2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior, while quiet on the road, was noted for its dubious quality, with mismatched textures and tones, and controls that felt inexpensive.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid debuted with a redesign that offered a more cohesive, albeit less distinctive, look. Its blockier shape gave it a rugged appearance, reminiscent of a smaller Ford Explorer. The hybrid model closely mirrored its gas-powered counterpart, with subtle badges and an optional contrasting black roof on the top Touring trim. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous design elements, with a modernized dashboard featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin used hard plastics but offered soft-touch materials in high-contact areas. The front seats were comfortable, and the top trim included heated rear seats. While some felt the Forester lost some personality, it gained broader appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its powertrain, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. It offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to optimize fuel economy, but the test vehicle averaged only 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that detracted from engagement.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. Unlike Toyota's setup, the Forester used a traditional driveshaft for AWD, promising better traction off-road. Acceleration was adequate, though the hybrid transmission made it feel slower. The hybrid system was well-integrated, with smooth transitions between electric and gas power. The ride was firmer than expected, but off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to Subaru's X-Mode and hill descent control. The Forester Hybrid offered a balanced performance for both urban and adventurous driving.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could seat seven or eight, but the third row was best for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats in higher trims. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage solutions were criticized for being unlined and complex, detracting from utility.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid provided excellent forward visibility and a spacious, airy cockpit. The rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof. Storage included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets, though not overly generous. The Forester Hybrid had 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience. The upright tail design allowed for bulkier items, and an optional digital rearview mirror maintained visibility when fully loaded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system supported over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services included Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, with Drive Connect offering advanced features like voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle had a head-up display and a JBL sound system, though graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, offering built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Subaru's Starlink system was praised for its user-friendly interface and large buttons. The screen included off-road drive menus and external camera views for off-roading. Additional tech features included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It also included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors in higher trims. The Highlander received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though some ADAS features struggled in certain conditions.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The systems performed well, with the option to disable audible alarms for lane-keep assist.