Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota RAV4
Overview
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Toyota RAV4LE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | LE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | hybrid |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Toyota RAV4LE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $29,995 (best) | $31,900 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $38,122 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $38,122 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $38,122 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Toyota RAV4LE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 44 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 48 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG | 42 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.6 gal (best) | 15 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Toyota RAV4LE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 226 hp (best) |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft (best) | 172 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | flat 4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Toyota RAV4LE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 74.4 cu ft (best) | — |
| Towing capacity | — | 1,750 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,510 lbs (best) | 3,640 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in (best) | 8 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 106 in (best) |
| Length | 183.3 in (best) | 181 in |
| Width | 72 in | 73 in (best) |
| Height | 68.1 in (best) | 67 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Toyota RAV4LE |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) $29,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LE $31,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $31,995 MSRP | LE AWD $33,300 MSRP |
| 3 | Premium $33,195 MSRP | SE $34,700 MSRP |
| 4 | Premium Hybrid $34,730 MSRP | SE AWD $36,100 MSRP |
| 5 | Limited $37,595 MSRP | XLE $36,100 MSRP |
| 6 | Sport Hybrid $37,930 MSRP | XLE AWD $37,500 MSRP |
| 7 | Limited Hybrid $38,995 MSRP | Woodland $39,900 MSRP |
| 8 | Wilderness $39,495 MSRP | XSE $41,300 MSRP |
| 9 | Wilderness Hybrid $40,495 MSRP | SE $41,500 MSRP |
| 10 | Touring Hybrid $41,545 MSRP | Limited $43,300 MSRP |
| 11 | — | Woodland $45,300 MSRP |
| 12 | — | XSE $47,200 MSRP |
| 13 | — | GR Sport $48,500 MSRP |
Live inventory
Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Toyota RAV4?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Toyota RAV4?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Subaru Forester starts lower at $29,995. Live Toyota RAV4 listings start at $38,122.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Toyota RAV4?
- The 2027 Subaru Forester leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (29,995).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Toyota RAV4?
- The 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (44).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Toyota RAV4?
- The 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads on horsepower in this comparison (324).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Toyota RAV4?
- The 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (3,500).