2026 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 | Moline, IL

The 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota RAV4 make it easier to say yes to one more stop, one more errand, or one more weekend away. Each SUV combines practicality, comfort, and technology to help you stay organized, connected, and comfortable wherever the day leads.The team at McLaughlin Subaru has put together this comparison of the 2026 Subaru Forester vs. the 2026 Toyota RAV4 to help you decide which model has the qualities that matter most.

Discover more of the Subaru SUV with our detailed Forester review, covering its engine specifications, colors, and interior amenities.

Browse our new inventory to find a Forester in your preferred configuration. Experience it firsthand by scheduling an appointment or visiting our Subaru dealership to take it for a test drive. If you have any questions, reach out to us online or call us at (309) 797-5654, and we'll be happy to help you.

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2026 Subaru Forester Exterior With Awning Accessory

2026 Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Engines & Performance

The 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota RAV4 are built for the miles you drive most, pairing everyday refinement with strong efficiency. The Forester comes with a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® engine that produces 180 horsepower and is exclusively offered with symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), while higher trims add a hybrid powertrain capable of an EPA-estimated 581-mile range. For adventures beyond the pavement, the Subaru Forester Wilderness delivers rugged capability with increased ground clearance and trail-focused engineering.

The RAV4 uses a hybrid powertrain across the lineup, with AWD available on select trims. Both SUVs include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and provide the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Compare the following engine specifications:

Model2026 Subaru Forester2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid2026 Toyota RAV4
Engine2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder2.5L SUBARU BOXER hybrid four-cylinder2.5L Dynamic Force hybrid four-cylinder
Horsepower180 HP194 total system HP236 combined HP
Torque178 lb.-ft.154 lb.-ft. (engine only)/199 lb.-ft. (hybrid motor only)N/A
DrivetrainSymmetrical AWDFWD / AWD
TransmissionLineartronic® CVT w/ low-shift modeLineartronic CVT w/ six-speed hybrid-type manual modeElectronically controlled CVT
Max. Towing Capacity3,500 lbs.1,500 lbs.3,500 lbs.
EPA-Estimated Driving Range*547 mi.581 mi.624 mi.
EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Hwy)*26 / 3335 / 3447 / 40

2026 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Exterior Design

With styling that balances everyday practicality and adventure-ready character, the 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota RAV4 make a distinctive impression from every angle. The Forester combines raised roof rails, steering-responsive LED headlights, and available details such as low-profile roof rails and LED fog lights that enhance both appearance and convenience. The RAV4 also incorporates LED lighting and comes standard with low-profile roof rails, and available upgrades including larger 20-inch wheel designs and two-tone paint colors.

Shared exterior features:

Standard:

  • 17-in. wheels
  • LED daytime running lights

Included on higher trims:

  • 18-in. wheels
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Heated side mirrors

Exclusive Subaru Forester exterior features:

Standard:

  • LED steering-responsive headlights with auto on/off
  • Manual-folding side mirrors
  • Raised roof rails

Included on higher Forester trims:

  • 19-in. alloy wheels
  • LED fog lights
  • Side mirror-integrated turn signals
  • Low-profile roof rails
  • Hands-free, foot-activated rear gate

Exclusive Toyota RAV4 exterior features:

Standard:

  • LED projector headlights
  • Power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals
  • Low-profile roof rails

Included on higher RAV4 trims:

  • 20-in. alloy wheels
  • LED headlights with auto on/off
  • Hands-free power liftgate
2026 Subaru Forester Interior Seating Side View

2026 Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Forester Interior Cargo Space

2026 Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Interior Design

The 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota RAV4 provide comfortable cabins designed to make daily errands, road trips, and everything in between feel rewarding. Both models offer dual-zone automatic climate control, versatile folding rear seats, and available upgrades that include heated and ventilated front seats along with an expansive moonroof. Higher trims in each lineup add premium upholstery choices and additional premium amenities that elevate the driving experience. The RAV4 expands convenience with an available digital rearview mirror.

Shared interior features:

Standard:

  • Manual front seats
  • 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • LED interior lights

Included on higher trims:

  • Eight-way power front passenger's seat
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear outboard seats
  • Heated steering wheel

Exclusive Subaru Forester interior features:

Standard:

  • Cloth seat upholstery
  • Cargo area grocery bag and tie-down hooks
  • Cargo area under-floor storage

Included on higher Forester trims:

  • Panoramic power moonroof
  • StarTex® or leather seat upholstery
  • Ten-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support
  • Two-position memory recalls for driver's seat and side mirrors
  • Keyless entry

Exclusive Toyota RAV4 interior features:

Standard:

  • Fabric seat upholstery
  • Height-adjustable cargo area deck board
  • Cargo cover
  • Keyless entry

Included on higher RAV4 trims:

  • Power tilting and sliding moonroof
  • SofTex seat upholstery
  • Eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support
  • Eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support

2026 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Size & Cargo Space

Whether you're carrying your favorite people or your gear, the 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota RAV4 balance passenger comfort with the flexibility for everyday hauling. Both seat up to five passengers and ride on similar wheelbase dimensions that contribute to stable road manners and usable interior space. The Forester provides more front- and second-row legroom, along with greater maximum cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded, though the RAV4 offers a larger cargo area when the rear seats are upright.

