Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 | Battle of the high achievers

[@Mike_44]

The Forester is an absolutely under rated SUV, extremely capable in snow and dirt. Amazing vehicle..

[@ks-bg5uk]

Someone rear ended our Subaru Forester Sport and I had the pleasure of getting a RAV Adventure for 3 weeks. The Forester feels lighter and quicker than the RAV. Forester also has better visibility, more room, more comfortable seats, and standard AWD. The RAV felt heavier and shifter was hard to move. I liked how the RAV got good gas mileage but our Subaru gets 37MPG on the freeway which isn't shabby. After driving the RAV for so long, I remember why we chose the Forester. Forester is just better in so many categories starting with how much room you get.

[@riyushouse]

I looked at RAV4, CR-V, and Forester. Ended up getting '23 Forester Premium. Just delivered two days ago and I'm so glad I chose the Forester. RAV4 felt cramped and the interior looked cheap. The Forester drives really nice and seat is very comfortable.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

The Forester is the nicest car, but the CVT transmission is its weak point. In Consumer Reports it gets a much worse than average after 6 years for failure. There are plenty of videos on KZbin of the CVT failing. You will need to change the fluid every 30,000 miles and hope you have one that does not fail prematurely at 80,000 miles. I own an old 2013 with a five speed automatic, and it is a great car to this very day with no problems besides replacing the suspension at 120,000 miles. Now have 135,000 and plan to keep it until 200,000. I will need to get another car soon but I am afraid to get another Subaru because of all the transmission failures all over the internet.

[@riyushouse]

Yes. I read a lot about it too. But I also found that Subaru has been working to make their CVT better. So, we'll see. Hopefully it'll be good to me ha ha. And do not touch the CVT until after 100K miles because that will void the warranty. Check out MrSubaru channel on youtube.

[@chuckg6039]

@@riyushouse The CVT will be fine for 99% of the cars life. And yes, do not void your warranty.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@riyushouse Check your owners manual. I was told in 2018 they changed it again to tell people to get their CVT transmission oil replaced in the USA like they do in Canada. I would follow what it says. I hope you do well as so far as far as 2016 models go they are not doing well. Best wishes.

[@riyushouse]

@@Buc_Stops_Here Yes. Thanks. I'll definitely follow the maint. manual.

[@martinr8278]

I’ll stick with the Subaru over the Toyota any day. When it really comes to handling off-road and in snowy conditions, I’ll put my trust in the engineers of Subaru. Sorry Toyota drivers

[@Honestandtruth007]

Yep yep 👍

[@Gopinathk17]

​@@layne4376i think zero issues/recalls with forsters since 2019?

[@Doc1855]

Getting the rock crawl here in the States causes the price for the Rav to go up in price (about $8K more), which is much higher over the Subaru and the Rav still struggles more than the Forester.

[@GreenArrow-yh4wz]

Forester-Great suv!

[@sptrader6316]

I own a 2021 Rav4 Gas and love it. If quiet is a major factor get the hybrid. Tire noise is noticeable at highway speeds, with Michelin tires, noise is reduced. Rav4 has more power and Toyota reliability. No CVT (8spd trans). Forester better for off-road.

[@reaality3860]

Being recently faced with a choice between these two vehicles, I purchased the Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid. On my first 67-mile trip, I averaged 43.2 MPG. It also has a history of better long-term reliability and value.

[@helenebelisario5886]

Great what are crash test results?

[@andersriksson100]

IMHO 43.2 MPG is quite Impressive for a mid-size SUV with the power it has.

[@reaality3860]

@@andersriksson100, Bear in mind, I got 43.2 MPG with only 50 miles on the odometer, and I took the two-lane 55 mph, mostly flat, roads. I recently drove 3 passengers over 600 miles on a limited access highway at 78 mph and got 36.3 MPG. I have yet to confirm the onboard MPG computer.

[@andersriksson100]

@@reaality3860 Thanks, I've got to ask, i suppose you refer to imperial gallons not US?

[@reaality3860]

@@andersriksson100, State of Georgia, USA.

