Home / New Subaru Inventory / New Subaru Forester / Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4
If you’re comparing the Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester, you’re probably looking for a versatile SUV that combines excellent agility with comfortable spaciousness, rises to all kinds of challenges, and offers safety and fuel savings through every moment of the drive. When it comes to what matters, the 2025 Subaru Forester can satisfy you with ease.
See how by reading our Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester comparison guide and visiting Quantrell Subaru for a test drive.
| Engine: | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 180 |
| Torque: | 178 lb-ft |
| Car and Driver Tested 0-60 MPH Time: | 8.3 seconds1 |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (Combined): | 293 |
| Towing Capacity: | 1,500 lbs5 |
| Exterior Length: | 183.3 in |
| Exterior Width: | 72 in |
| Exterior Ground Clearance: | 8.7 in |
| Interior Passenger Capacity: | 5 |
| Interior Passenger Volume: | 110.8 cu ft |
| Maximum Interior Cargo Capacity: | 74.4 cu ft |
| Legroom (Front/Rear Seats): | 43.3 / 39.4 in |
| Panoramic Power Moonroof: | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats: | Standard |
| Infotainment Display: | 11.6-in Touchscreen |
| Sound System: | 6 Speakers |
| Front Seat Adjustability: | 10-Way Power Driver’s / 4-Way Manual Front Passenger’s |
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel: | Standard |
| Wireless Smartphone Charger: | Standard |
| Reclining Rear Seatbacks: | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control: | Standard w/Lane Centering |
| Lane Departure Warning: | Standard |
| Automatic High Beam Assist: | Standard |
| Engine: | 2.5L Dynamic Force 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 203 |
| Torque: | 184 lb-ft |
| Car and Driver Tested 0-60 MPH Time: | 8.3 seconds1 |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (Combined): | 294 |
| Towing Capacity: | 1,500 lbs6 |
| Exterior Length: | 180.9 in |
| Exterior Width: | 73 in |
| Exterior Ground Clearance: | 8.4 in |
| Interior Passenger Capacity: | 5 |
| Interior Passenger Volume: | 98.9 cu ft |
| Maximum Interior Cargo Capacity: | 69.8 cu ft |
| Legroom (Front/Rear Seats): | 41.0 / 37.8 in |
| Panoramic Power Moonroof: | Not Available |
| Heated Front Seats: | Optional |
| Infotainment Display: | 8-in Touchscreen |
| Sound System: | 6 Speakers |
| Front Seat Adjustability: | 8-Way Power Driver’s / 4-Way Manual Front Passenger’s |
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel: | Optional |
| Wireless Smartphone Charger: | Optional |
| Reclining Rear Seatbacks: | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control: | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning: | Standard |
| Automatic High Beam Assist: | Standard |
When comparing the specs of the Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester, the differences will require a deeper look to understand. Regarding performance, the Toyota RAV4 contains more power than the Subaru Forester, but that only tells part of the story. Despite having 21 fewer horsepower, the Forester accelerated at the same pace as the RAV4 during Car and Driver tests.1, 2 AWD Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester configurations can also deliver similar fuel economy. For example, the Subaru Forester Premium AWD makes an EPA-estimated 29 MPG (Combined),3 and so does the equivalent RAV4 model, the Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD.4
Most Forester and RAV4 trims can tow 1,500 pounds,5, 6 but the Subaru Forester off-road capabilities dominate the Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road is the most capable all-terrain trim, but it has 8.6 inches of ground clearance; the Forester Wilderness Edition has 9.2 inches of ground clearance.
The Forester Wilderness also boasts a front skid plate, revised off-road suspension, Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, a full-size spare tire, Enhanced Dual-Function X-MODE, and more. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road has a front skid plate and all-terrain tires but lacks further benefits that’ll keep trail explorations going, such as the Forester SUV’s available full-size spare.
A new Subaru Forester for sale is remarkable for how it gets you the best of both worlds. Its agile exterior lets you handle the city like a pro, while its cabin space is more in line with larger SUVs. The Toyota RAV4 tries for a similar spirit but falls short in several ways.
Firstly, Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester exterior size measurements involve the RAV4 being an inch wider than the Forester in most trims. This can make parking more difficult. For those who want to be able to stretch out in their cabin, they will appreciate that the Subaru Forester is 2.4 inches longer than the RAV4. However, its legroom advantages far exceed that measurement. Specifically, the Forester has 2.3 inches more front legroom and 1.6 inches more rear legroom than the RAV4 in most trims.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester cargo space and passenger room present the same story. The Subaru Forester interior has 11.9 cubic feet of extra passenger volume over the Toyota RAV4 and continues this spacious advantage with an extra 4.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo room. Quite frankly, the Forester is much more generous with its cabin space.
The 2025 Subaru Forester arrives with five distinct trim options:
The Forester Wilderness, while available for sale now, is still a 2024 model; a 2025 Forester Wilderness will soon join the other 2025 trims. For now, the Toyota RAV4 is stuck in the 2024 model year. It offers six non-hybrid trim models, including the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited.
Our Subaru Forester lease deals and Forester SUVs for sale include standard AWD; the RAV4 has AWD as an option. When compared to an AWD-equipped Toyota RAV4, the Subaru Forester has a lower starting price.
Equivalent models like the Forester Premium and RAV4 XLE AWD see the Forester provide extra value thanks to feature-based advantages like a standard 10-way power driver’s seat and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering (the RAV4 XLE AWD has an eight-way power driver’s seat and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard).
The Subaru Forester trim levels contain many more features to explore, including water-repelling StarTex upholstery and a Harman Kardon® premium audio system. Neither can be found in the RAV4.
Forester vs. RAV4 colors are a more even area, as both models offer exclusive options for each shade, such as Autumn Green Metallic on the Forester and Army Green on the RAV4.
Whether you’re looking for a retrospective on the Subaru Forester redesign or other ways that the Forester has an edge over the RAV4, our Subaru dealership is here to help. Contact our team for more information, and visit us to test-drive the model.
The Subaru Forester is the clear choice for off-road adventures. Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester off-road specs show that the Forester offers much more ground clearance, better off-road features like a full-size spare tire, and the well-known capabilities of Enhanced Dual-Function X-MODE. The Forester Wilderness rises above its competition when the going gets tough.
Both the Forester and RAV4 can deliver an EPA-estimated 29 MPG (Combined)3, 4 when equipped with AWD on certain models. However, it must be noted that an advantage of the Forester is that you get standard AWD, which is an option with an added cost on the RAV4. To ask about the fuel economy of a specific trim, reach out to our team at Quantrell Subaru.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester safety is very similar, but the Forester does have extras like Lane Centering for its standard Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control feature. These models both have a Lane Departure Warning and Automatic High Beams as standard, but only the Subaru Forester offers an available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System and Blind-Spot Monitoring with Lane Change Assist.
1This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/forester
2This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/rav4
3EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
4Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
5Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
6Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
