,760 - $51,180
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4,039
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
699
# Good or Great Deals:
26
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,410
Depreciation %:
35.1%
Resale Value $:
$19,285
Residual Value %:
64.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
34.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31.9% - 40.2%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$9,661
Depreciation %:
30.5%
Resale Value $:
$22,064
Residual Value %:
69.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
33%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
30.5% - 50.8%
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
6.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
10 - 12.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.6%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2 - 8.6
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 Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 12Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 27Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 27Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Summary 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 Hybrid is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models costing between $28,650-$37,180 and 3-year-old models averaging $27,181.
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
Hybrid
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels
LE, Limited, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE
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:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 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
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:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
219 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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):
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
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
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
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
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
Trailer Hitch:
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
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.4 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:
3510 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:
3690 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
White
Crystal White Pearl
Black
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
White
Ice Cap
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black
