Toyota Takedown! Does the Subaru Forester have what it Takes to Beat the RAV4?

Watch our full 2023 Subaru Forester Review at Car Confections!

[@stevenperry4947]

I did buy the Forester for my wife over the RAV4 and do not regret it! The Forester is amazing. A touch under powered but otherwise a very nice car.

[@Nucleric]

My father has a Forestor 2018 and I like it more than my RAV4 XSE 2020

[@ralkros681]

I work at Toyota, and I bought a 2020 forester. No regrets everytime I have to drive a rav4. To the crowd that says “Subarus blow head gaskets,” that was 10 years ago people. Let it go. Trust me, you don’t think all the turbos they are putting in Toyotas aren’t going to start blowing gaskets and raising other issues. Just please don't do 10000 mile oil changes... Most people fall under the "severe" category aka halfing the interval to 5k.

[@czuidema0809]

I keep telling everyone the head gasket issue was resolved in 2014.

[@boxoffisa]

Toyota didn’t start making turbos starting 10 years ago. Yes your choice is great. I would take RAV4 myself and keep resale value.

[@spacedune13]

The Forester has a very equivalent if not better resale value. I’ve owned both Toyotas and Subarus.

[@Thawhid]

Time to kill that meme lol

[@Studio89Graphic]

@@czuidema0809 The Head-gaskets for USA Made Forester/Outback and Legacy only. The JDM or Made in Japan for Asia/Australia and NZ had no Problems It turned out that = Rumors = HG Made in Mexico? Cheers, My Subaru Legacy 1992; kept me going until it got stolen in May this year 2023. Besides, Timing-Belt in my Legacy was original until changed in 2019 (from 1992) = even the Tech Lady, Subaru Licenced, was shocked because she was born 1993; she said "this timing-belt was older than me" ... We/I still have the Belt next to my computer as a souvenir...

[@moonj605]

*me watching this when i already bought a forester over a rav4*

[@samuelhall7214]

Same! 😂

[@lenafrances4834]

🤝🏾 same

[@zeruiahwild1]

Love this😂

[@OGFastforwardz]

Same 🤝

[@TheRenaissanceAmazon]

Same here!

[@TheMaleNurse777]

Yea to the forester. All terrain. Took it to many national parks, canada in fall, 3 month trip from California to peru 🇵🇪. Still running.

[@ModestMonkey]

Uhhhh how in the heck did you get your car from California to peru, if you managed to drive through the Darien gap you should be a very wealthy man 😂

[@Walterrinho]

@@ModestMonkeylol I think you use a ferry. Tacomabeast wants to do that as his dad did back in the day in a Toyota truck of some sort to their native equador.

[@MYRONone.]

no content tho ? okay 👍🏻

[@Mi.MiEspacio.]

I love my Subaru forester. The dashboard alone looks much better than the Rav4.

[@JesusTorres-bw3bn]

Forester☝🏽 all the way Rav 4 isn’t as capable off road as the forester, and no Subarus don’t have head gasket issues any more.

[@Studio89Graphic]

Head Gasket in Subaru's Mostly Legacy, Outback and Impreza's from Indiana... USA I have not heard that consistently in JDM or Made in Japan for International Markets = including Aussie/ New Zealand. Subaru Foresters have been Manufactured out of Japan.. Probability of HG persistent less than the ones from Indiana like Legacy, Outback and Impreza. [ So, why do we hear so much about head gaskets and why is the year so important? Early engines had a head gasket that was made from a compressible fibre material with metal rings around the important parts to contain the extreme pressures of combustion. These were known as composite gaskets, and they had their limitations. They would sometimes need to be re-tensioned as the material compressed over time. If the metal ring had any breach of sealing, the fibre material backing it up would ‘blow’ out due to the extreme pressure which would result in a catastrophic failure. The term ‘blown head gasket’ refers to a hole blown through the sealing material to allow combustion pressures to escape. Also, it can allow coolant to enter the cylinder or mix with the oil. The loss of cylinder compression usually causes an engine to run on less than all its cylinders. Composite style head gaskets have almost completely vanished from modern engines, Subaru along with most manufacturers have abandoned them in favour of metal shim style gaskets. Sometimes referred to as MLS gaskets they are a thin stainless steel shim or layers of thin steel shims riveted together, sometimes with a sealing coating. Better gasket technology and better surface finishing machinery and assembly process have made the compressible nature of the fibre composite head gasket redundant. This shim style of head gasket started being phased in around the mid-’90s on Subaru’s and by 2000 was across the board. The style of the gasket is exceptionally robust and almost impossible to blow as it’s harder than the surrounding aluminium cylinder block and head. As they don’t compress over time, re-tensioning was also a thing of the past. ]

[@stevetuckey]

When did they have those issues? Looking at getting a second hand one

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

Forester all the way. My 2016 Outback is a dream to drive.

