2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4: Which should you drive?

So you're shopping for a new ride and have your eye on SUVs - which one is going to be the best fit for your busy life? If you're looking for a solid mix of interior space, fuel efficiency, and modern style, then you've got two great options - the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and the 2024 Subaru Forester. Our sales experts are here with a guide to these two exceptional vehicles to help you choose the most fitting option for your daily drive. When it comes to the 2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4, which comes out on top?

2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4: The costs

Let's talk about cost first - we know that's a factor that's pretty high up there for people when it comes to deciding which car to get. Here are the basics.

• The 2024 Toyota RAV4 starting MSRP is $28,675. The 2024 Subaru Forester has a slightly cheaper starting MSRP of $27,095. However...

• This Orlando Toyota has lower ownership and operating costs. Maintenance on average costs $63 less, while typical repairs are also cheaper, including:
  • $140 less for a water pump
  • $110 less for a muffler
  • $79 less for a starter
  • $253 less for a fuel injector
  • $216 less for front struts

• When you buy the new 2024 Toyota, you'll get 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Subaru doesn't offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance for its new cars. Your car care savings add up - trust us!
  • Also, there are twice as many Toyota dealers as there are Subaru dealers, which makes it that much easier to find a Toyota service provider near you when you need one.

• Toyota is ranked higher for reliability than Subaru.
  • J.D. Power ranks Toyota above average for long-term dependability, while Subaru is ranked below average.
  • Consumer Reports ranked Toyota first in overall reliability, while Subaru is ranked seventh.

• Finally, you get fewer choices when you opt for the 2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4.
  • The Forester comes in six models, none of them hybrid.
  • The 2024 Toyota RAV4 comes in 13 models, including seven hybrid options.
  • And for the icing on top, you can even get the new RAV4 Prime, which is a plug-in hybrid that can help ease you into the world of electric vehicles.

Although you may pay a bit more upfront for your new Toyota, the payoff over the years more than makes up for it.

Which offers better performance, Forester or RAV4?

Now let's talk about the performance when it comes to the 2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4. Here are some key things to note:

• As we mentioned, the RAV4 comes in multiple hybrid options. The Forester is rumored to have hybrid options coming at some point, but there's no set date in sight.

• The Forester ONLY comes in all-wheel drive. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you want the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, you should opt for the RAV4.

• Both of these SUVs sport 2.5L 4-cylinder engines under the hood. However...
  • The Toyota RAV4 gets 21 more horsepower than the Subaru Forester.
  • The RAV4 also produces 8 more lbs.-ft. of torque.

• Which is faster - Forester or RAV4?
  • The RAV4 is faster. It gets from 0-30 mph in 2.8 seconds, 0-60 mph in 8 seconds, and 0-80 mph in 13.5 seconds, beating the Forester in all three of those categories by multiple seconds.

• You'll get better fuel economy with this Orlando Toyota. Here's the breakdown:
  • The 2024 Toyota RAV4 gets 27/35 mpg.
  • The 2024 Subaru Forester gets 26/33 mpg.
  • And don't forget about the RAV4 hybrid - it gets 41/38 mpg, hugely driving up your fuel efficiency.

• This new Toyota SUV has larger tire options than its Subaru competitor for better traction, as well as larger wheels for better handling and brake cooling.

• The RAV4 offers a wider suspension by inches, has better cornering capabilities, and has a quieter cabin thanks to its new chassis.

• You can tow more with this Toyota SUV - 3,500 lbs. This Subaru SUV maxes out at 3,000 lbs.

• Finally, this Orlando Toyota has more stopping power. It has larger brake rotors and a stopping distance of 161 feet at a speed of 70 mpg - the Forester takes 181 feet to come to a stop at the same speed.

Forester vs RAV4: Which cabin suits you better?

Both of these spacious but efficient SUVs seats five and has an easily accessible cargo area. Both of them also option multiple trim options and colors for you to choose from. Here are some of the finer points to consider:

• This Orlando Toyota has a MUCH larger cargo area. It offers 37.6 cubic feet of space, while its Subaru competition falls short with just 28.9 cubic feet of space.
  • The RAV4 also offers the option of a hands-free liftgate with foot activation, a feature not found on the Forester.

• This Orlando Toyota also offers power windows that auto open and close with one touch of a switch, automatically adjusting windshield wipers, optional air-conditioned seats, Qi wireless charging, and a 115-volt a/c outlet. The Subaru Forester doesn't offer any of these features.

The RAV4 offers you more creature comforts and efficiency features when you're out on the open road.

2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4: The safety aspects

Last but certainly not least - especially not in an SUV - let's talk about safety and safety features. Toyota is renowned on a global scale for its safety research and technology, and this Orlando Toyota is no exception. Here's what you should know:

• The new RAV4 offers you a birds-eye view camera so you can see all sides of your vehicle plus the front and back. There's no option like this in the Forester, just a standard backup camera.

• This new Toyota in Orlando has a secondary collision brake - it automatically applies the brakes in the event of a collision to reduce further damage. You won't find this feature in its Subaru competitor.

• You'll also find rear cross-traffic alert in both of these SUVs, but the RAV4 takes things one step further with Parking Support Brake to help prevent a crash when you're reversing near traffic.

• When it comes to safety ratings for the 2024 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4, here's how things pan out:
  • The RAV4 has a higher NHTSA safety rating for frontal crashes and side impact crashes
  • The IIHS rated the RAV4 safer for its side impact test

Forester or RAV4? You decide.

Ready to see which of these SUVs is the best option for you? Test drive a new 2024 Toyota RAV4 at Toyota of Orlando today. You can get our best deals at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, or call us at (407) 298-4500!