What you should know about the 2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

Trying to decide which SUV is going to be your best bet for hitting the road this year? You’ve got lots of options, and two of the most solid ones include the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and 2024 Subaru Forester. But which one is best suited for your needs? Both have a seamless blend of style, efficiency, and space to offer… and that’s why we’re here. We’re taking a look at the 2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 to help you figure out which one you want in YOUR driveway.

2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4: What will they cost you?

First, let’s talk about the costs of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. And not just MSRP – ownership and operating costs, too. Here’s the breakdown.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 starting MSRP is $28,675. The 2024 Subaru Forester has a slightly cheaper starting MSRP of $27,095. However, you should keep in mind that this Clermont Toyota will offer you a lot more options. The RAV4 comes in 13 different models (seven of them hybrid). It also offers a plug-in hybrid option if you want to get more electric with your drive time. The Forester comes in six models (none of which are hybrid).

Additionally, the RAV4 has lower ownership and operating costs. On average, the maintenance for this Toyota costs about $63 less. Repairs are cheaper, too – take a look:

• $253 less for a fuel injector
• $140 less for a water pump
• $79 less for a starter
• $216 less for front struts
• $110 less for a muffler

Plus, when you choose this new Clermont Toyota, you’ll get ToyotaCare – this is 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance (like oil changes, tire rotations, etc.). Subaru doesn’t offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance for its vehicles. Further, there are twice as many Toyota dealers out there as there are Subaru dealers, so you’ll have a much easier time finding places to service your car nationwide.

Which one of these SUVs offers more reliability?

You should also keep in mind that Toyota is ranked higher than Subaru for its reliability. Here are the details:

• Consumer Reports ranked Toyota first in overall reliability, while Subaru is ranked seventh.
• J.D. Power ranks Toyota above average for long-term dependability, while Subaru is ranked below average.

Which cabin is for you – Forester or RAV4?

When it comes to the 2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 cabins, they’re similar in a lot of ways. Both seat five, have a good amount of cargo space, and have lots of trims and colors to choose from. However, here’s how they differ:

• You’ll get a lot more space in the Clermont Toyota RAV4’s cabin. It has 37.6 cubic feet of space. The Subaru Forester only offers 28.9 cubic feet of space.
• The RAV4 also offers the option of a hands-free liftgate with foot activation, which is a feature not found on the Forester.

Plus, you’ll find that this Clermont Toyota also has Qi wireless charging and offers optional air-conditioned seats, automatic power windows that open and close with one touch of a switch, automatically adjusting windshield wipers,  and a 115-volt a/c outlet. The Subaru Forester doesn’t offer any of these features, unfortunately.

Now – what about performance?

Performance: Does the Forester or RAV4 come out on top?

Again, these SUVs share a similarity in that they both have a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. Here’s where they differ:

• The Toyota RAV4 gets 21 more horsepower than the Subaru Forester.
• This Clermont Toyota also produces 8 more lbs.-ft. of torque.

And here are a few more key differences:

• The RAV4 comes in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the Forester is only available in all-wheel drive.
• You’ll get seven hybrid and six gas options with this Clermont Toyota. The Forester only offers six gas models – no hybrid options are available.
• The RAV4 is faster. It gets from 0-30 mph in 2.8 seconds, 0-60 mph in 8 seconds, and 0-80 mph in 13.5 seconds, beating the Forester in all three of those categories.
• This Toyota SUV also gets better fuel efficiency. It offers 27/35 mpg in the gas models and 41/38 mpg in the hybrid models. The Subaru competition offers 26/33 mpg.
• The RAV4 has larger tire options up for grabs for improved traction, and larger wheel options for better handling and brake cooling.
• It also has wider suspension, better cornering capabilities, and a quieter cabin.
• Which can tow more – Forester or RAV4? Long story short, the RAV4 – it can tow up to 3,500 lbs. while the Forester maxes out at 3,000 lbs.
• You’ll also get more stopping power in this Clermont Toyota. It has larger brake rotors and a stopping distance of 161 feet at a speed of 70 mpg – the Forester takes 181 feet to come to a stop at the same speed.

2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4: Safety and safety tech

What about safety? You can’t talk about an SUV and not discuss safety. Toyota is globally recognized for its incredible safety research and features, and you’ll find nothing less in the 2024 Toyota RAV4. Here’s where the 2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 comparison pans out in terms of safety:

• There’s rear cross-traffic alert in both of these SUVs, but the RAV4 additionally offers Parking Support Brake to help prevent a crash when you’re reversing near traffic.
• This Clermont Toyota has a secondary collision brake – it automatically applies the brakes in the event of a collision to reduce further damage. You won’t find this feature in its Subaru competitor.
• The new RAV4 offers you a birds-eye view camera so you can see all sides of your vehicle plus the front and back. There’s no option like this in the Forester, just a standard backup camera.

What about safety ratings – which does better, the Forester or RAV4?

• The IIHS rated the RAV4 safer for its side impact test.
• The RAV4 has a higher NHTSA safety rating for frontal crashes and side impact crashes

Should you drive the Forester or RAV4?

Still unsure as to which is for you? Test drive the new 2024 Toyota RAV4 at Toyota of Clermont. We’re open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. You can also call us at (352) 404-7000!