The crossover and compact SUV segment is very competitive, with many models battling it for the top spot. In this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Forester comparison, the RAV4 strikes the Forester, but the Forester strikes back. Let’s see how this battle unfolds.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Forester

For our 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Forester comparison, we evaluated several different areas of the two SUVs. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, reliability, and price.

RAV4 vs. Forester: Performance, efficiency, and towing

For performance, the Toyota RAV4 has the advantage. Powertrain options for the RAV4 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). In comparison, all Subaru Forester models have a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, which generates 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

The RAV4 also has the advantage for efficiency. For the gas-powered RAV4, the fuel economy is up to 28 city/35 highway mpg. In comparison, the Forester has a gas mileage of up to 26 city/35 highway mpg. Also, the RAV4 offers even more efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid models (RAV4 Prime). The RAV4 Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 41 city/38 highway mpg, while the RAV4 Prime has a gas mileage of up to 94 MPGe when driving in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

Do you have a trailer to tow? The Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, while the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

RAV4 vs. Forester: Off-road capabilities

The RAV4 and Forester are good choices for off-road excursions. Both crossover SUVs offer off-road focussed models, with the TRD Off-Road and Adventure models for the RAV4 and the Wilderness model for the Forester. Also, both SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, while an all-wheel drive system is standard for all Forester models, for many of the RAV4 models, it is an optional feature. Furthermore, the Forester has a higher maximum ground clearance than the RAV4 (up to 9.2 inches vs. 8.6 inches).

RAV4 vs. Forester: Safety

Both the RAV4 and Forester are strong choices for safety. Notable safety and driving assistance features for the RAV4 and Forester include brake assist, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a blind spot monitoring system.

RAV4 vs. Forester: Passenger and cargo space

The Forester has more interior space than the RAV4. It has a total passenger volume of 111.6 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. Also, the Forester has more space for storage, with a maximum cargo capacity of 74.2 cu-ft, compared to 69.8 cu-ft for the RAV4.

RAV4 vs. Forester: Interior features and technologies

For interior features and technologies, the RAV4 and Forester are evening matched. The cabins for both compact SUVs have a similar level of quality. Features offered for both models include a touchscreen infotainment system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. 

RAV4 vs. Forester: Reliability

Which SUV is more reliable: the RAV4 or Forester? Both the RAV4 and Forester offer similar types of warranty coverage, with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The SUVs are fairly evenly matched for reliability, with an 83/100 J.D. Power predicted reliability rating for the Forester and 81/100 for the RAV4.

RAV4 vs. Forester: Price

Which SUV costs more: the 2022 RAV4 of the 2022 Forester? The starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 range from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Forester range from $25,195 MSRP for the Base trim up to $35,295 MSRP for the Touring trim.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Forester: Which crossover SUV is better?

After reviewing our 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Forester, you can see that each crossover SUV has its own set of advantages. For the RAV4, advantages include performance, efficiency, and towing. For the Forester, advantages include off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, and price.