2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters seen over the years. The SUV's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, resembling a smaller Subaru Ascent. The Touring trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was considered the most attractive in the lineup. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a mix of traditional buttons and knobs, providing a straightforward and user-friendly interface. The interior, though busy, was easy to clean and offered excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for drivers.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a rugged appearance with its aggressive styling and angular body cladding. The TRD Off-Road model, tested in Army Green, featured off-road suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, and utility-style roof racks. The RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with storage shelves, rubberized control knobs, and SofTex artificial leather upholstery. The driver’s seat was comfortable, and the steering wheel was well-designed. The RAV4 offered ample space for passengers and cargo, with a roomy 37.6 cubic-foot cargo area that expanded to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Overall, the RAV4's design emphasized utility and functionality, catering to those seeking a versatile and capable SUV.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction management system provided various driving modes for different terrains. The Forester Touring, tested in challenging weather conditions, demonstrated its capability by handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. Despite its adequate power, the Forester's engine was louder than expected, but its excellent driving dynamics, including light steering and effective brakes, contributed to a comfortable and engaging ride. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Off-Road model came with standard all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. The RAV4's Multi-Terrain Select system offered various driving modes, but its ground clearance and approach angles were similar to other RAV4 models. The off-road suspension provided a smooth ride on daily commutes, absorbing bumps and imperfections. The RAV4's engine, though powerful for its class, was loud and unrefined. The TRD Off-Road model achieved 26.6 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg. Overall, the RAV4 offered a balance of power and capability, but its off-road prowess was limited compared to more rugged SUVs.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and straightforward design. The Premium trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's high seating position and large windows provided excellent visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof allowed excessive solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller passengers. The Forester's cargo area offered 26.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing ample storage for various needs.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized practicality and utility, with storage shelves, trays, and rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The optional Weather package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The RAV4's driver’s seat was comfortable, and the rear seat offered good legroom and footroom. The cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it competitive in its segment. Overall, the RAV4's interior was designed for versatility and convenience, catering to those seeking a practical and functional SUV.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs and buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and other tasks.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 boasted the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included various connected services, such as Service Connect and Safety Connect, offering features like remote engine starting and SOS emergency calling. The digital voice assistant performed well, though some issues with volume and data parsing were noted. The RAV4's infotainment system was sophisticated, but the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and the delicate font were minor drawbacks.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Models with blind-spot monitoring included Automatic Emergency Steering, and higher trims offered Rear Automatic Braking. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System monitored driver attention. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement in side-impact and frontal-impact tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a range of driver-assistance features. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems performed adequately, though some issues with excessive braking and lane-departure warnings were noted. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to Marginal and Acceptable ratings in recent crash tests, highlighting the need for an updated design.