Compare the following size and capacity specifications:

Model2026 Subaru Forester2026 Toyota RAV4
Overall Exterior Length183.3 in.181 in.
Wheelbase Length105.1 in.105.9 in.
Seating CapacityFiveFive
Legroom (Front/Rear)43.3 / 39.4 in.41 / 37.8 in.
Max. Cargo Space Behind the Front Seats74.4 cu.-ft.60.5 cu.-ft.
Max. Cargo Space Behind the Rear Seats29.6 cu.-ft.39.4 cu.-ft.

2026 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Technology

The 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota RAV4 keep you connected and entertained with vibrant digital displays, smartphone support, and available convenience upgrades. The Forester comes standard with a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, dual 7-inch multimedia displays, and wired smartphone projection. Larger displays and wireless smartphone compatibility is included on upper trims. The RAV4 includes a large digital instrument cluster and wireless smartphone connectivity as standard equipment, and offers advanced refinements such as dual wireless chargers and an optional head-up display on select trims.

Exclusive Subaru Forester tech features:

Standard:

  • 4.2-in. instrument cluster display
  • Dual 7-in. Subaru Multimedia displays
  • Four-speaker audio system
  • Wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
  • Front USB-A port

Included on higher Forester trims:

  • 12.3-in. digital instrument cluster
  • 11.6-in. Subaru Multimedia Plus or Navigation system
  • Six-speaker or Harman Kardon® 11-speaker sound system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
  • Near-field communication (NFC) technology
  • Single wireless device charger
  • Front and rear USB-C ports

Exclusive Toyota RAV4 tech features:

Standard:

  • 12.3-in. digital instrument cluster
  • 10.5-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia system
  • Navigation capability
  • Six-speaker audio system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • SiriusXM with 360L capability
  • Wi-Fi hotspot capability
  • Front USB-C ports
  • 12V power outlets

Included on higher RAV4 trims:

  • 12.9-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia system
  • JBL® nine-speaker audio system
  • Single or dual wireless device chargers
  • Rear USB-C ports
  • HomeLink® universal transceiver
  • Digital Key capability

Optional:

  • 10-in. head-up display
2026 Subaru Forester Interior Front Dashboard

2026 Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Forester Interior Infotainment Screen

2026 Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Driver Assistance & Safety Features

For added confidence in various driving situations, the 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota RAV4 offer comprehensive suites of driver assistance technologies. EyeSight® technologies on the Forester and Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0 on the RAV4 each include features that help maintain lane position, monitor traffic, and respond to potential hazards with a pre-collision braking system. 360-degree camera systems and driver monitoring technologies are included on higher trims of each model. An available 180-degree front-view monitor on the Forester and an available multi-terrain monitor on the RAV4 offer greater visibility off-roading.

Exclusive Subaru Forester driver assistance features:

Standard:

  • EyeSight driver assist technology
    • Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
    • Pre-collision braking
    • Lane departure and sway warning
    • Lane keep assist
    • Automatic emergency steering
  • High beam assist
  • Rear vision camera
  • Brake assist
  • Trailer stability assist
  • Anti-theft security system

Included on higher Forester trims:

  • Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
  • 180-degree front-view monitor
  • 360-degree surround view monitor
  • Reverse automatic braking
  • DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system

Exclusive Toyota RAV4 driver assistance features:

Standard:

  • Toyota Safety Sense 4.0
    • Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
    • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
    • Lane departure alert with steering assist
    • Lane tracing assist
    • Proactive drive assist
    • Automatic high beams
    • Road sign assist
  • Rearview camera
  • Blind spot monitor
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Safe exit alert
  • Drive recorder
  • Anti-theft security system

Included on higher RAV4 trims:

  • Panoramic view monitor
  • Multi-terrain monitor
  • Front cross-traffic alert
  • Lane change assist
  • Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking
  • Traffic jam assist
  • Driver monitor

2025 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 | Features & Specs Compared

Energy-efficient power and modern amenities make the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Toyota RAV4 excellent choices. Designed for your daily commute, each SUV comes equipped with smart tech, standard driver assistance technologies, and bold exteriors. To discover the differences between each SUV, read through this 2025 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison crafted by the team at McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL.

If you’d like to see the new Subaru Forester for sale, browse our inventory and our current finance and lease offers. Then, use our online form to schedule a test drive near Bettendorf and Davenport, IA. If you have any questions, you can give our team a call at (309) 797-5654 or message us online. 

