Key Features and Variants
Toyota RAV4
When you can select from gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid; plus, Adventure and TRD Off-road editions; along with more economical models; the Toyota RAV4 is known for its versatility with something for every driver. And with only a bit of a price increase from the all-wheel-drive gas model, the hybrid variants provide excellent value.
Subaru Forester
Where the Subaru Forester has been lacking in their hybrid offerings, that may not be the case for very long. This year, there are plans to bring a hybrid Forester to our North American market. With a roomy interior, premium safety features, and an emphasis on all-wheel drive, the redesigned 2025 Forester offers a streamlined cabin and excellent off-roading capabilities.
Performance and Driving Experience
With a cap of 180 hp from its 2.5-liter flat-4 engine, the Subaru Forester emphasizes functionality before speed. Its all-wheel drive system brings superior traction to any off-road excursions, and its well-tuned suspension makes for a smooth and quiet drive.
Conversely, the Toyota RAV4 embraces efficiency and comes with enough power to balance it out in the form of a 203-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 engine. Toyota also offers a ride that’s quieter and more responsive than their gas-powered version in the RAV4 Hybrid- with its 219 hp output and additional low-end torque. But if you want to reach 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, then the 302 hp RAV4 Prime is the model you’ll want to take for a spin.
Interior and Space
The Toyota RAV4’s interior seats five comfortably, with a little less legroom than the Forester at 37.8 inches. But what it lacks in legroom, the RAV4 makes up for in cargo space with 37.5 cubic feet, perfect for extra storage.
With 39.4 inches of legroom in the back seat, The Subaru Forester has the comfort competition beat. Even though its 29.6 cubic feet of cargo area is slightly less than the RAV4, The Forester is known for its roomy interior, giving plenty of space for passengers, as well as their belongings.
Fuel Economy
Considering the fuel efficiency of hybrid models vs. gas-powered, the Subaru Forester falls short of Toyota’s hybrids, but still manages to achieve an average of 29 mpg combined - a very respectable mileage for its class.
If maximum fuel efficiency is a focus for you, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime are strong candidates. With an impressive 38 mpg combined, the RAV 4 Hybrid stands out, while the RAV4 Prime offers up to 42 miles of all-electric driving.
Safety and Styling
The Toyota RAV4 has great safety tech and high safety marks, but the thickness of its rear roof pillars can hinder visibility toward the rear.
On the flip side, the driver-assist features, the high position of the seats, and the slimmer roof pillars of the Subaru Forester offer fantastic all-around visibility, and its top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are boast-worthy.
Let New Motors Help You Choose!
The 2024 Toyota RAV4’s storage capacity and range of powertrains, along with the efficiency of its hybrid models, make it a versatile choice. And the high safety ratings, off-road features, and roomy interior of the 2025 Subaru Forester make it a comfortable, reliable choice. Plus, since they’re both closely priced, with the Subaru Forester starting at $31,090, and the Toycota RAV4 LE with AWD starting at $31,425, the best way to decide between the two is to experience them firsthand. Visit New Motors in Erie and schedule a test drive today! We encourage you to get behind the wheel of both vehicles and see why the Subaru Forester is the right vehicle for you!