Boston Subaru Dealer | Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 Comparison

Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD vs Subaru Forester Premium

Planet's Executive Summary
Comparably equipped, each retails for about $29,000, which buys you a safe, stylish, and practical vehicle with a great reputation for quality. RAV4 styling takes a significant departure from the angular Toyota styling of yore; the new look is "chunky" like a Tacoma. Even as almost everything on the car has been replaced, the new Subaru styling is evolutionary rather revolutionary. It's understated maintains the generous glazing that makes for excellent outside visibility.

What do they have in common?

Standard Features:

Bluetooth phone connectivity
Steering wheel audio controls
Power windows, locks, mirrors
3 year, 36,000 mile comprehensive warranty; 5/60 powertrain
1,500 pound towing capacity

Optional Features

Heated seats, heated mirrors
Power rear gate with memory height (Watch Forester operation)
Navigation
Dual zone climate control

Standard Safety:

Vehicle stability control to avoid skids;
Brake override system;
Anti-lock brakes with brake assist;
Learn all about how these safety features work.

Similar Dimensions:

RAV4 is two inches wider.
Forester is one inch longer.
Forester is one inch taller.

Differences	RAV4	Forester

All Wheel Drive System Forester was built from the ground up with all wheel drive; Toyota started with a front driver and bolted some extra hardware later.	All wheel drive optional.	Symmetrical All Wheel Drive Standard.
Ground clearance Subaru engineers keep mass low for good handling, but clearance high for better performance in the snow and off road.	6.3 inches	8.7 inches
Cargo Space RAV4 has slightly more volume; Forester is about an inch taller so it's better for big pets. Dog costs extra. Meet Blue, our Greeter.	73 cubic feet (seats down) 38 cubic feet (seats up)	71 cubic feet (seats down) 35 cubic feet (seats up)
Passenger Volume Forester is a smidgen roomier inside for people.	101 Cubic Feet	108 cubic feet
Standard Engine	2.5 liter in-line four cylinder 203 horsepower	2.5 liter Boxer four cylinder 182 horsepower
Fuel Economy Forester gets better mileage around town when comparing apples to apples. You can squeeze a few more miles per gallon out of the RAV4 if you give up all wheel drive.	Six speed automatic transmission AWD: 25 city, 33 hwy FWD: 26 city, 35 hwy	Continuously variable auto transmission AWD: 26 city, 33 hwy
Outward Visibility Notice how narrow the rear windows are in the rear of the RAV4? In the Forester, you see areas that are blind spots in the RAV4.
Airbags Both cars have: Two front airbags that deploy from the steering wheel or dash; Two torso airbags that deploy from the edge of the front seats; Two curtain airbags that deploy from the roof Driver knee airbag	RAV4 has one more airbag...a knee airbag for front passenger.
Optional Power Moonroof Forester has panoramic moonroof almost twice as big as RAV4.	Regular Size	Super Size
Purchase and Ownership Experience You can buy a Subaru at Planet, but not a Toyota.	Typical dealership experience.	Friendly staff undealership experience Free Planet Passport Program
Free Scheduled Maintenance	Toyota covers oil changes for two years or 25,000 miles.	Not available
Small Overlap Crash Tests by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Click on the links for test results.	RAV4 test results	Forester test results