[@BigBadRivi]

I had a Subaru Forester and my wife loved it. Would definitely recommend it over the Rav-4

[@PiNKD_OUT]

No brianer. Absolutely amazing car. Hasn't faded from buying it either, I'm still just as much in love. Actually even more in love now that I know all it's secrets 🤫 one thing that shocked me with the Subaru is that I get non stop compliments on it. I've never had so many compliments on any car I've ever own. In fact the subi is the ONLY car I've ever gotten a compliment on!!

[@ProfessorBelter]

I did buy the forester and have had zero regrets it really is a great car

[@andresgroove]

I just bought 2 Foresters.. 1 for the nanny and the gardener... They are absolutely happy

[@mamak2066]

I chose a forester over the rav 4 and was shocked at my decision but man was it a good one!!!

[@omariidd9972]

WITHOUT HESITATION

[@gcanyon3114]

I've driven both and the Forester wins by a landslide IMO. You can't beat the huge windows and spaciousness inside. It feels very airy and comfortable. The Rav4 on the other hand feels very closed in and the ergonomics are terrible.

[@TrojanRabbit521]

Just brought home a Forester. I was impressed with quality of interior and it’s so comfortable driving home from work.

[@liltomtom9055]

I recently totaled my 2010 forester and we have a 2023 rav 4 rental and that forester is a lot better. I would rather be in a crash in the 2010 forester over the 2023 rav 4. W Subaru

[@7clippers1]

😂 had to laugh at your comment. It’s not often I see input on which is preferred to be in during a crash. - hope you’re okay and fully recovered 👍

[@Mike_44]

Forester hands down over the RAV4. Just got myself an MY23 Forester and I love it!

[@Francis.Rivers]

I wanted a Forester its more spacious than the rav4. Also the moonroof is wider. But i ended up with an XSE rav4 because of the MPG. No regrets.

[@GlennsHardWired]

Saw a 2023 rav 4 get stuck on Parson Branch road in Townsend tn. My outback made it like a champ. Made a vid.

[@bobkloth57]

I love my 2019 Subaru Forester Sport with over 60K miles. I have had zero problems. I love the EyeSight and having good visibility all around.

[@fazo4353]

Did you install an auto stopper on it for that start stop function. Totally worth it! I also hooked up my dash cam to the eyesight instead of hardwiring it and put a remote start on it instead of paying that stupid subscription for it. I did so much more to that car I just love it!!! My only complaint is the cheap plastic for the electronic seat controls but I love everything else and you can’t even tell the difference between the 20 21 22 and 23 models

[@bobkloth57]

@@fazo4353 Thank you for your reply. My Subaru has a button to deactivate the stop/start. I had a remote start installed. I’m glad that you like your Forester too.

[@merdadrezai1195]

Would not even consider the RAV4. Forester is far more superior in quality, ability, reliability, space, comfort and safety.

[@sidjt]

200k miles on my forester and counting with no problems. Yeah I’ll take the Subaru any day over dealing with the issues of a Toyota, there’s a reason subarus are on the road longer than any other brand sold in the last 10 years

[@ReputableSk]

Lmao

[@Santanabat]

@@ReputableSk96% of Subarus are still on the road

[@DUNGSTA]

What issues?

[@jones0882]

I got a Subaru Forester 2024 and I love it!

[@howardpaul7614]

I love my Forester Touring!

[@TansRav4]

got a rav4 hybrid xle standard with awd for 35k out the door.