2025 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Interior Design

Within the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Toyota RAV4, you’ll find premium accommodations and soft-touch surfaces. Both offer heated front seats to help elevate your commute. Plus, the RAV4 also offers ventilated front seats on select higher-level trims. Easily access your infotainment through the available 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus or Navigation on the Forester or the 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system on the RAV4. To help you live a cord-free existence, both offer wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. 

Available Forester interior features include: 

  • Heated front and rear outboard seats
  • Ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat with two-position memory settings
  • Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Panoramic power moonroof
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control system

Available Forester infotainment features include: 

  • SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus or Navigation with 11.6-in. display
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
  • SiriusXM Travel Link® capability
  • AM/FM stereo
  • HD Radio™
  • Bluetooth®
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability
  • Illuminated front and rear USB-A and USB-C ports
  • Subaru Live Traffic
  • Four- or six-speaker sound system or 11-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system

2025 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Exterior Features

The 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Toyota RAV4 are both stylish SUVs with practical exterior features. The Forester differs from the RAV4 in that it comes with a single stainless steel exhaust outlet, while the RAV4 instead offers dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets. Entry into your cargo hold is made easy with the available foot-activated hands-free power rear gate on the Forester or the height-adjustable power liftgate available on the RAV4. 

Available Forester exterior features include: 

  • 17- to 19-in. wheels
  • LED steering-responsive headlights with auto on/off
  • LED fog lights
  • Roof spoiler
  • Heated, folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals and memory settings
  • Windshield wiper de-icer
  • Raised or low-profile roof rails
  • Single stainless steel exhaust outlet
  • Foot-activated hands-free power rear gate with automatic close, height memory function, and vehicle lock button

2025 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Exterior Colors

2025 Subaru Forester Exterior Colors

  • Crimson Red Pearl
  • Horizon Blue Pearl
  • Crystal White Pearl
  • Magnetite Gray Metallic
  • Autumn Green Metallic
  • Crystal Black Silica
  • River Rock Pearl
  • Ice Silver Metallic
  • Brilliant Bronze Metallic
  • Sapphire Blue Pearl

2025 Toyota RAV4 Exterior Colors

  • Magnetic Gray Metallic
  • Ice Cap
  • Midnight Black Metallic
  • Ruby Flare Pearl
  • Silver Sky Metallic
  • Blueprint
  • Wind Chill Pearl
  • Cavalry Blue
  • Army Green with Midnight Black Metallic roof
  • Ice Cap with Midnight Black Metallic roof
  • Cavalry Blue with Midnight Black Metallic roof
  • Wind Chill Pearl with Midnight Black Metallic roof
  • Silver Sky Metallic with Midnight Black Metallic roof
  • Magnetic Gray Metallic with Midnight Black Metallic roof

2025 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 MPG & Performance

Enjoy exceptional fuel efficiency with either the 2025 Subaru Forester or 2025 Toyota RAV4. Both come equipped with gas 2.5L four-cylinder engines, though the RAV4 also offers an available hybrid engine option on select models. The Forester engine is unique in that it is a SUBARU BOXER® engine, which means it is a horizontally opposed engine with cylinders on either side of the crankshaft facing each other. You can take on a variety of terrain with the symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) on the Forester. The RAV4 comes either with front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. 

Available engine specs for both SUVs are shown in the following table.

Subaru Forester

2025 SUV

Toyota RAV4

2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder

Engine

2.5L Dynamic Force four-cylinder

2.5L hybrid Dynamic Force four-cylinder

180 HP

Horsepower

203 HP

219 combined

178 lb.-ft.

Torque

184 lb.-ft.

149 (front) / 89 (rear) lb.-ft.

26 / 33

Max. MPG (City/Hwy)

25 / 33

41 / 38

1,500 lbs.

Towing Capacity

1,500 lbs.

1,750 lbs.

Symmetrical AWD

Drivetrain

FWD / AWD

AWD

Lineartronic® CVT

Transmission

Eight-speed automatic

ECVT

2025 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity

The 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Toyota RAV4 can both tow up to 1,500 pounds. However, if you opt for the RAV4 hybrid engine, it does slightly increase its towing capacity to 1,750 pounds. 

2025 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Cargo Space & Size

Inside the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Toyota RAV4, you’ll find optimal cargo and passenger space. Rear-seat passengers in the Forester have more overall legroom — 39.4 inches compared to 37.8 inches in the RAV4. Need room for ski equipment or your kayak and oars? In either SUV, lower the 60/40-split folding rear sears to take advantage of up to 74.4 cubic feet in the Forester or 69.8 cubic feet in the RAV4. 

Interior dimensions for both SUVs are shown in the accompanying table. 

