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Welcome to the new Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester comparison for 2019. Comparing two of the most popular medium sized SUVs currently on sale will always be an interesting experience and more so when we differ from the masses. All new RAV4 has so far been a convincing winner in prior comparisons due to the Hybrid engine and value package. It’s not impressive in the the other factors like design both interior and exterior. Since we haven’t compared the Subaru Forester against anything for a little while this is a good place to start.
Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forrrester exterior design : The Forester uses the latest Subaru design language and best described as conservative box with pinched and curved surfaces. It’s a practical shape as it hides the ultimately box or wagon shape well. It’s nice to see ‘impractical’ widow shapes like the cut rear side windows but why? apart from keeping up styling trends. The design has also been tweaked but it’s not an good looking SUV in a mainstream way and adheres to it’s original design brief. The RAV4 is a likewise a conservative design with a new trademark front end. The design has clues from other current Toyota models like the 4Runner and Tacoma but there are other brands like Jeep thrown in as well which makes it ultimately more conservative than a new model should be. The side cladding hides the box hopes well as we thought it like a high rise Corolla wagon than a van like wagon. Subaru designs also date quickly and not in a classic way which counts against it and that includes the Forester.
Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester interior: The Forester definitely has nice interior, much better looking and feeling that’s pictures suggest. It variation of a T-Box but with silver trim and edges along with high quality materials make it feel more upmarket than the stereotypical and plain BMW and Audi models as an example. It’s air vent for example feel more premium than either European luxury brands. In comparison to the RAV4 is nice too but not a nice as you would expect in a brand new model and interior design. However it is what we expect from a Toyota. Space is also seems more ample in the Forester than the RAV4 despite been basically the same size. In the end the Forester with more flashy screens and traditional design looks and feels better that the RAV4.
Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester engines and technology: The Subaru Forester only comes with one petrol engine choice which is disappointing from the brand that also makes the WRX. It’s a revamped 2.5 litre engine that produces adequate power and torque and nothing more but noticeably less than the equilivent non-turbo RAV4. The Forester’s safety systems on the other hand leads the way for the RAV4 having everything and a customisable driver interface if you buy the more expensive models. The Subaru also has AWD as standard across the model range which gives it a arguably safer drive in low grip situations. The RAV4 has an equal number of safety systems, normal and Hybrid engines, optional AWD and a nicer sounding stereo on most models. Only the top range Forester comes with the Harmon Kardon system. Thanks to the Hybrid engine option the RAV4 has the tech advantage
Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester engines street Red: Street cred is important in this family SUV class. Subaru formerly had a ‘different’ identity amongst Japanese brands. Subaru was much like Saab via the rest Europe except for Citroen of course. For those in the know it had cred beyond any other Japanese brand. However with sales and lack of marketing and the entrance of every other brand in the AWD SUV arena has made it hard to be ‘different’. Nonetheless it has a slight edge hampered by long term durability issues.
The conclusion to the new Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester comparison is probably the RAV4. Why? The Forester has a surprising nicer through older feeling interior, AWD, lots of equipment and reasonably priced which is why it does sell. The RAV4 has a similar package with that Hybrid engine option and more performance and safety as standard which is probably the main reason for buying.
| Toyota RAV4 | Subaru Forester |
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| Engines | |
| 4 Cylinder Petrol 2 Litre (1987cc) 91 Octane DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 127Kw @ 6600RPM Claimed 203Nm @ 4400RPM |
Flat 4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC EFI VVT 2.5 Litre (2498cc) Claimed 136Kw @ 5800RPM Claimed 239Nm @ 440RPM |
| 4 Cylinder Petrol 2.5 Litre (2487cc) DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 152Kw @ 6600RPM Claimed 243Nm @ 4000RPM |
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| 4 Cylinder Petrol Hybrid 2.5 Litre (2487cc) DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 163Kw @ 4000RPM Claimed 221Nm @ 3600RPM |
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| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 1515Kg Towing capacity up to 1500kg *Dependimg on engine type |
FROM 1523 Kg Towing capacity up to 1500kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 55 litres IL4 2.0 litre Petrol 6.8 litres per 100km IL4 2.5 litre Petrol 7.3 litres per 100km IL4 2.5 litre Hybrid 4.8 litres per 100km |
Up to 63 litres IL4 2.5 Petrol 7.4 Lts per 100km AVG |
| Other specifications | |
| 6 speed Auto/manual or CVT Auto Overall height/width 1685/1865 Overall length/wheelbase 4615/2690 4WD system: 2WD or AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
CVT Auto – 7 ratios Overall height/width 1730/1815 Overall length/wheelbase 4625/2670 4WD system: AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 188mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 200mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2020 FROM $30,640 – 47,140 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2019 $33,840 – 46,866 AUD 2018 $34,490 – 47,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |