2025 SUBARU FORESTER VS. 2025 TOYOTA RAV4 IN IRVINE CA

2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Toyota RAV4

If you’re looking for a capable and dependable compact SUV, the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are two top contenders. Both offer reliability, modern features, and strong performance, but the Forester edges out the competition in several key areas.

Let’s compare the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 across essential categories to see which SUV is the better fit for your lifestyle.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The Subaru Forester showcases a rugged yet refined design, emphasizing practicality and adventure-ready capability. Its high ground clearance and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive make it well-equipped for off-road adventures. The Toyota RAV4 also boasts an aggressive and modern look, but its styling leans more towards urban appeal than true off-road readiness.

INTERIOR COMFORT AND SPACE

Inside, the Forester prioritizes comfort and visibility with its spacious cabin and large windows, offering an open and airy feel. It provides more headroom and legroom for passengers, making it an excellent choice for long trips. The RAV4 also offers a well-designed cabin, but its sloping roofline can slightly reduce rear headroom compared to the Forester.

FUEL EFFICIENCY

Both SUVs offer solid fuel efficiency, but the Forester stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, delivering an impressive EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Toyota RAV4 achieves similar efficiency, but its all-wheel-drive models slightly lag behind the Forester’s real-world fuel economy.

SAFETY FEATURES

Subaru has a strong reputation for safety, and the Forester comes equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. The Toyota RAV4 also offers advanced safety features through Toyota Safety Sense, but Subaru’s commitment to safety and superior crash-test ratings make the Forester a more confidence-inspiring choice.

TECHNOLOGY AND INFOTAINMENT

The Subaru Forester comes standard with a user-friendly STARLINK infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an intuitive touchscreen interface. The RAV4 offers similar tech, but some advanced features require higher trim levels or package upgrades.

Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 Technology

PRICE

The 2024 Subaru Forester starts at a competitive price point while offering standard all-wheel drive—a feature that costs extra on the Toyota RAV4. Subaru’s excellent resale value and long-term reliability also make it a smart investment.

CONCLUSION

While both the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are solid choices, the Forester stands out with its superior all-wheel-drive capability, spacious interior, top-tier safety ratings, and excellent visibility. If you prioritize adventure, safety, and value, the Subaru Forester is the SUV that comes out on top.

Model Comparison: 2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Toyota RAV4

Feature	2025 Subaru Forester	2025 Toyota RAV4
Starting Price	$29,995 MSRP	$29,250 MSRP
Engine	182-hp 2.5L 4-Cylinder	203-hp 2.5L 4-Cylinder
Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway	27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway
Cargo Space (cu ft)	28.9 cubic feet	37.6 cubic feet
Ground Clearance (inches)	8.7 inches	8.4 inches
Towing Capacity (lbs)	1,500 lbs (3,000 lbs with Wilderness trim)	1,500 lbs