Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester (2025 Comparison): Which SUV Should You Buy?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 and 2025 Subaru Forester remain two of the most trusted compact SUVs in America. Both are reliable, safe, and versatile — but which delivers the better value, performance, and ownership experience for U.S. drivers?

We’ve analyzed pricing, performance, fuel economy, interior space, safety, and tech to help you decide which SUV suits your lifestyle.

Overview: Two Compact SUV Giants Face Off

Performance and Engine Power

Toyota RAV4: More Muscle, More Confidence

The RAV4’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, giving it a punchier response for highway merging and passing. Its 8-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear shifts, offering a refined drive that feels controlled and predictable.

Front-wheel drive comes standard, while Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD is available for those who need extra grip on snowy or rough terrain.

Subaru Forester: Standard AWD, Less Power

The Forester’s 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While it provides balanced handling, its CVT (continuously variable transmission) lacks the snappy gear feel of the RAV4’s traditional automatic.

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard — an advantage for drivers in northern states where traction matters most.

Fuel Economy: RAV4 Wins in Efficiency

Toyota’s hybrid experience pays off even in the standard RAV4. It’s slightly more efficient across all drive cycles, saving you fuel money year-round.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

Passenger Comfort

Both SUVs offer two rows of comfortable seating, but the RAV4’s cabin feels slightly sportier, while the Forester’s boxier design provides more headroom.

The Forester offers more headroom, ideal for taller passengers, but the RAV4’s cabin design feels more upscale and refined with better materials and ergonomics.

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Cargo Space

The RAV4 shines with 37.6 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the second row — significantly more than the Forester’s 29.6 cu. ft.
However, with the seats folded flat, the Forester slightly edges out the RAV4 (74.4 vs. 69.8 cu. ft.) thanks to its more squared-off tailgate design.

Driving and Handling

• RAV4: Tighter steering and firmer suspension make it feel more dynamic and composed around corners. The available AWD system adds stability and confidence.
• Forester: Its low-center-of-gravity BOXER engine enhances balance and ride comfort, especially on uneven roads. It’s softer and smoother but less engaging for spirited driving.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both vehicles are loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems, but Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5™ suite offers a few extra features that elevate confidence.

Verdict: The RAV4 offers more available safety tech, particularly blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, which are absent in the base Forester.

Comfort and Convenience Features

While both SUVs cater to practicality, Toyota includes more convenience features even in its base trim, such as full one-touch windows and optional heated mirrors.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Both SUVs provide modern infotainment setups, but Toyota takes the lead in audio power and screen size flexibility.

Toyota’s multimedia interface feels more polished, with a crisp display and faster response times.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Toyota continues its legacy of dependability, ranking near the top in long-term reliability surveys by J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Subaru also enjoys a reputation for durability, particularly in harsh weather climates, but its CVT transmissions can require more maintenance over time.

Estimated 5-Year Ownership Costs:

Trim Level Flexibility

Toyota offers six RAV4 trims (LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited), plus hybrid variants — giving buyers a wide range of choices.
Subaru provides five Forester trims (Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring).

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However, Toyota’s hybrid options give it a unique edge for fuel-conscious buyers.

Resale Value and Warranty

• RAV4: Retains higher resale value after 5 years, especially hybrid versions.
• Forester: Strong resale as well, but CVT-related depreciation slightly lowers residuals.

Warranty Comparison:

Recommended for U.S. Drivers

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if you want:

• A more powerful engine and smoother automatic transmission
• Better fuel efficiency
• More standard tech and convenience features
• Optional hybrid and off-road variants
• Stronger resale value

Choose the Subaru Forester if you want:

• Standard all-wheel drive without added cost
• More headroom and slightly more max cargo capacity
• A softer, more cushioned ride ideal for long trips

Verdict: Toyota RAV4 Edges Out the Forester

While both SUVs deliver safety, reliability, and everyday usability, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 emerges as the more complete package for U.S. buyers. It delivers better power, superior fuel economy, and richer feature content at a slightly lower price — making it a smart long-term investment.

Final Thoughts

For most American drivers, the Toyota RAV4 represents the smarter buy. It blends performance, technology, efficiency, and reliability better than any competitor in its segment — including the Subaru Forester.
However, for those living in regions with heavy snow or who prefer Subaru’s signature AWD confidence, the Forester remains a dependable choice.

FAQs

1. Which has better fuel economy, the RAV4 or Forester?
The Toyota RAV4 achieves 30 mpg combined versus 29 mpg in the Forester.

2. Does the Forester come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is standard on all trims.

3. Which SUV has more cargo space?
The Forester offers slightly more space with the rear seats folded, but the RAV4 provides more usable cargo room with seats upright.

4. Is the RAV4 available as a hybrid?
Yes, Toyota offers several RAV4 Hybrid trims and even a plug-in hybrid (RAV4 Prime).

5. Which one holds value better?
The RAV4 typically retains a higher resale value due to Toyota’s reliability and hybrid availability.

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