The 2020 Subaru Forester Is More Affordable to Own Than the Toyota RAV4
When it comes to car reviews, Kelley Blue Book a place to turn for professional analysis and cost evaluations. They provide many “Best Of” awards to help consumers make an informed purchasing decision. For the annual “5-Year Cost to Own Awards,” the 2020 Subaru Forester and 2020 Toyota RAV4 made the list.
The 2020 Subaru Forester
The 2020 Subaru Forester ranks at the top of its class when it comes to ownership costs. According to Kelley Blue Book, “the Forester is ideal for active individuals and families who need a smaller crossover that will diligently and efficiently serve their daily needs of commuting, yet is raring to take them where time clocks don’t exist. It’s just part of the Forester’s DNA.”
The Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4
The 2020 Subaru Forester has a predicted 5-year cost to own of $35,362. This price makes the compact crossover SUV the winner in this year’s Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came in a close second place with a predicted 5-year cost to own of $37,219.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is considered to be the best-selling SUV in its class. With a large selection of models, including a hybrid option and several different trim packages, the RAV4 is a solid choice for an affordable vehicle.
Which vehicle costs less?
The 2020 Subaru Forester offers considerable savings compared to the 2020 Toyota RAV4. Over the span of five years, the Forester is almost $2,000 cheaper than the RAV4. The savings combined with better fuel economy makes the Forester a more cost-effective option. Kelly Blue Book claims that “the Forester is proof that one SUV can be adventurous, efficient, practical and safe – all while boasting years of low ownership costs.”
High points of the Subaru Forester
The 2020 Subaru Forester is the only vehicle in the crossover SUV class that has standard all-wheel drive. Built for off-road adventures, the Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standing head and shoulders above its competition. The AWD also provides better traction helping the Forester rule the road, regardless of inclement weather conditions. Another advantage of the Forester is the efficient fuel economy of 33 mpg, which is a huge selling point for the class-leading SUV.
The listed MSRP is $24,495, making the Forester an affordable option for consumers looking for a midsize SUV. According to The Car Connection, the former Best Car to Buy winner, “is an incredible value among compact crossovers.” They also ranked the Forester as No. 2 on their list of Best Midsize SUVs.
Which SUV is better?
AutoTrader is quick to point out that both vehicles were all-new and fully redesigned for 2019. The Forester has the Subaru brand name loyal following, while the RAV4 is considered to be the best-selling SUV in America. AutoTrader felt that both models in the mid-tier trim level were comparable and could get the job done.
They noted that both were modern and among the more competitive vehicles in their segment. Even though the Forester is priced lower than the RAV4, AutoTrader leaned toward the Toyota RAV4 because of a slightly better looking interior and stronger performing powertrain.
A fully loaded 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road model will end up costing around $42,000 once destination fees are figured into the final price. In comparison, the 2020 Subaru Forester Touring model has a maximum fully loaded price of $36,000. This makes the Subaru Forester the more economical choice all around.
