2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$29,800 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 (car1) and the 2026 Subaru Forester (car2) lies in performance, where the RAV4 produces 203 hp versus the Forester's 180 hp, a 23 hp advantage. Priced nearly identically at $29,800 for the RAV4 and $29,995 for the Forester, efficiency metrics offer another key point of comparison: the RAV4 achieves 30 MPG combined compared to the Forester's 29 MPG combined. The RAV4's FWD configuration contributes to its superior fuel economy metrics (27/35 MPG vs 26/33 MPG). Dimensionally, the Forester is slightly longer at 183.3 inches, though the RAV4 offers substantially more cargo room, boasting 37.6 cu ft against the Forester's 29.6 cu ft. The RAV4’s 8-speed automatic transmission provides a measurable difference in expected highway driving cadence compared to the Forester's standard CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4's superior combined 30 MPG and higher horsepower make it the better choice for efficient, responsive daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 offers significantly greater utility with 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4

With 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the RAV4 provides superior acceleration potential over the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is $195 cheaper upfront and offers 1 MPG better combined efficiency, improving long-term ownership value.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...

You prioritize power, specifically the 203 hp output compared to the Forester's 180 hp.
Maximum hauling volume is critical, as the RAV4 provides 37.6 cu ft versus 29.6 cu ft.
You prefer the established shifting characteristics of an 8-speed shiftable automatic over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

All-wheel drive capability is a mandatory requirement, as it comes standard on the Forester.
You need slightly greater exterior length (183.3 inches) and height (68.1 inches) for maneuvering or garage fitment.
You prefer the operational simplicity of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota RAV4	Subaru Forester
Length	180.9"	183.3"
Width	73.0"	72.0"
Height	67.0"	68.1"
Wheelbase	105.9"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/35 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.5/507.5 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.7 in.	53.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and 2026 Subaru Forester.

Which vehicle has better highway fuel economy for long commutes?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 offers better highway MPG at 35 MPG compared to the 2026 Subaru Forester's 33 MPG. This 2 MPG difference, combined with the RAV4's standard FWD layout, yields better overall highway range.

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester equipped with AWD standard?

Yes, the 2026 Subaru Forester is noted as having All-Wheel Drive as its standard drive type, whereas the base 2025 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.

How does the base cargo capacity compare between these two crossovers?

The Toyota RAV4 provides significantly more dedicated cargo volume at 37.6 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2026 Subaru Forester offers 29.6 cu ft in the same configuration, resulting in a difference of 8.0 cu ft.

What is the performance difference in terms of horsepower and torque?

The RAV4 leads by 23 horsepower, generating 203 hp against the Forester's 180 hp. The torque advantage also favors the RAV4 at 184 lb-ft versus 178 lb-ft.

Are the base MSRPs very different for these two competitors?

The difference is minimal; the 2025 RAV4 starts at $29,800, while the 2026 Forester starts at $29,995. The RAV4 holds a slight $195 initial price advantage.

What transmission type defines each model?

The RAV4 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for its gear changes. Conversely, the Forester employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).