Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester
When comparing the Toyota RAV4's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Toyota RAV4's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the Subaru Forester.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester Pricing
A used 2024 Toyota RAV4 ranges from $30,382 to $40,300 while a used 2024 Subaru Forester is priced between $32,324 to $39,982. For a new model, the Toyota RAV4's price is between $30,958 and $41,590, with the Subaru Forester priced between $30,617 and $40,108.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota RAV4 loses 34.7 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 retains 3.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Forester.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota RAV4 is 8.6 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 2 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66. Out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 2 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 4. The Toyota RAV4 is also ranked 2 out of 19 Best Small SUVs while the Subaru Forester is ranked 3 out of 19.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota RAV4 is 8.4 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota RAV4.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Toyota RAV4’s base engine makes 203 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 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 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
30958 - 41590
Used Asking Price:
30382 - 40300
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.347266
Pricing
New Asking Price:
30617 - 40108
Used Asking Price:
32324 - 39982
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.634471 / 10
Reliability:
8.403413 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.563112 / 10
Reliability:
8.589335 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 56Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 49Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 58Ranking
23 out of / 56Ranking
29 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
55 out of / 56Ranking
56 out of / 56Ranking
64 out of / 66Ranking
64 out of / 66Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 58Ranking
17 out of / 49Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Summary 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.
Summary 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.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17