Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Prime
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 Prime 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 Prime.
When comparing the Subaru Forester's and the Toyota RAV4 Prime's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and interior volume. The Toyota RAV4 Prime 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 Prime's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $31,497 and $38,867, with the Toyota RAV4 Prime priced between $46,002 and $54,176.
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 Prime loses 34.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 Prime retains 0.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 Prime base engine makes 302 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 Prime, 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 Prime have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota RAV4 Prime has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
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:
$46,002 - $54,176
Starting MSRP:
$43,690
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:
$51,180
Price Range:
$44,939 - $58,994
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$39,761
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$33,760 - $51,180
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
798
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
166
# Good or Great Deals:
15
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 $:
$15,365
Depreciation %:
35.2%
Resale Value $:
$28,325
Residual Value %:
64.8%
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 Prime Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 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 Prime
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
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:
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:
2.6
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
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Toyota RAV4 Prime Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 16Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 11Ranking
12 out of / 12Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 16Ranking
15 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 16Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 16Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 26Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
26 out of / 27Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 27Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Plug-In Hybrid
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
Toyota RAV4 Prime Trim Levels
SE, 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:
TOP SAFETY PICK
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:
302 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 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
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
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:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
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:
33.5 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:
4235 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:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
225/60R18
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
Blueprint
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Supersonic Red
White
Ice Cap
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Black