[@MegaRetr]

Forester-Great suv

[@ce7545]

Symmetrical AWD is the feature that decided it for me. The Suby edges out the RAV

[@sircasm6578]

CVT sucks

[@TokinWhiteKid]

@@sircasm6578 do you drive one? Because they really don't suck

[@martinr8278]

@@sircasm6578 another cvt expert eh? Their cvt is better then the other car manufacturers but you do have the facts, please present. Oh……don’t forget the oil burning and gasket problems. Right???

[@martinr8278]

The Subaru AWD is the best🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@TokinWhiteKid]

@@martinr8278 oil burning hasn't been an issue for almost a decade now. Anything post 2014 doesn't really have that issue.

[@Doc1855]

Our Subaru is far superior over our Rav both on and off road. When our Rav wears out we’ll be buying a Forester to replace it

[@harveycooper7600]

The problem is the Rav won't wear out. With oil changes it will go 250k miles.

[@dank9288639]

@harvey cooper doubt it... it will wear out bc of how you gotta Rev the piss out of the engine non stop to keep up safely in traffic

[@JaggedMercenary]

@@harveycooper7600 Eeeer... 250k isn't much...

[@toshiyam2853]

A crossover SUV that can go off-road well is really nice. Without good rivals there will be no progress

[@gregoriojuarez1579]

Both are amazing cars.

[@kidbrogaming6534]

I agree 💯

[@tiktoktoktik2852]

Weird thing that in Vietnam, Subaru forester competes with Toyota Corolla Cross :D

[@geraldf.1222]

I don't get any snow in Las Vegas. Plus, I have more than 650,000 happy miles across 5 Toyotas...

[@Phrancis5]

They're both great crossovers, but honestly, the Toyota's better on-road dynamics, slightly better reliability, and hybrid options tend to be more important to more people. Obviously, go for the Subie if you know you'll frequently be off-roading.

[@euripideseusebio5404]

Not just that, the Subaru is cheaper, it has more technology, more space and panoramic sunroof.

[@ks-bg5uk]

I just was in the RAV for 3 weeks. The on road manners of the Forester is actually better with quicker steering. Reliability is a toss up. The bigger room, better 360 view, layout, and standard AWD is what makes Subaru better for me.

[@boboiboy9350]

@@ks-bg5uki bet subie is more grippy than rav4. I actually knew and interested in subaru when I learned the reputation of being limitless grips on the road rather than their offroad capabilities. Too bad, forester is still known exclusively for their offroad ability and discounted a bit on the on road performance

[@judy19943]

I LOVE my new Limited. I'm extremely happy.

[@bobby350z]

Sorry didn't catch that. Subaru has a permanent 4 wheel drive system?

[@toshiyam2853]

that's right. However, when slowly exiting the garage, it changes to a state close to front-wheel drive.

[@marcbergeron8690]

Finally it's just a question of attractiveness. And of course the most attractive logo is Subaru.

[@paranormalchef5211]

The North South layout of the engine / transmission of the Subaru is always going to be better than a front drive layout.

[@muhammadharits3237]

Forester is more rock n roll than crv, rav4 , sportage, tucson, xtrail, 😊😊

[@leedaq7767]

i own 2020 forester and never considererd Rav4 or thoughtr as some sort of rival against forester haha

[@geraldodearrudajunior2484]

I accept suggestions! I live in Brazil and I intend to make a long journey through the country. Just two person and bagam. I intend to travel on dirt roads, stone, sand, mud and of course, mostly asphalt. 70% On Road, 30% Off. We are in doubt between the cars: Subaru Foerster , Suabaru XV and Mitsubish Outalander Sport 2.0 HPE AWD. Maybe in a fourth option the Jeep Compass Trailhawk 2.0 Diesel. Of course the tires will be exchanged for Continental or Yokohama. What's your recommendation? Thank !

[@leveillemichael789]

Ford Raptor

[@barbonez2976]

Get the one that is most easy to get spare parts to out in the countryside/djungle.

