Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Which Is Better?
You’ll pay a bit more money for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid but save a ton of gas compared to the 2022 Subaru Forester.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
The 2022 Subaru Forester is more affordable and offers more cargo space than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, but the latter option saves drivers a significant chunk of change on gas.
On the surface, both the Subaru Forester and the RAV4 Hybrid offer everything SUV shoppers are looking for: rugged exterior styling, practical interiors, and a comfortable ride. However, the competing vehicles come with some key differences, leaving potential buyers questioning which compact crossover is truly best for them.
Here to help answer that question is
Jerry
, the trusted broker app
that helps car owners save big on car insurance
. Check out our in-depth comparison of the 2022 Subaru Forester vs. the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, so you can determine which vehicle will best meet your needs.And if you stick around until the end, we’ll even share some tips to save on
Subaru
or Toyota insurance costs
.Forester vs. RAV4 Hybrid: which is more expensive?
Model | Starting MSRP | Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
Forester Base | $27,070 | RAV4 Hybrid LE | $30,910 |
Forester Premium | $29,320 | RAV4 Hybrid XLE | $32,320 |
Forester Sport | $30,890 | RAV4 Hybrid SE | $33,565 |
Forester Limited | $33,000 | RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium | $35,270 |
Forester Wilderness | $33,945 | RAV4 Hybrid XSE | $36,890 |
Forester Touring | $36,420 | RAV4 Hybrid Limited | $39,410 |
RAV4 Hybrid Prime SE | $41,635 | ||
RAV4 Hybrid Prime XSE | $44,960 |
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Trim by trim, the RAV4 Hybrid is a few thousand dollars more than the Forester—as is the case for most hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Plus, the RAV4 has more trim options, which climb higher up the price ladder.
Ownership costs
While the MSRP is important to consider, it doesn’t paint the full picture of what a vehicle will actually cost you in the long run. You’ll also have to consider things like fuel, repairs, maintenance costs, and insurance—unavoidable expenses that go hand-in-hand with car ownership.
According to Edmunds, the five-year true cost to own a 2022 Subaru Forester is estimated at $36,830. Compared to a total cash price of $31,032, that’s an additional $5,795. On the other hand, the RAV4 Hybrid has an estimated cost of ownership of $37,913 over a five-year period.
A large reason that these numbers are closer together than the respective vehicles’ MSRPs is that the Forester comes with much higher fuel costs. In fact, you could save a couple of thousand dollars over the span of five years by opting for a hybrid vehicle like the RAV4 Hybrid.
MORE:
Subaru tune-up cost
Insurance costs
Even though the RAV4 Hybrid is better on gas,
Subaru Forester insurance costs
are still a bit lower than Toyota RAV4 Hybrid insurance costs
. This may be because parts for a hybrid powertrain are slightly more expensive than parts for a gas-powered system.Regardless of which vehicle you choose, you can lower your insurance costs quite easily by shopping for a new policy with
Jerry
. But Forester owners will typically see slightly lower rates due to the vehicle’s lower value. Winner: Subaru Forester
The bottom line: the Subaru Forester is the more affordable vehicle, despite the fact that the RAV4 Hybrid will save you big on fuel costs.
But the difference is rather minute—a matter of a couple thousand dollars over a five-year period. And the RAV4 Hybrid’s benefits might just make the extra cash worth your while.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: in-depth comparison
Body style and size
Both the Forester and RAV4 Hybrid are rugged-looking SUVs, but you’ll notice the aesthetic differences between their exteriors right off the bat. While the Forester is set apart by its boxy, truck-like, and outdoorsy SUV styling, the RAV4 Hybrid looks a bit more geometric, unique, and high-class.
Both are considered compact crossover SUVs, and therefore appear quite close in size from the outside. Inside, however, the Forester is a bit roomier—both in terms of passenger space and overall cargo space.
