Are you looking to purchase a brand-new crossover SUV? If so, chances are you've considered getting the Subaru Forester or the Toyota RAV4. But which one is the best vehicle for you? The 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the 2023 Subaru Forester can be excellent choices for drivers wanting to own a comfortable and reliable SUV. Ultimately, however, our automobile experts recommend that most consumers opt for the Subaru Forester.
Read on as we explore the main similarities and distinctions between the 2023 Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 and explain why we made this decision.
2023 Subaru Forester vs. 2023 Toyota RAV4
The Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 have been famous on the automobile market for decades, and for a good reason. These SUVs have solid reputations as dependable, safe, and comfortable for drivers and passengers. At a glance, the Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 have a lot in common. They're both two-row SUVs with plenty of room for cargo and passengers, stocked with advanced safety features, and highly fuel-efficient. Only when we take a closer look do we start to notice some of the differences between these two vehicles.
Cost
If you're looking for a high-quality SUV that's on the more affordable side, consider opting for the 2023 Subaru Forester. The latest model of this Subaru vehicle starts at $26,395 for its base trim, which is $1,180 less than the base model of the Toyota RAV4.
Even if you're hoping to get more advanced or luxurious features, such as keyless entry or smart tech safety capabilities, the Forester is likely your best bet. The 2023 Subaru Forester tops at $36,495 for its premium trim level. The Toyota RAV4 can go up to $38,530.
Reliability
Although the 2023 numbers for predicted reliability aren't yet available, 2022 predicted reliability ratings show that the Forester and the RAV4 have excellent reliability. However, the Subaru Forester has a slightly higher reliability score than the Toyota RAV4. While the Foresters scored 83 out of 100, the RAV4 received 81 out of 100.
Safety
If you're looking for a vehicle that can keep you, your passengers, and other automobile riders safe, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester are excellent options. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the previous year's models of both these vehicles a five out of five-star overall safety rating. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2022 Forester and 2022 RAV4 the highest rating in five crash tests and the second-highest rating in the updated side test.
With that said, the Forester may offer additional layers of safety to protect everyone on the road. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave a Top Safety Pick+ award to the 2022 Subaru Forester, the highest possible rating from this organization. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, a second-tier honor.
The 2023 Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 have an impressive array of high-tech safety features. Many of these features overlap, including an adaptive cruise control system, lane-keeping assist that helps ensure you stay centered within your driving lane, and automatic emergency braking.
Fuel Economy
The Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester get excellent fuel mileage, considering they're both on the larger side as SUVs. The hybrid versions of the latest Toyota RAV4 get the best fuel economy with an average of 40 mpg combined for both city and highway driving.
However, consumers interested in opting for a fully gas-powered engine may want to take another look at the 2023 Forester. The EPA estimates that the 2023 Subaru Forester has an average combined mpg of 33. In comparison, the 2023 fuel-powered Toyota RAV4 earned an average combined mpg score of 30.
Off-Road Capabilities
Are you longing for a new vehicle that can help you navigate through turbulent weather or rough terrain? The latest Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester are great options for those looking to go off-road, but the Forester may have the RAV4 slightly beat. The Forester provides a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches compared to the RAV4's 8.6 inches.
The RAV4 has many exciting off-road capability features available as add-ons, including heavy-duty suspension systems, various train driving modes, and an all-wheel drive designated for driving in snow. Many Forester off-roading abilities come standard in all its trims except for the base model, including hill descent control and X-Mode, made specifically to help the SUV navigate roads slick with rain or ice.
Interior Design and Space
Whether you want to fill your SUV with passengers, cargo, or both, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester give you ample space. At 37.5 cubic feet, The Toyota RAV4 provides more cargo space with its rear seats up compared to the Subaru Forester's 28.9 cubic feet.
If you fold the rear seats up, however, the Forester offers more room to fit all of your belongings with an astonishing 74.2 cubic feet of space. When you fold down its rear seats, the Toyota RAV4 offers 69.8 cubic feet.
Technology
Shoppers looking for impressive tech capabilities in their next vehicle will be delighted to learn that the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester have many tech features. Both cars, for instance, allow drivers to connect their Android or Apple devices easily. These crossover SUVs offer an easy-to-use infotainment touchscreen and high-quality speakers for playing all your favorite tunes, radio stations, or podcasts.
If you're interested in getting a Subaru of your own, check out Apple Subaru's current inventory of Foresters or our online platform, where you can custom-build your very own Subaru. We're also happy to answer any questions via phone or our online contact form.
Image via Subaru