[@robertharvey3469]

I’d recommend the Subaru Forester because it is most likely the best vehicle to get you through the off-road sections on your trip based on higher ground clearance, better approach and departure angles, a full size spare tyre and it’s 4wd systems and track record. I prefer the RAV4 in every other aspect including layout, comfort, fuel economy, reliability and dealer network. However, the Forester is not far off that at all. All cars will be fine on the asphalt, you’re really just needing something that is proven for the off road. If you had enough money, my choice would be to get a lift kit, under body protection and a full-size spare wheel for the RAV4, as well as all-terrain tyres. But also, 30% of driving that is not on asphalt / off-road is a fairly high ratio, so, if you want true peace of mind, then you couldn’t go past a Toyota SR5 hilux, Fortuner, Ford Ranger or Everest or Isuzu DMax or MUX

[@joeappaya]

Toyota 4 Runner

[@Doc1855]

Subaru Forester hands down

[@andersriksson100]

Sure the Subaru will win in the terrain and I would love one pulling a boat up a ramp. But I bet the Toyota is capable enough and more frugal on fuel. By the way, how many of us will really "lack power in tight corners"? It's not like the intended buyers of these are rally-toddlers?

[@druidsongevergreens]

At $5 gallon, we’re all tightening our belts and accepting the sliiiightly less effective 4x4 options for that excellent hybrid 40 mpg. The wilderness is undeniably excellent but, 28mpg just doesn’t compare and frankly, doesn’t align with the eco-conscious consumer that is committed to subaru

[@Honestandtruth007]

That's WHy I Really Like Subaru over Toyota...... Toyota Only better in Style design 😅👍

[@michaelcafaro4022]

From a current Subaru Forester owner please do yourself a favor buy the Toyota. The forester might be more fun to drive and better off-road but you can’t beat the durability and workmanship that’s imbedded in the Toyota brand. My forester had a host of issues some very major ( oil burning” 6000 miles and I’ve owned Toyotas with 300k on clock and never used a drop of oil or had any major issues.

[@safaakn7043]

The first time i see this kind of review of subaru

[@edwardlaw797]

Overall I always find Toyota noisy, steering has no feel (constant back & forth). Subaru typically steering is one finger steering very tight. Toyota also feels cheap. Subaru came from noisy cars to one of the 10 quietest in US (Businessweek) for Outback XT.

[@edwardlaw797]

I crossed shopped XT with Volvo XC90 (my wife tossed in the air 2nd row and noisy like a factory), Jeep GC (passenger EMF off the chart), MDX (no rear headroom), Audi Q7 (EMF level off the chart), Highlander (constant tweaking of the steering, low clearance).

[@URM8N8]

I may have missed it - but no mention of the fact that the RAV4 is easily an extra $8-10K more than the Forester.

[@Doc1855]

I love all the chrome that Your Forester has on it, especially with the nose. Subaru got cheap when importing them to the USA. We’re stuck with cheap dark plastic that looks like crap

[@nat7535]

thanks so much for this

[@corwind3888]

At least twice you mention that the RAV4 has a quiet ride. Yet, most every review in North America that I've seen will complain about the noise level. What gives?

[@rf4790]

I own this Rav4 edition, and it's quiet. Not sure what people are talking about.

[@shanesnyder7359]

The engine noise is utterly absurd for gas-only models--super LOUD. Not sure about hybrid models.I considered purchasing a current generation RAV4 but bought a Forester instead.

[@rf4790]

@@shanesnyder7359 I have a 2019 Trail edition...it's loud, yes, but not super loud. I like it...lets me know a gas engine is working.

[@edwardlaw797]

Subaru Outback XT one of the quiestest cars in US (top 10 US News). Forester is a bit noiser but same as the 2019 3.6R (I have one and tested it). RAV4 to me is a econo box. Not a fair comparison.

[@agoodbogey]

I drove the 2023 and its noisy and not a smooth ride at all, i felt like i was in a 5-7 year old car, then again i had just test drove a vw atlas and tiguan I have to see how the hybrid does

[@rda032283]

Forester is more luxury in all aspects[period]

[@fogsmart]

Toyota AWD vectoring is a better compromise for gas saving but not as competent as a subie generally.

[@alexandermaliy3515]

Forester is great, but it’s bumpers are too long and low(. Wish it had better geometry for off road

[@alexkennedy644]

What would you consider best mid-sized SUV for camping, small bit of offroad and refined interior finish

[@Doc1855]

Subaru Outback Wilderness would probably work best for you. If you need a body on frame for serious off roading, look at the Toyota 4Runner.

[@____-gy5mq]

pontiac aztek

[@rj_ramon]

hmmm most people complain about how noisy the ride is in the rav4...