[@fireworks1972]

That’s not fully loaded though

[@LANDIIIIIOFIIIIIFIRE]

I see them $35k msrp xle my area

[@disksas]

Not in souther California they are super expensive

[@pedrocollado6039]

in japan

[@vincent8900]

Suabru's AWD is better though

[@RG-tx6up]

Late in 2022, I bought a RAV4 AWD XLE Premium for $36.5K. My wife had her heart set on a Forest Green Outback Wilderness for $38.3K and she liked both, but the RAV4 being $1800 cheaper, she happily took the RAV4. I was happy not to have the boxer engine.

[@ossamaamis8709]

I'm buying Forrester 2018 this coming monday and I can't wait to put my hand on it

[@allanguy2522]

I'm not a fan of the CVT transmission in the subaru . But i guess they are more reliable by now

[@danielfair4675]

Yep, for a decade. Best advice, have the tranny fluid changed every 40k miles. SOA says it's a "lifetime" fluid, yet Canadian & Japanese owners are advised to have it done every 30 - 40k. Doesn't make much sense since it's the same vehicle, built at the same plant.

[@lorenschwiderski]

More quiet, safer in real world crashes, and some other advantages to RAV4, but the transmission and engine might last longer in the Toyota. And some prefer the AWD. The new 2025 Forester will have more sound deadening, improved seats and general look, along with tighter steering. The sightlines out of the Subaru are great -- like a fish bowl. I think it is coming in Spring of this year. I will consider it, though I like the sporty look of the CrossTrek. The new Forester will look more like a Honda CRV ( latest style ).

[@foreverhomepetrescue]

I chose the RAV4 TRD Off Road. I didn't want a CVT - Subaru only offers CVT. Subaru also doesn't offer the cooling seats unless you get very top trim with real leather (ew, no). I love both brands, but chose the RAV for those reasons.

[@GerryStilton]

Shut up and take my money 😂❤. But there's also one other thing it has turning headlights. Not RAV4. While it sounds gimmicky, in real life, it does help a lot. I have a car that has just that.

[@tuan056585]

Was looking for RAV4 limited but ended up bought Forester Touring in pearl white with brown leather interior. No regrets at all. Forester is definitely looks better than Rav4 in and out from quality build to pricing. Forester is Made in Japan whereas RAV4 is not.

[@makipa20021]

I got the Rav 4 hybrid XLE for $36400 out the door .Much better looking vehicle and reliable

[@Nun6566]

Way better mpg probably as well

[@ralkros681]

Honestly, for that price for the hybrid (in this market), you got a steal.

[@Santanabat]

I got my 21 forestor sport fully loaded $36000 out the door. Mine definitely looks better then any rav4 and for the reliability part I’d say Subaru has 97% of its cars on the road while Toyota has 80%

[@JacksonWalter735]

Better looking is subjective. I’d still take a RAV4 because it’s a Toyota, but the Forester looks better

[@JuanDePan]

Nope previously owned 2 Subarus a 93 and 09 the 93 was dead reliable unfortunately I ended up in a wreck and it was totaled. The 09 had constant issues. We finally ended up getting a 21 rav4 and it’s been a pleasure to drive soft and comfortable on the road and plenty of interior space.

[@AP3X__636]

Lmao u had OLD CARS no shit ur ganna have a lot of issues

[@DUNGSTA]

Did u even watch the video?

[@btx5740]

Yup got a ‘03 Forester

[@redoakranch1783]

The current engine design doesn’t have any head gasket issues, got 150k on my 2016, no issues. The old Subi and Toyota 3.0 V-6 are not so good.

[@michaelcafaro4022]

Own a 2015 forester at the time I also test drove the rav4 of that year and chose the forester. I think from a cost of ownership the rav4 wins. The rav4 has a better engine. I had my forester in very loose sand on a beach that would have stranded most suvs the forester went through it like it was a Jeep. Not even a hint of getting stuck.

[@caydenworley5002]

Unfortunately the one thing as a personal choice is I don’t want a car with a CVT, that being said Subaru does a good job making them feel normal under normal driving. My grandma has a 2018 Subaru Forester Sport for a while and i didn’t know it was a CVT till I had to merge onto the Highway one day. But I just don’t like CVT, they make the cars feel sluggish plus the fact that if you’re going for performance. Do you wanna hear a little 2 liter boxer sitting at 6000rpm consistently at full throttle?