Dimensions | 2022 Subaru Forester | 2022 RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 105.9 inches |
Passenger volume | 111.6 cubic feet | 98.9 cubic feet |
Headroom (front/rear) | 41.2/39.6 inches | 37.7/39.5 inches |
Legroom (front/rear) | 43.3/39.4 inches | 41.0/37.8 inches |
Cargo volume w/ seats up | 28.9 cubic feet | 37.5 cubic feet |
Cargo volume w/ seats down | 74.2 cubic feet | 69.8 cubic feet |
Ground clearance | 8.7 to 9.2 inches | 8.1 inches |
Base curb weight | 3,454 lbs | 3,710 lbs |
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Engine and performance
All Forester models are powered by the same 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive to make 182 horsepower and tow up to 1,500 pounds. It takes a sluggish 8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph in a 2022 Forester, which isn’t exactly thrilling when it comes to acceleration.
The RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's assisted by two electric motors for a combined output of 219 horsepower. A CVT transmission and all-wheel drive are also standard.
In the RAV4, you’ll be able to race to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. For even more performance, upgrade to the Prime model—a real speedster that can hit 60 mph in an impressive 5.4 seconds.
Fuel economy
Here’s where the RAV4 Hybrid blows the Forester out of the water. The Forester’s fuel economy ratings are certainly nothing to sneeze at, rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway—pretty standard for a gas-powered vehicle in this particular segment.
But the RAV4 is a hybrid, so fuel efficiency is its specialty! The EPA estimates it'll achieve 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, blowing the Forester out of the water. If you opt for the Prime—the plug-in hybrid model—you’ll also get 42 miles of electric-only driving range.
Safety
When it comes to safety ratings, the Subaru and Toyota SUVs are neck and neck. Both earn a perfect 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration thanks to a long list of standard safety features.
The Forester has standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 Hybrid comes with all of that—plus pedestrian detection.
Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety selected the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as one of its 2022 Top Safety Picks, while the Subaru Forester earned the slightly elevated status of a 2022 Top Safety Pick+.
Tech
All Forester models come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system using Subaru's latest Starlink interface. Cheaper trims will get a 6.5-inch display, while a larger 8-inch display is available on more expensive models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are both standard, but you’ll have to upgrade for navigation and onboard Wi-Fi via a 4G LTE data connection.
The RAV4 Hybrid isn’t much different. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot is standard, but otherwise, the features are pretty much the same. You’ll get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration via a 7-inch display and can upgrade for navigation, as well as an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen display.
Interior and comfort
As we mentioned above, the Subaru Forester has a bit more space on the inside for both passengers and cargo. But space isn’t the only factor to consider when evaluating a vehicle’s interior.
Although both SUVs prioritize practicality over style, the RAV4 Hybrid is more nicely outfitted than the Forester. Subaru’s SUV is straightforward and almost completely frill-free, while Toyota’s compact crossover throws in some niceties like dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a height-adjustable false floor in the cargo area.
Opting for the highest trims of the RAV4 Hybrid might actually feel quite luxurious, thanks to heated front and rear seats, ambient interior lighting, and upgraded faux-leather upholstery. The Forester’s top trim gets some leather upholstery and trimmings, but it doesn’t seem quite as expensive.
Winner: Subaru Forester
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is amazing on gas and can be had in some pretty fancy trim levels, but that’s not enough to make it beat the 2022 Subaru Forester.
Why? The Forester simply offers more interior passenger and cargo, while essentially matching the RAV4 Hybrid in terms of safety and tech features. Plus, it works out to be more affordable at signing, as well as over five years—even if you have to put more gas in the tank!
How to save on Subaru insurance costs
Have you picked the perfect compact SUV for you? That means it’s time to pick the perfect
car insurance
. And, once again, Jerry
is here to help—this time with our free insurance comparison tool! It’s this simple: download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings. The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on car insurance.
“After signing up withJerry, I went from $199/month to $97/month for my car insurance. My 2019 Subaru Forester now has full coverage for a great price!” —Rhonda H.
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