[@martinr8278]

And a lot more unfortunately

[@fredEVOIX]

oof rv4 just bye byed from my wishlist planning to leave sportscars to drive on rugged roads and it's not to start slipping or having to back away, that's exactly why I want to change to continue after the "challenging road" signs

[@TeoKefalopoulos]

I'm not convinced that at 5:00 the RAV4 couldn't make it. If you select Rock/Dirt mode and switch the gear lever to manual gear selection (obviously 1st gear) and maybe to Sport mode as well, I'm sure it would make it.

[@FlowJunkie65]

Differences in these cars' offroad capabilities are subject to changes in the conditions (more worn terrain from testing, etc.) as well as to different drivers and the techniques they try/don't try and how each car's strengths/weaknesses can best be maximized/minimized based on this knowledge. In this test, the RAV4 did better than the Forester: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gau7f2ePoK5rd5o but not this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaSod4J-bLCDY7M But, I think that Daniel's review/test was fair and reflects how both cars performed on and off the road under the test conditions.

[@hussainbarat1117]

Watch the all suv of road competition rav4 out run all. I’m not convinced either. I put my rav4 through much more and it did much better. I think he is a subie fan and not trying to put the rav4 to its limit.

[@hussainbarat1117]

Suv battle watch that and you’ll see rav4 was top one

[@boboiboy9350]

@@hussainbarat1117there is 12 suv offroad challenges which has 3 key challenges and one of them is the most crucial one that many of the suv’s couldnt even beat. 4 out of 12 passed all the challenges and Forester is one of them. The verdict concluded that Forester came up as the overall champion having to complete all the 3 challenges effortlessly. Btw, RAV4 wasnt even close

[@meownmazda1]

Woof Daniel 😘 watch till the end people

[@Chi_Chi34]

PRICE, PRICE IS EVERYTHING!

[@toshiyam2853]

If you can't get the performance to match the price, you'll think you've lost money, even at a low price. For functionality and usability, the Forester is very good. Toyota excels when it comes to reliability. It's hard to say which one is better

[@reaality3860]

The RAV4 is an "On-Road" all-wheel drive vehicle. The Forester, not so much.

[@kellybarthel8060]

Well would like to know about reliability, and how hard to work on. I have had to change out rear bearings on a crosstrek with only 150k. It required a torch to cut out no other beating it out worked. Has Subaru fixed not only bearings going out. So soon or how they put them on from the factory??

[@Doc1855]

The best person to ask is Ryan from Driving Sports TV on KZbin. He LOVES Subie’s

[@theoriginaljohngalt2450]

150K and changing out a bearing of any kind is pretty good. The torch part is often because of the design of the part. This is not uncommon. I’ve been a technician for 20 years and I don’t see a problem.

[@duvilopez7992]

Toyota 🤩

[@Doc1855]

We Love our Outback. When my Rav wears out we want to replace it with a Forester Touring, but ONLY if Subaru has a reliable non plug in hybrid system adopted from Toyota. If no hybrid is available, we’ll buy another Rav or a Venza.

[@shnerp]

I'm on a waitlist for rav4 hybrid woodlands edition, but to be totally honest, If the forester wilderness offered hybrid, that's what Id go with. More ground clearance and symmetrical all wheel drive.

[@Doc1855]

@@shnerp I agree. Subaru and Toyota are in bed together so I can’t figure out why Subaru doesn’t have a hybrid in America. The Forester in Australia does offer a hybrid, but it’s unreliable.

[@toshiyam2853]

I cannot recommend the Venza. It shares the platform with the RAV4, but lacks off-road specific controls and has less cabin space and cargo capacity. Its visibility is the lowest level. It's an SUV that's just for commuting around town.

[@Doc1855]

@@toshiyam2853 I just bought a Forester Touring

[@pinakim11]

Grat video, thanks!

[@TheCodeTinkerer]

But what about the tires? They look more slick on the Rav4

[@Doc1855]

I have Michelin Cross Climate tires on both of our Subaru’s. They’re not good for off roads, dirt roads are fine, but the traction they provide in All driving conditions is awesome.

