Comparing the Subaru Forester with the Toyota RAV4 is a contest between two of the best-selling models in the United States. The RAV4 is the top seller among all non-pickups. The Forester can't match that performance, but it typically lands in the top 20 of all models sold in the United States. The two 5-passenger compact crossover SUVs are in the nation's hottest category, and thousands of consumers choose between them each month.
Subaru's longtime commitment to safety and all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability is apparent in the Forester. Toyota has also developed a strong safety reputation, but the RAV4 gives its buyers the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD.
Although neither SUV leans toward hardcore off-roading, they boast all-terrain capabilities that far surpass ordinary cars. Their AWD systems not only handle diverse terrain but also enhance their on-road performance, especially in challenging weather conditions. The Forester and RAV4 offer dedicated off-road versions to feed a growing interest in off-pavement driving.
Both the RAV4 and Forester feature impressive arrays of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Subaru offers its EyeSight driver-assist technology and Toyota counters with Safety Sense 2.5.
In the vast compact SUV segment, the Forester and the RAV4 contend with a daunting set of rivals, including the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Nissan Rogue. Despite fierce competition, the RAV4 and Forester maintain strong sales and consumer appeal. They stand out prominently in safety ratings and continue to attract buyers' attention deep into their current generations. On that score, Subaru has announced the next-generation 2025 Forester, and industry observers expect a new-gen RAV4 soon.
This comprehensive comparison between the 2024 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Toyota RAV4 offers insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
2024 Subaru Forester Sport
The 2024 Subaru Forester lineup offers six trim levels catering to different preferences: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. The Base and Premium focus on essentials, while the Sport introduces enhanced transmission features. The Limited and Touring emphasize luxury and tech, while the Wilderness is the dedicated off-road option. All 2024 Foresters are exclusively AWD, setting the SUV apart from many rivals offering FWD options.
The base Forester is the most affordable choice, starting at $28,440, including the $1,345 destination charge. The Premium, at $31,640, adds a panoramic sunroof. Starting at $35,320, the Limited brings leather upholstery and advanced liftgate features. The Touring, at $38,740, has heated rear seats and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Finally, the Wilderness, priced at $36,265, introduces rugged enhancements like a revised suspension, increased ground clearance, and specialized tires for off-road adventures.
In the highly competitive segment, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 stands out as a dominant force, offering an extensive array of trims and configurations. The lineup includes conventional, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions, presenting various trim levels and the choice between FWD or AWD.
The conventional 2024 RAV4 lineup features LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road trims, with most offering FWD and AWD options. As you might expect, the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims focus on AWD exclusively. For the RAV4 Hybrid, LE, XLE, XLE Premium, SE, XSE, Limited, and Woodland Edition trims are available, all equipped with AWD. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, offers SE and XSE trims with AWD.
Starting prices for the 2024 RAV4 begin at $30,025 for the LE with FWD, while the AWD version's suggested pricing begins at $31,425. The top-tier conventional RAV4 Limited with AWD starts at $39,730. Within the hybrid range, prices start at $33,075 for the LE trim, reaching $41,380 for the Limited variant. The 2024 RAV4 Prime lineup begins at $45,040 for the SE and goes up to $48,910 for the more luxurious XSE variant. Each 2024 RAV4 carries a $1,350 destination and handling charge.
Advantage: Subaru Forester
2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
The Subaru Forester does not rank among the top three models in the Compact SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Forester ranks third (in a tie) among Compact SUVs in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The 2024 Subaru Forester has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Toyota RAV4 ranks third in the Compact SUV segment in the 2024 VDS but does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2023 IQS.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Toyota RAV4
2024 Subaru Forester Sport
The 2024 Subaru Forester simplifies powertrain choices by offering a single 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine across all trims. It produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Subaru pairs it with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Sport, Limited, and Touring variants feature a CVT with a simulated 7-speed manual shifter, while the Wilderness trim utilizes a CVT with a simulated 8-speed manual. The Wilderness optimizes its off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and specialized tires.
While not built for drag races, the Forester delivers sufficient acceleration, and the Wilderness version showcases commendable off-road abilities. The CVT contributes to its fuel efficiency, helping it achieve an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined. Due to its larger tires, the Wilderness version achieves a slightly lower 26-mpg combined rating—2 mpg less than the Toyota RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road.
In the 2024 Toyota RAV4 lineup, performance and fuel efficiency coexist positively across its conventional, hybrid, and PHEV variants. Powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 203 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque, the conventional RAV4 delivers commendable performance. The RAV4's hybrid iteration combines the same engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined output of 219 hp. The RAV4 Prime's plug-in hybrid powertrain boasts the highest output at 302 hp, leveraging an electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Understandably, it's the most fun-to-drive RAV4.
