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Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 - Compare Compact Crossovers for Your Long Island Drives
With its comfortable cabin, configurable cargo options, standard safety technologies, and real all-season capability, the Subaru Forester represents one of the most compelling options in a highly competitive compact crossover class. It offers room passenger accommodations, tons of practicality, and appealing amenities to make your Brentwood commute more enjoyable. And with Subaru's signature adventure-ready DNA, it's more capable than most options in the segment when your travels take you off the beaten path.
Of course, with compact crossovers comprising the industry's most crowded class, Long Island drivers have plenty of options. Still, the Subaru Forester delivers a superbly well-rounded package that's tough to top. Here's a look at how it compares in a few key areas to one of the segment's most prominent competitors, the Toyota RAV4.
Accommodations
The Subaru Forester offers generous personal space for you and your passengers. Its 112-cubic-foot passenger volume is one of the roomiest in the segment and an appreciable difference from the Toyota RAV4's 98.8 cubic feet. That translates to more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room and a more comfortable experience, especially on longer journeys.
The Forester also makes desirable comfort and convenience amenities more accessible. The second-tier Premium trim includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, proximity keyless entry, and a power adjustable driver's seat-all features that cost more in the Toyota RAV4.
Practicality
If cargo space is on your priority checklist-and it often is when shopping for a crossover-you'll have plenty of room for your things with either vehicle. However, if every inch counts, the Forester has the edge with a standard max cargo capacity of 74.2 cubic feet. The Toyota RAV4's max cargo area measures 69.8 cubic feet.
All Forester models except the base trim come standard with raised roof rails, giving you more cargo-carrying options for larger items that don't fit inside. And if you choose the exclusive Wilderness trim, you'll get a fixed ladder-type roof rack that can hold up to 800 pounds (static, non-moving load limit), making it ideal for a rooftop tent. The RAV4 only has raised roof rails on two of its specialty trims.
Capability
The Subaru Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it more capable for inclement conditions or more challenging terrain. Stepping up just one trim level equips Subaru's advanced X-MODE traction management system with hill-descent control. And with the Wilderness trim, you'll get the enhanced capability of a dual-function X-MODE system, Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, skid plates, raised suspension, and more.
The RAV4 offers all-wheel drive, but it's only standard on two trim levels, and it isn't as capable as the Forester beyond the asphalt. Additionally, while both models offer many standard and optional driver-assistance features, the Forester comes standard with steering-adaptive headlights and offers an available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. These features are unavailable in the RAV4.
Test-Drive a New Subaru Forester in Riverhead
Reach out to Riverhead Bay Subaru today to learn more about the Subaru Forester and its available features, financing and leasing offers, or how you can reserve one tailored to your needs and preferences. If you'd like a closer look at what sets Subaru apart from the competition, we invite you to visit our Long Island Subaru dealership for a test drive. We'll be happy to show you around.
 Subaru Forester![]() |
 Vs Toyota Rav4![]() |