[@beancud9767]

Forester is far superior off road no doubt. The interior does feel bigger. Infortainment sucked. Car is fuel thirsty. Rav 4 hybrid is far far more fuel efficient and reliable. Re-sale value and hold value is incredible. So in short if you spend more time outback sure Forester. If you want dairy driver to work but weekend off roading Rav 4.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

The RAV4 will definitely outlast the Subaru Forester. However I do like both.

[@0xKenneth]

Subarus are extremely reliable.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

@@0xKenneth Agree 👍

[@martinr8278]

And your facts come from where?? Please don’t tell me because you “feel” that way or you’re just being subjective because your whole family drives Toyotas

[@martinr8278]

@@0xKenneth well said Kenneth! Funny thing is few people I’ve worked with they have owned Toyota RAV, at the end of their lease always turn them in and either go to Subaru or Honda, just always find that interesting

[@Bunkysworkshop]

@@martinr8278 I can say that our family is a Subaru and Toyota family only. We like them both and keep buying them however out of eight Subaru’s in this family three of them had problems 0 with the Toyota’s. One Subaru engine replaced by the dealer. 2015 tundra, 2013 rav4, 2018 Camry.

[@raden6873]

subaru is best

[@barbonez2976]

If they were the best, they would sell the most cars in the world, but they don´t so...

[@rsmnh7892]

They don't sale much because Fuji Heavy Industry has a smal planet for car manufacturing comparing to Heavy machinery. Also, subaru global lack the 7 seater option and they don't sell much as fleet cars. Most of high sell numbers are related to fleet cars not necessarily normal customer purchases. Subaru also lacks the model like land cruiser, predominantly...etc and their flagship outback is only contender to the Klugar. Yet, Subaru earns the most sell, value for money..etc in North America and one of the best in Aus and NZ. Europe has taught emissions laws and Subaru is not good at that ATM too and they don't sell that much there for that reason only. As a small brand, Subaru outright Toyota in all aspects.

[@joeappaya]

@@rsmnh7892 Subaru is 20% owned by Toyota. Biggest shareholder.

[@rajwantphull6169]

Hope subaru launch cars in india so I can buy this forester

[@joelthorne7434]

Toyota surpasses Subaru in quality and reliability.

[@yordanandonov8421]

The natural habitat of the forester as well as of the rav4 are the city lanes- no low range, no center diff lock and not to forget the CVT

[@Kburd-wr6dq]

rav is an 8 speed for the gas model

[@rebeccalankford9810]

The rav4 does not have a quite motor nor cabin. The Subaru Forester has many common issues. You also need to think of repair cost and reliability ratings.

[@mikewallace8087]

R.L. you also need to be specific , which you are not.

[@rebeccalankford9810]

@@mikewallace8087 How is that not specific?

[@mikewallace8087]

@@rebeccalankford9810 What are the specific reliability problems to those two models through all the years . What is the incident rated for those historically known problems? Does Subaru and Toyota step up to repair those problems even after warranty ? Where do you cite vehicle ratings?

[@user-ed3wq3xu4u]

@@mikewallace8087 cvt

[@hussainbarat1117]

Subaru nice and everything but I hate the cvt so in this case rav4 over Subaru.

[@Chi_Chi34]

Agree, except, is a higher Toyota price worth it? I need to decide and buy soon. Help!

[@castlebilliards8712]

Which did you go for in the end ?​@@Chi_Chi34

[@fogsmart]

2025 Subaru forester

[@Pogey_Bait]

So, Subaru wins.

[@Central-Scrutinizer]

'Saltwater crocodile enters the chat....'

[@lapetitemortbis]

The old forester was really a unique design. They turned it into a generic designed. Hard to figure out why

[@theoriginaldonutdude4950]

Yeah Subaru is the OG Rav 4 copied the body style from 2019-2020 cause the 2019 rav 4s were hella feminine

[@tonybennett638]

Who drives these silly old cars like this

[@acwwong5252]

Forester cvt is notorious hv issue. N hungry 4 petrol. I hv switched from Forester to Rav4 hybrid.

[@TokinWhiteKid]

They really don't. I have one

[@danusticia2711]

Subaru is better but with the gay CVT Sound id never buy one

[@johnprice9699]

Toyota-the most reliable, however boring vehicles you'll ever drive 🥱