VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
236hp @ 6000
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
172lb-ft
Towing
1500lbs
1750lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Toyota Rav4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 while the Toyota Rav4 produces 236hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $33,385 for the Forester and $33,300 for the Rav4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 5800
236hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
172lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.3in
181in
Width (in)
72in
73in
Height (in)
68.1in
67in
Wheelbase (in)
105.1in
105.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3569lbs
3715lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
1750lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Rav4
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Rav4
Practicality
Rav4
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Toyota Rav4
Lower starting price ($33,300)
Higher towing capacity (1750lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Forester or Rav4?
The Forester produces 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque while the Rav4 delivers 236hp @ 6000 and 172lb-ft of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Forester and Rav4?
The Forester starts from $33,385 and the Rav4 from $33,300. The Rav4 is cheaper by $85 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Forester or Rav4?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Rav4 can tow 1750lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Forester or the Rav4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.