Fuel efficiency varies among the 2024 RAV4 trims. The FWD and AWD RAV4 LE achieve 30 mpg combined, while the off-road-oriented Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims are EPA-rated at 28 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrids deliver exceptional fuel efficiency with EPA estimates of 39 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime is the most fuel-efficient of the breed. Operating as a hybrid, it earns a combined rating of 38 mpg and, as a plug-in, boasts an impressive MPGe rating of 94. Additionally, it can cover up to 42 miles solely on electric power.
Advantage: Toyota RAV4
2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE
The 2024 Subaru Forester features the proprietary Subaru EyeSight driver-assist system, a wide array of ADAS and electronic safety technology. Subaru improved the system for the 2023 model year, offering an expanded field of view and updated software for improved functionality. Among its uncommon features is automatic emergency steering, which intervenes when the system detects a potential collision, providing automatic steering control to avert accidents at speeds below 50 mph.
Equipped with blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning, the Forester's EyeSight system offers safety measures that are optional on many competitors' models.
The 2024 Forester earned the highest possible 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Wilderness trim awaits evaluation. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2024 Forester a Top Safety Pick designation for the 2023 calendar year.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 is standard across all 2024 Toyota RAV4 trims. Its suite of ADAS technologies includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. While upper trims come standard with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and a rear cross-traffic braking system, these features are optional on the base model. Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking is available optionally on most trims.
All versions of the 2024 Toyota RAV4, in AWD and FWD configurations, secured the highest 5-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA. Separately, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick designation for the 2023 calendar year from the IIHS.
Advantage: Subaru Forester
2024 Subaru Forester Touring
Regarding infotainment, the 2024 Subaru Forester is showing its age. While the systems don't present glaring shortfalls, their screen sizes are small compared to more recently introduced competitors. The lower-level trims have a Starlink 6.5-inch system featuring a high-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and audio streaming. The Premium trim brings the 6.5-inch Multimedia Plus system, enhancing the experience with HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Travel Link.
Higher-tier trims offer a comparable system with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the pinnacle is the 8-inch Multimedia Navigation setup, boasting Harman Kardon premium speakers. It's standard in the Limited trim.
Subaru's systems appear a tad dated compared to the swiftly advancing infotainment systems in the market. However, they offer user-friendly interfaces, ensuring easy operation without demanding excessive attention. Despite not being at the forefront of innovation, these systems deliver commendable audio quality without causing undue distraction.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 makes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment standard across most trims. This robust, easy-to-use system includes AM/FM radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and a SiriusXM trial subscription. Higher-tier trims like the TRD Off-Road and Hybrid XSE boast a larger 10.5-inch display with similar features.
For audiophiles seeking top-notch sound, the pricier RAV4 trims elevate the experience with an impressive 11-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier, delivering premium audio quality. Regardless of the trim, all 2024 RAV4s provide a one-month trial subscription to a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring connectivity on the go.
Advantage: Toyota RAV4
2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE
The 2024 Subaru Forester offers a spacious interior, including a roomy rear seat. Featuring a tall roof and raised seat cushions, the Forester prioritizes ease of entry and exit. It delivers ample legroom, shoulder room, hip room, and headroom in the front and rear seats, standing favorably against competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.
The base Forester trim features manually adjusted cloth-covered seats. In contrast, higher trims offer synthetic or genuine leather seats with multi-way power adjustment. The all-terrain Wilderness version comes equipped with StarTex water-repellent upholstery. The Touring features the most luxurious and attractive interior. The lower grades are significantly less plush.
Regarding cargo space, the 2024 Forester provides 28.9 cubic feet behind the second row—less than some rivals, including the RAV4. However, folding down the rear seatback expands the cargo area to a generous 74.2 cubic feet, easily accommodating larger loads or additional cargo.
With trims to cater to multiple household budgets, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 tailors its interior features to match various price points, offering buyers a range of refinements across its trim levels. In the entry-level RAV4 LE, the cabin emphasizes functionality, boasting an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and several storage compartments, including a lower dashboard shelf. Its cloth-covered seats feature 6-way adjustments for the driver and 4-way adjustments for the front passenger.
As one ascends the trim ladder, the RAV4's interior transforms into a more luxurious space. Higher-tier trims elevate the look and feel with synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat equipped with memory and lumbar support. Top-level trims unlock amenities that include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
The RAV4 boasts 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume. In terms of cargo space, it offers an impressive 37.6 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, expanding to an ample 69.8 cubic feet of total cargo space when the seats are folded down.
Advantage: Toyota RAV4
If you'd like to learn more about these compact SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Prime. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on November 30, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, which is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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