2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive demeanor, with its frowning front and angular gray body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance did not quite match the visual promise. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $38,295 plus a $1,350 destination charge, featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and additional technology and weather packages, bringing the total to $41,925. The RAV4's interior was utilitarian, with easy-clean surfaces and practical storage solutions, but higher trims offered more luxurious options.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and capability, with a more refined and generic appearance. The Forester Sport model, which we tested, featured bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Limited and Touring trims offered additional luxury features. The Forester maintained its large-greenhouse shape, with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive side window design. Inside, the Forester offered a more intentional and designed look, with options for leather seating and advanced features in higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The TRD Off-Road model came with standard all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road capabilities, the RAV4 struggled with approach and departure angles, and its engine was noisy and unrefined. The eight-speed automatic transmission was reliable, and the RAV4 achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, with our test averaging 26.6 mpg.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The standard CVT and Symmetrical AWD system provided a smooth driving experience, with the X-Mode system enhancing off-road performance. The Forester's acceleration was modest, but its steering was fluid and confident. The Forester achieved an EPA rating of 29 mpg combined, with Sport and Touring trims slightly lower at 28 mpg. A hybrid version was anticipated, but fuel economy figures were not yet available.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality with its utilitarian interior, featuring storage shelves, trays, and rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road model offered SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with a rear seat that lacked leg support but offered good legroom. The cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate and increased cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with seats down. The Forester's roomy second row slightly compromised cargo space compared to competitors like the RAV4. The interior featured a dark headliner and power-adjustable seats, with higher trims offering additional comfort features like seat ventilation and heating.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The system included Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect, with a cloud-based navigation system and digital voice assistant. The JBL premium audio system was optional, and the digital rearview mirror provided a clear view when the vehicle was fully loaded.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring trim offered a voice-activated navigation system and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite included new features like Valet Mode and Remote Vehicle Configuration.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a range of driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4's safety features were adequate but not exceptional, and it lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests.

The 2025 Subaru Forester included Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, with enhancements for 2025 like a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. The Touring trim offered additional safety features like Emergency Stop Assist and a surround view monitor. While the 2025 Forester had not yet been crash-tested, the 2024 model received high safety ratings, and Subaru expected similar results for the new model.