Subaru Forester

2025 SUV

Toyota RAV4

Five

Passenger Capacity

Five

74.4 cu.-ft.

Max. Cargo Space

69.8 cu.-ft.

29.6 cu.-ft.

Max. Cargo Space Behind Second Row

37.6 cu.-ft.

41.2 / 39.6 in.

Headroom (Front/Rear)

37.7 / 39.5 in.

43.3 / 39.4 in.

Legroom (Front/Rear)

41 / 37.8 in.

2022 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 | Features & Specs Compared

Are you searching for a comfortable five-passenger SUV designed for the commuter lifestyle? Consider either the 2022 Subaru Forester or 2022 Toyota RAV4. Both are roomy SUVs equipped with modern infotainment, impressive fuel-efficient engines, and more. For more information, read through the following 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Toyota RAV4 comparison crafted by the McLaughlin Subaru team. 

Interested in learning more about the Subaru Forester? Check out our Subaru Forester review. Ready to get behind the wheel of a Forester? View the new Subaru Forester for sale in Bettendorf and Davenport, IA, and pair your favorite model with a finance or lease offer. Have questions? Reach out to our Subaru dealership in Moline, IL, by phone at (309) 726-4684 or through our online form.

For comparison, we matched the 2022 Subaru Forester Base against the Toyota RAV4 LE. 

2022 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Interior Design

You’ll find sleek interiors in both the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Toyota RAV4. Both offer six-way manual driver’s seats so you can adjust your seat for a better driving position. Select apps from the 6.5-inch STARLINK® touchscreen on the Forester or 7-inch infotainment touchscreen on the RAV4. Other Subaru Forester interior and technology features include:

  • Cloth upholstery
  • Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™/Bluetooth®
  • Multifunction display
  • Four speakers
  • Multifunction center console
  • Dual front USB input ports
  • Cargo area underfloor storage

2022 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Exterior Features

Slick silhouettes face off when you compare the 2022 Subaru Forester and the 2022 Toyota RAV4. Both include 17-inch wheels and unique LED daytime running lights. Other Subaru Forester exterior features include:

  • Black folding side mirrors
  • Two-speed windshield wipers with variable-intermittent mode and mist feature
  • Available raised roof rails
  • LED steering responsive headlights



2022 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Exterior Colors

Whether you prefer a clean, neutral white, or are looking for something a little more distinctive, like a green or red, there’s a 2022 Subaru Forester or 2022 Toyota RAV4 color for you. Across the lineup, the Subaru Forester offers a total of 11 colors. 

2022 Subaru Forester

  • Horizon Blue Pearl
  • Crystal White Pearl
  • Magnetite Gray Metallic
  • Cascade Green Silica
  • Crystal Black Silica
  • Crimson Red Pearl
  • Dark Blue Pearl
  • Ice Silver Metallic
  • Brilliant Bronze Metallic
  • Autumn Green Metallic
  • Geyser Blue

2022 Toyota RAV4

  • Magnetic Gray Metallic
  • White
  • Midnight Black Metallic
  • Ruby Flare Pearl
  • Silver Sky Metallic
  • Blizzard Pearl
  • Lunar Rock
  • Blueprint

2022 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 MPG & Performance

Get in and go when you drive either a 2022 Subaru Forester or 2022 Toyota RAV4. The Subaru Forester comes with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), while AWD is optional on the Toyota RAV4. Forester and RAV4 engine specs can be viewed in the following table. 

Subaru Forester

2022 SUV

Toyota RAV4

2.5L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder

Engine

2.5L four-cylinder

182 HP

Horsepower

203 HP

176 lb.-ft.

Torque

184 lb.-ft.

26/33

MPG (city/hwy)

27/35

Lineartronic® CVT with Adaptive Control

Transmission

Eight-speed automatic transmission

2022 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity

The 2022 Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 can tow 1,500 pounds. However, if you choose the Subaru Forester Wilderness trim level, you can tow up to 3,000 pounds.

2022 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 Cargo Space & Size

Stow an inflatable kayak or golf clubs in either a 2022 Subaru Forester or 2022 Toyota RAV4. View cargo specs in the following chart. 

Subaru Forester

2022 SUV

Toyota RAV4

Five

Max. Passenger Capacity

Five

74.2 cu.-ft.

Max. Cargo Capacity

69.8 cu.-ft.

28.9 cu.-ft.

Behind Second-Row Cargo Capacity

37.6 cu.-ft.

New Subaru Forester for Sale in Moline, IL

Explore our new Subaru inventory to find a Forester SUV that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Check our business hours, then get directions to our Subaru dealership in Moline to experience your favorite Forester firsthand — schedule an appointment or simply drop by at your convenience. Have questions? We're available online and by phone at (309) 797-5654 to assist you.

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**The arrival timeline is an estimate. It may vary due to circumstances beyond Subaru’s or the retailer’s control.

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