The 2024 Toyota RAV4 and the new Subaru Forester are among the best small SUVs for practicality. They’re both efficient and offer solid capability for their class of vehicles. However, the Forester does better in this regard as it stands out in three significant ways – reliability, resell value, and interior space. The same holds for the 2023 Subaru Forester in comparison to the outgoing Toyota RAV4.

The 2024 Subaru Forester is among the best small SUVs in several regards

The 2024 Subaru Forester, just as the previous models have, scores high across the board with its ratings from J.D. Power. In particular, these scores show how practical of an SUV the Forester is. It has a stellar 84 out of 100 for quality and reliability, which means this is a vehicle that should provide a relatively worry-free ownership experience.

For comparison, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 only has a 76 in this area. This falls in the marketing research firm’s ‘average’ category, whereas the new Subaru Forester has a ‘great’ rating. Likewise, the Subaru SUV has a resell value of 86 out of 100, while the 2024 Toyota RAV4 isn’t far off with an 84. Overall, the 2024 Subaru Forester has an 84, and the Toyota RAV4 came out with a 78.

Notably, the 2023 Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 models have identical scores as the new editions. Additionally, both are among the best small SUVs for safety as they are Top Safety Picks by the IIHS. However, the Subaru Forester has retained this distinction for the better part of a decade.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 isn’t as spacious

For the most part, the 2024 Subaru Forester is the more spacious of the two. The new RAV4 comes out on top in a few areas – – cargo storage and rear leg room. However, most people will find that the Subaru SUV is the overall winner in this area.

The RAV4 does come out on top regarding presentation. For example, it has a standard eight-inch touchscreen, whereas the 2024 Subaru Forester starts with a 6.5-inch display. The Toyota SUV also has a more modern and attractive look on the inside.

2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 dimensions

Area	2024 Subaru Forester	Area	2024 Toyota RAV4
Length	182.7 inches	Length	180.9 inches
Curb Weight	3,528 pounds	Curb Weight	3,370 pounds
Maximum Cargo Capacity	69.1 cubic feet	Maximum Cargo Capacity	69.8 cubic feet
Front Head Room	40.2 inches	Front Head Room	39.5 inches
Front Leg Room	43.3 inches	Front Leg Room	41.0 inches
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 inches	Front Shoulder Room	57.8 inches
Rear Head Room	37.6 inches	Rear Head Room	39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room	39.4 inches	Rear Leg Room	37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room	57.2 inches	Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 inches

Overall, both the 2024 Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 are popular SUVs in the class for a reason. They appeal to all types of drivers and also have a modern exterior that stands out. Both vehicles also offer a three-year or 36,000 basic warranty as well as powertrain coverage for five years or 60,000 miles.