[@adam-davidvaught8382]

I'm getting the Forester this year 🙌🏽

[@Armondahad]

Only reason I even considered a RAV4 is for the hybrid. Even with all the gas savings and my environmentally friendly bent, the superiority of the Forester in every other way is going to prevent me from choosing Toyota.

[@cnobillbradley9673]

I’d buy the Forester but, I own an XT

[@dunamishub3180]

the rav has better resale value, better reliability and cheap maintenance. only reason for the forester is trying to be different

[@darkblacker_help378]

Resale value hahaha

[@Gopinathk17]

Subaru's have good resale value as well.

[@nick4281]

Love how when people are buying cars these days they are already thinking about selling it...

[@HolyEyeWasHere]

Based on my test drive experience, the Forester had way less cabin noise than the RAV4

[@user-pj3ey6my4c]

i love you man all the time i look to your vidoes you great man and classic man

[@MrBGee]

This is the only one id buy after the crv or rav

[@Bjb1031]

My wife and I tested both cars and something you don’t mention, is how much better the Subaru drives. The engine in the two rav4s we test was anemic and boring, and it felt dark in the interior. And the dealerships were night and day with how we were treated and what we were offered. Subaru by a mile.

[@jmartyt9810]

6. Subaru will have head gasket leak in a few years. And the Toyota won't.

[@flaggov6949]

They've fixed the head gasket issues. I think it's their CVTs that are problematic now.

[@bluehydro88]

​@flaggov6949 You can't really fix the issue because it's a design flaw of the boxer engine. At most, you can make the engine last a bit longer but will still fail

[@PRO4XKEV]

No more head gasket issues. A new re designed head gasket solved that issue.

[@Hallowsaw]

​@@flaggov6949 no its their timing covers and cam covers. I know i have 2 subarus... both leak

[@cruzinthruspace]

Wrong

[@vickvega571]

Subaru will be way more fun and feel safer if you live in rain or snow areas. If you don’t Rav 4 will last twice as long with zero issues if you keep up the maintenance required

[@agak61]

What about RAV4 hybrid vs Forester? Prices are very close but mpg would be better on RAV4. Or not worth it ?

[@tanekiagrant8479]

Yes I would buy it and plus all of that stuff comes standard on the Subaru Forester why the rapper or you got to pay extra there and it'll go into the 40,000 I'm not doing that I'm getting the Subaru Forester

[@mdumisenimfuphi8619]

And no one can steal ur subaru unlike Toyota

[@jerryfieldz7701]

I would choose the rav4.

[@dianaleon1752]

Just got my Rav4 XLE last week and I LOVE IT!! It’s a lot of fun to drive and I love how high up it sits.

[@JacksonWalter735]

⁠​⁠@@dianaleon1752how has it held up so far now? I’m trying to decide between that and a Mazda CX5 either Preferred or Premium depending on which one arrives to the dealership first. I love the RAV4 because it’s a Toyota (reliability and track record is massive) and it’s larger, but the CX5 is more fun to drive, feels more premium, and doesn’t have a CVT like the RAV4.

[@dianaleon1752]

@@JacksonWalter735 so from what I have been reading the hybrid has an ecvt which is different from the cvt’s in other vehicles. The gas powered RAV4 has the popular 8 speed automatic transmission. I’ve had it for almost 8 months now and I LOVE it!!! It’s perfect for my everyday needs and I’ve customized it a little too. Before getting it I looked at the CRV and the Cx-50, but I fell in love with the RAV4. MAZDA, from what I’ve heard is pretty great!! I already have 10,600 miles on my ravioli and no problems yet!!

[@JacksonWalter735]

@@dianaleon1752 thanks Diana! I appreciate the info and help!

[@Jaegov]

Own an Outback, Forester sport, and a Legacy wagon. Former Toyota owner and got priced out of market. Now Toyota workmanship is dropping, so, hard no to Rav4. Maintenance is key to Subaru longevity. Toyota of old needed nothing, even maintenance! The rust kills them

[@michaelswick4251]

Outback or RAV4. Lasts longer

[@saraaronzon4562]

Yes!

[@Jim-bh7gs]

I declined to test drive a Forester because ot felt cavernous to me. The 2020 model seemed much smaller. Is Forester still a "compact" suv?

