SUVs are the most popular vehicles of 2021. With so many spectacular launches in the compact SUV class, people are actually asking which car is better 2021 Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4?
Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are the top automobiles under the SUV class that have captured buyers’ attention.
SUVs are said to be the most family-friendly cars in the market, but it is hard to choose with so many extravagant options.
To help you with your next big purchase, we are here to discuss which car you should buy, Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4.
2021 Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4 – Let Us Explore Them
Owning a big-size vehicle is a new trend that started in 2020 and has continued to 2021. These compact SUV crossovers are making people go crazy for them.
The family-size vehicles are ideal not only for big gatherings but for easy moving of luggage, people, & smooth ride.
The debate on which car is better is always going on. Right now, which car is better? Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4 is the new trending topic among buyers.
So before we start comparing the two models, let us explore each of them individually and make ourselves familiar.
1. Subaru Forester
The 2021 Subaru Forester is one of the most popular compact sport utility vehicles of 2021. The vehicle is both comfortable and spacious.
Not only this, the car provides capable handling both on and off-road. With immense towing capacity and cargo space handling, buying this full-size one of the Subaru vehicles is the right decision indeed.
The Subaru Forester comes with five trim levels namely Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring.
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The base-level trim starts from $24,795. The robust turbocharged engine will provide you with great power and high-end speed.
Configurations/Models:
- Base – From $24,795
- Premium – From $27,795
- Sport – From $29,395
- Limited – From $31,395
- Touring– From $34,895
Key Specifications:
- MSRP: From $24,795
- MPG: Up to 26 city / 33 highway
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 182 hp
- Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
- Acceleration(0-60 mph): 9.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 117 mph
- Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Standard Safety Features:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Traction control
- Adaptive cruise control
- 4 wheel disc brakes
- Adjustable head restraints: driver and passenger w/tilt
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane departure warning
- Brake assist
- Dual front impact airbags
- Dual front side impact airbags
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Pros:
- Ample of seating and cargo space
- Easy to use infotainment system
- Good fuel efficiency
- Standard all-wheel drive
Cons:
- So so engine power
- Less agile than some rivals
2. Toyota RAV4
One of the most talked-about launches of Toyota for 2021 is none other than its compact SUV Toyota RAV4.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 comes with a refined interior, outstanding fuel economy, and well-balanced performance that makes it one of the best choices.
The RAV4 model comes with six configurations, with each one having little enhancements over the other.
You can own the base model for the starting price of $26,250. With an engine of 2.5 L 4-cylinder, the vehicle can produce up to 203 hp.
Configurations/Models:
- LE– From $26,250
- XLE– From $27,545
- XLE Premium– From $30,250
- Adventure– From $33,355
- Limited– From $34,780
- TRD Off Road– From $35,980
Key Specifications:
- MSRP: From $26,250
- MPG: Up to 28 city / 35 highway
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 203 hp
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 120 mph
- Towing Capacity: 1,500 to 3,500 lbs
Standard Safety Features:
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane-keeping system
- Automatic high beams
- Traffic sign reader
- Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions
- Enhanced vehicle stability control
- Advanced airbag system
- Backup camera with path projection functionality
- Traction control
- Electronic brake force distribution
Pros:
- Efficient fuel mileage
- Spacious interior
- Ample standard tech and safety features
- Large cargo space
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons:
- Noisy engine
- Uncomfortable front passenger seat
- Vague steering
- Above-average base price
Which Car Is Better Subaru Forester Or Toyota Rav4 2021?
Subaru Forester VS RAV4 is the new hot topic of the automotive world. With the popularity of compact sport utility vehicles increasing, both companies are trying their best to sell their models.
As both the vehicles hold a good reputation, it is understandable that people want to find out which one is better.
Both Toyota and Subaru are famous automobile brands that are well known for their reliable and safe cars. So let us compare Subaru Forester & Toyota RAV4 to find out which one is the better Suv.
1. Price
Winner- Subaru Forester
The base model of the Subaru Forester costs $24,795 (starting price), whereas the 2021 Toyota RAV4 base model can be yours for $26,250 (starting price).
The highest trim level Touring of Forester costs $34,895 (starting price), whereas, for Toyota’s highest trim, you have to pay $35,980 (starting price).
In both cases, you can see Forester costs less than RAV4 in base and higher trim levels.
2. Reliability
Winner: 2021 Toyota RAV4
Subaru Forester reliability or RAV4 reliability, which one to choose? Both the models hold not so satisfactory reliability ratings.
The 2021 Subaru Forester has a dismal predicted reliability rating, whereas the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has an average predicted reliability rating.
Thus, RAV4 reliability is better than the Forester reliability. However, neither of these SUVs impressed us under this feature.
3. Comfort
Winner: 2021 Subaru Forester
Another feature that can answer which car is better, Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4, is seating comfort.
The Subaru Forester has more spacious seats than the Toyota RAV4. The truth is, Forester offers more space in the passenger seats than most of its competitors.
Apart from this, Forester also has large doors, which makes getting in and out easy. RAV4 sure does have good space, but it is nothing compared to Forester.
The Toyota beauty also lacks a power-adjustable front passenger seat, which is optional in the Subaru.
4. Cargo Space
Winner: 2021 Subaru Forester
With passenger seats in use, the Toyota RAV4 provides more cargo space than the Forester. However, with the rear seats down, the Subaru Forester offers more room overall.
The maxim cargo capacity of Forester is 76.1 cubic feet, whereas RAV4’s is 69.8 cubic feet. Along with this, both the SUVs come with a power liftgate.
5. Interior Features
Winner: 2021 Toyota RAV4
Both the SUVs come with a standard touch screen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB input, and satellite radio.
However, RAV4 comes out as the best in this category. It has a larger standard touch screen and more standard infotainment features like a Wi-Fi hot spot, Amazon Alexa, and six speakers (two more than the base Forester).
Also, the infotainment system of RAV is much easier to use.
6. Acceleration
Winner: 2021 Toyota RAV4
Another feature category that will help us decide between the two models is acceleration.
Toyota RAV4 comes with a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine, while Subaru Forester comes with a 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine.
Not only does RAV4 produces more power, but, also has a better power-to-weight ratio. The fast acceleration of 5.7 seconds speaks for itself.
7. Fuel Economy
Winner: 2021 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has better gas mileage than the Forester. With all-wheel drive, the RAV4 ranges from 25 to 27 mpg in the city and 32 to 34 mpg on the highway.
However, the Forester that comes standard with all-wheel drive gets 26 mpg city and 33 highway mpg.
The best part is the Toyota gets better mileage in its base trim with front-wheel drive giving it one up than the Subaru.
8. Ride & Handling
Winner: 2021 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive. This feature gives it sharper handling, tighter road grip in inclement weather, and more confidence over dirt roads.
In the off-road category, both the vehicles work the same. However, other models in the market trump these models in this category.
9. Safety
Winner: Tie
When it comes to owning the safety features, both the SUVs come packed with a long list of standard safety features in all of their offered trims.
Forester earns a little better safety ratings, while RAV4 comes with slightly more advanced safety features, keeping the balance.
Conclusion
Both the SUVs hold several unique yet similar features. The only thing is that one is better than the other on some grounds.
To help you understand better, we prepared this article. We hope this detailed read will give you the answer of which car is better Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4. If you have any suggestions, let us know in the comments below.
