Comparing New England's top two compact crossovers-and how to get behind the wheel without months of waiting.
Tired of RAV4 Waitlists & Dealer Markups?
Toyota RAV4 production constraints have pushed wait times up to 6-9 months at many dealerships. At Planet Subaru, we have fresh Subaru Forester inventory arriving weekly-featuring standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard EyeSight® safety, and zero hidden markup fees.
View In-Stock ForestersPlanet's Executive Summary
Both the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 created the modern compact crossover segment, and both enjoy exceptional long-term reliability and resale value. However, key operational differences separate them for New England drivers:
- Standard AWD vs. Extra Cost: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on every single Forester trim. On the RAV4, AWD is an added-cost option or locked behind higher trim levels.
- Visibility & Cabin Room: Forester features class-leading outward visibility with narrow roof pillars and larger side glass, along with superior rear legroom and maximum cargo capacity.
- Immediate Availability: While RAV4 inventory remains tightly allocation-constrained, Planet Subaru maintains a robust inventory pipeline, including fuel-efficient hybrid models, so you can drive home today.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Feature / Spec | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive | Symmetrical AWD (Standard) | Front-Wheel Drive Standard (AWD is an extra-cost option) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 Inches (9.3" Wilderness) | 8.1 Inches (Select AWD models) |
| Max Cargo | Up to 74.4 Cu. Ft. | 69.8 Cu. Ft. |
| Rear Seat Legroom | 39.4 Inches | 37.8 Inches |
| Standard Driver Safety | EyeSight® Driver Assist Tech (Standard) | Toyota Safety Sense (Standard) |
| Moonroof Design | Panoramic Super-Size Moonroof | Standard Single-Panel Moonroof |
| Availability & Delivery | In Stock & Arriving Weekly at Planet | Subject to Factory Backorders / Long Waitlists |
Why Crossover Shoppers Are Switching to Forester
1. Built-From-The-Ground-Up AWD
Toyota adds all-wheel drive by bolting hardware onto a front-wheel drive chassis. Subaru places its BOXER® engine in-line with the drivetrain for a balanced, symmetrical system that delivers constant power to all four wheels.
2. Unmatched Outward Visibility
Subaru engineers design for safety before tech even steps in. The Forester's tall greenhouse and low beltline eliminate rear blind spots that plague the RAV4's swept-back rear styling.
3. The Planet "Undealership" Difference
Buying at Planet Subaru means no high-pressure tactics, transparent pricing, and our exclusive Planet Passport Program benefits. Skip the market adjustments common on hard-to-find RAV4s.
Search our huge inventory for your Forester:
 |  |