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Great #short!😸

[@bob-o9865]

What year Foresters are the best?

[@zaikodozahoragisu]

1 reason i hold my money to buy this car is because of the exterior car design...😅😅... i will wait the next generation of this car,

[@jonathanbell5570]

I drive a Toyota now and really considering a Subaru either the outback or the Forester mainly because Toyota high prices. Looking for something just as reliable as Toyota but as expensive

[@abi5h]

RAV4 all the way! Reliability matters!

[@aidan475]

Yeah I’d still buy a rav 4

[@simmersinner6675]

I'd get the forester I think it looks better

[@mattgreven7615]

What about forester vs Outback

[@mirceamunteanu4791]

Rav4 is more reliable, fun-responsive 8 speed transmission, more HP (209), RAV4 also comes as a hybrid(230HP) or plug-in (300HP) , Forester only 182 HP sorry ... but no to a future Subaru

[@14bqdonk]

Real leather, nice! But vegan gonna boycott this cae

[@thelivinglegend1928]

What about the MPG difference

[@amoghdave2876]

well toyota owns 30% of subaru also rav4 has ventilated seats and 39,000 is without tax

[@LookingGlass24]

Correction: only 20%. And what does that matter or have to do with the price in China? Lol

[@richardtaylor7485]

The Forester is more spacious on the inside and appears to be more rugged. A real Toyota guy here other manufacturers are building better products at a lower price point.

[@robertsamuel2990]

Definitely rav 4 or this car. Doesn’t compare to Toyota ingenuity

[@andreauscocovich]

I got me the Subaru forester 2024 recommended for my husband that has the Subaru Outback

[@rufaimuhammadaminu6873]

I wish Scott Kilmer Wil see this view

[@AcidFlash123]

Nope. Own 2 Rav4's. Excellent, reliable vehicles.

[@BadKittyNoMilk]

Does this forester come with an alternate option than, the skin seat covering? Thank you

[@TammyTobin-jm5sc]

Yes if you go for the Limited

[@Nucleric]

I have a RAV4 XSE and it drives like a boat and the handling sucks.

[@faym3187]

Like a boat😂😂😂

[@nicholashorvath9812]

Got a 22,

[@yzhakronen6268]

Also i don’t understand why consumer reports is silent on this subaru forester engine issue

[@Hilariousaurus]

Because there aren't any in this current generation.

[@dingusfuzzklonnkt2755]

They literally don't exist. If we are talking about things from 2009 we can talk about Toyotas v6. Wait 5 years until Toyotas turbo and hybrids start dying, doubting Japanese craftsmanship is ignorance at it's finest

[@manavghosh3660]

rav4 xle premium specced out is 36k...

[@korykelsey4364]

Despite not offering a hybrid option, I would choose a Forester or Outback over a RAV4. The interior of both is nicer than the RAV4, and of course, Subaru's AWD system!

[@ramonvargas3099]

Yo compraría la Subaru

[@robertroy4903]

How about Honda crv awd

[@FishingWithHoang]

I own a 2017 FXT... about to trade the wife's 2014 rav4 AWD for a either Forester Touring or a Wilderness. The RAV4 has zero issues except the engine acceleration sucks ass.

[@heyjoejp]

Yes

[@BlazinBlades]

Forester ‘premium’ or RAV4 XLE awd? Thats my budget and I can’t seem to make up my mind…

[@simd510]

I'm in the same boat. Can't decide between the same two, subaru premium or rav xle awd

[@mtmjoziadventure1409]

f

[@TammyTobin-jm5sc]

I was in the same boat but now have decided to go with the Forester. I didn't like how the Rav4 clunked when you shift into Reverse/Drive.

[@TammyTobin-jm5sc]

I think both are good options. I didn't like the Brown interior in the Forester premium. I'll get the Limited. I thought the Forester was cheaper compared to the RAV4 for all the options it comes with. Good luck, I'm sure you'll make the best selection for your needs.

[@yasseralsaidi1168]

Hell ya

[@luigiviking3667]

I would say the only thing that that brand has going for is longevity but leather suits are not good for longevity they crack

[@GFG2gifted]

Leather conditioner is a thing.... If you condition your leather it'll never crack. I've been wearing the same boots for 4 years and weekly condition them. Got pics to prove that leather lasts when conditioned. Our forefathers new this very well. Take heed in lost knowledge.

