2024 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a significant addition to Toyota's lineup, positioned as a larger alternative to the standard Highlander. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with models like the RAV4 and Camry, distinguishing itself from the truck-based Sequoia. Its design was more conservative and blocky, reminiscent of the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride, with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights that echoed the rugged 4Runner. Inside, the Grand Highlander offered a choice of Softex synthetic leather or real leather, depending on the trim, and featured a spacious interior with thoughtful touches like a large center console and second-row sunshades.

The 2025 Subaru Forester, traditionally known for its practicality over aesthetics, received a notable styling update. It featured standard roof rails and alloy wheels, with a more generic look that smoothed out its previous design. The Forester Sport trim introduced bronze accents, while the Limited and Touring trims offered larger wheels and additional features like a low-profile roof rack. The interior saw improvements with materials like StarTex and genuine leather, and the cabin was designed with a more intentional look, incorporating structural dash elements that enhanced its appeal.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter hybrid option provided 245 combined net horsepower, while the top-tier Hybrid Max powertrain delivered an impressive 362 combined net horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Highlander was available in both FWD and AWD, with the Hybrid Max exclusively AWD. Despite its size, the Grand Highlander offered solid acceleration, particularly with the Hybrid Max, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for AWD models.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with a Lineartonic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrain. While acceleration was modest, the Forester excelled in steering feel and off-road capability, handling various surfaces with confidence. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, with a slight decrease for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander boasted impressive dimensions, measuring 201.4 inches in length with a 116.1-inch wheelbase, making it larger than many competitors. This translated to a generous cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet, with 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The interior was spacious and comfortable, offering ample head, leg, and shoulder room across all rows, making it suitable for adults even in the third row.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space slightly to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks, and the Forester provided a roomy second row. Despite slightly less cargo space compared to some rivals, the Forester's interior was practical, with features like a dark headliner and power-adjustable seats, enhancing comfort and usability.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo on higher trims. A connected-services subscription provided additional functionalities, including an intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation. While the tech offerings were advanced, they required careful consideration of subscription options.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless smartphone integration. The base model featured dual 7-inch touchscreens with wired projection. Higher trims offered additional features like a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Touring trim included a voice-activated navigation system and Subaru's Starlink connected services with new capabilities.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was also standard. As a new model, it had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered advanced safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight suite with enhancements like a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. Emergency Stop Assist was available on the Touring trim, providing additional safety measures. While the 2025 model had not been crash-tested, the 2024 Forester received high safety ratings, suggesting continued excellence in safety.