Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4
Tackling the Competition: How the Subaru Forester Outdoes the Toyota RAV4
Subaru and Toyota are two renowned brands celebrated for their reliability, performance, and innovation. As the crossover SUV segment continues to dominate the market, the 2025 Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 have emerged as two of the most popular choices. While both vehicles deliver exceptional value, the Forester stands out as a versatile, adventure-ready SUV equipped to meet modern drivers' needs. From its rugged design to its advanced technology, here's why the Forester is the smarter choice near Riverhead.
Exterior Design Comparison
Sitting at what seems to be the perfect intersection of practicality and style, the 2025 Subaru Forester boasts a rugged, timeless design tailored for adventure. Its tall stance, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and clean lines not only make it aesthetically appealing but also highly functional. Optional upgrades like LED steering-responsive headlights and the available Wilderness trim with bold accents reinforce the Forester's focus on capability and utility.
The Toyota RAV4, while sleek and modern, leans more toward urban aesthetics with its aggressive lines and lower ground clearance. While visually striking, its design prioritizes form over the function needed for off-road adventures.
For those seeking a vehicle that's as stylish in the city as it is capable in the mountains, the Forester's balanced design has the edge.
Performance and Efficiency Comparison
Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Forester features a 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While the power output may seem modest compared to the RAV4's optional 203-horsepower engine, the Forester's unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard across all trims) ensures better traction, stability, and control in rough weather conditions around Long Island.
The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, comes with front-wheel drive as standard, requiring an upgrade to all-wheel drive for similar capabilities. Even with AWD, the RAV4 doesn't offer the same seamless and balanced performance as Subaru's signature system.
In terms of efficiency, the Forester achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, closely rivaling the RAV4's 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. However, the Forester's X-MODE system, available in higher trims, gives it a significant advantage when tackling rough terrain or slippery roads.
Interior Comparison
Inside, the 2025 Subaru Forester delivers an airy, spacious cabin that's ideal for families, adventurers, and commuters around Sayville. With generous headroom and legroom in both rows, the Forester outshines the RAV4 in passenger comfort.
Cargo space is another area where the Forester shines. It offers up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down, compared to the RAV4's 69.8 cubic feet. The Forester also features wide door openings and a lower-load floor, making it easier to load gear, groceries, or anything in between.
While the RAV4 offers more luxury-focused options in higher trims, such as synthetic leather upholstery, the Forester focuses on practicality with features like durable water-repellent upholstery in the Wilderness trim-perfect for outdoor lovers.
Technology Comparison
Both the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 come equipped with a suite of modern technology and safety features, but the Forester provides a more driver-focused experience around Smithville.
The Forester's STARLINK multimedia system, featuring a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen on higher trims, is user-friendly and responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims, and higher trims offer built-in navigation and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
The RAV4 also offers similar infotainment features, but its standard touchscreen is smaller at 8 inches, with the larger 10.5-inch screen reserved for upper trims.
Safety Comparison
The Subaru Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, pre-collision braking, and more. Additional features, such as DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, are available on higher trims to enhance safety even further.
The Toyota RAV4 also includes advanced safety features through Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), but some of its most innovative systems, like a digital rearview mirror, are only available on upper trims.
Where the Forester pulls ahead is in its standard AWD and higher visibility thanks to expansive windows and a tall driving position, making it easier to navigate crowded city streets or winding mountain trails.
| Features | 2025 Subaru Forester | 2025 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive | All wheel drive |
| Engine power | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Engine torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 2.5 l | 2.5 l |
| Engine configuration | Flat 4 | Inline 4 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| City/Hwy/Combined MPG | 26 / 33 / 29 MPG | 27 / 33 / 29 MPG |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
| Driving Range (city/hwy) | 432 / 548 miles | 392 / 479 miles |
Schedule a Test Drive at North Country Subaru Near Brentwood
Secure your 2025 Subaru Forester at our dealership. Our service center is excited to stock you with excellent accessories. For those needing help with financing, our finance center is ecstatic to work with you. Shop the new Forester today.
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