Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester
If you’re in the market for an SUV, things like performance, MPG, and technology are likely important to you. If this is the case, you’ll want to check out the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester. While they’re both amazing SUVs that can do a lot for you, there are some big-time differences between them.For you, a driver in Danvers, Peabody, or Salem, MA, the team at Ira Toyota of Danvers has put together this side-by-side comparison of the RAV4 and the Forester. Read on to determine which one is better suited to your lifestyle.
Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester: Engine Performance
When it comes to your SUV’s engine performance, you need it to stand out. The RAV4 and the Forester offer amazing engine performance, but there’s only one of these two vehicles that really stands out, and that’s the RAV4. In the Toyota, you’ll find two high-powered engines, whereas you’ll only find one in the Subaru.
| Toyota RAV4 | Subaru Forester |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder engine: 203 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque. Comes with SPORT, ECO, and NORMAL drive modes | 2.5L 4-cylinder engine: 182 HP and 176 lb-ft of torque |
| Hybrid 2.5L 4-cylinder engine: 219 combined net HP | N/A |
As you can see from the chart above, the RAV4 offers better engine performance—and more engines—than the Subaru. With that in mind, if this is important to you when selecting your next automobile, go with the RAV4.
Toyota vs Subaru: Infotainment Technology
From infotainment to safety technology, the RAV4 and the Forester don’t leave anything to be desired. In each vehicle, you’ll have access to wireless Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ so you can access your phone’s features without handling it while driving. You’ll be able to see your apps, maps, texts and more on large infotainment screens in both vehicles.
However, the standard touchscreen in the RAV4 is a bit bigger than the one in the Forester. The RAV4 comes with a 7-inch screen, while the Forester offers a 6.5-inch screen. You can upgrade either vehicle to an 8-inch screen.
Two big advantages the RAV4 has over the Forester in terms of infotainment is with its available sound system and standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The RAV4 offers an available 11-speaker system by JBL®, while the Forester offers an available 9-speaker system by Harman Kardon®. In all RAV4 trims, a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is standard. To get that in the Forester, you’ll have to upgrade.
RAV4 vs Forester: Safety Technology
The RAV4 and the Forester were built with safety in mind and offer many similar safety features, including:
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Alert
- Pre-Collision System
Where the Toyota RAV4 stands out here is that the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard in the RAV4 but only available with an upgrade in the Forester. Plus, the RAV4 includes a couple different features the Forester can’t compete with. First up is Lane Tracing Assist. When road lines are visible, the RAV4 can map them out for you even if you can’t see them, making sure you stay centered within your lane. If your SUV begins to drift, the vehicle can gently steer back into your lane.
Second is Road Sign Assist, which can detect speed limit signs, yield signs, Do Not Enter signs, and more, and will display them on the vehicle’s Multi-Information Display system. The Subaru doesn’t offer features like these.
Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester: Winner
After careful examination of the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester, the team at Ira Toyota of Danvers has determined that drivers in Danvers, Peabody, and Salem, MA, will prefer the RAV4 over the Forester due to its better engine performance, infotainment features, and safety technology.
Ready to schedule a test drive? Contact us today.