[@giovannizambrano927]

That boxer engine looking blow under 50k miles 😫😂

[@nick4281]

Lol when people like u start talking they shut up when they are asked what makes a "boxer engine" a boxer engine

[@jellydabeste9050]

One thing missing. . . Ventilated Seats

[@mathhousegiant2055]

Subaru’s maintenance costs are astronomical!

[@johnrpomeroy]

Do Subarus hold as much value as a Toyota & mechanically as sound? I don’t mind paying a little more up front for reliability & value on the back side.

[@LookingGlass24]

This is the everlasting debate. Toyota owners say their cats have a higher resale value and Subaru owners avouch the same way for their cars. Who really knows the truth here?

[@valmac5025]

Cvt ? Ill go with 8 speed....

[@Santanabat]

Cvt but also a 7 speed with the paddle shifters

[@boxoffisa]

Resale value as one of the benefits will keep me at Toyota if price is the issue here. Not much difference though compared to how Toyota keeps value over subaru.

[@GFG2gifted]

Toyota resale value is shyte. We just got rid of an excellent condition 2015 Toyota Corolla the dealership offered us 6k. Kbb said 10k. We sold it for 11 in private party. Bs they hold their value. Personally couldn't wait to get rid of the car. Yeah it's good for traveling, but the seats are beyond uncomfortable and high winds push the car all over the road. I can't imagine the rav 4 drives any better. It looks so clunky to me.

[@boxoffisa]

@@GFG2gifted I wish I was there and got that Corolla. Man the buyer got a deal. In some areas you are right. Most Toyota cars aren’t fun to drive. But they save. However if you have money buy some German car brands. They are fun.

[@GFG2gifted]

@@boxoffisa we've been looking into the BMW X1 xdrive, the Ford edge titanium, and subaru Forester limited. All have issues of some kind. The BMW being maintenance, the Subaru CVT transmission and low power, finally the Ford is a Ford. Stuck on which to choose from.

[@boxoffisa]

@@GFG2gifted I think Subaru is good. You will learn to live with CVT funny sound. But it will serve you well. You can get a forester with 2.5 liter or 2.0 liter turbo charged. I wish automatic was made more efficient we wouldn’t be resorting to CVT. But that’s where we can be. With bmw that’s lots of headaches. I like their cars but until you have another car in garage you can’t easily go on bmw. Ford just don’t go there excepting buying some old models.

[@DurrrTroy19]

Get rid of the boxer engine, and you might sell me

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

It’s not a Subaru without a boxer engine, they’ve never made cars that doesn’t use their boxer design

[@victorteran9766]

Hahaha WHAT?? so then what is the point? Turn it into another boring sounding, traversal inline four engine?

[@DurrrTroy19]

After 150,000 miles, Subarus are worthless because they cost more to fix the thing than they are worth.

[@victorteran9766]

@@DurrrTroy19 thousands and thousands of really old Subarus on the roads beg to differ mate, keep trying

[@DurrrTroy19]

Thousands of Subarus on market place with engine issues

[@whitneyhoffer6432]

Yes I would

[@on9francisyu]

Toyota rav4 has gone up market probably the CHR is doing the cheaper option. While Subaru remains on the same market.

[@heshandeeyagaha]

no way someone go for a subaru over toyota

[@shahzadjumma3590]

Will never buy a Subaru Forester for $39k, Max $29k Subaru is a generation behind Toyota

[@Itsallawesome]

Better in every single way.

[@bugsyboy5323]

Good luck keeping that huge timing chain cover from leaking and that applies to all boxer engines. Instead of using a pre-molded gasket, the geniuses at Subaru decide to use RTV. Feel sorry for the poor mechanic that has to sit there and scrape both mating services of rtv and reapply hoping there are no breaks.

[@moonj605]

u forgot to mention the car can drive itself for u😎

[@kelleyfarm]

Not equal comparison in any way rav4 awd will be cheaper than that "fully loaded" also rav4 maintenance way cheaper if anything happens. Also rav4 runs forever

[@simd510]

Guess you don't live in a place that snow. What good is a rav 4 being reliable or lasting long going to do you if you crash and die. Subaru is much safer in snow