2017 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

• The addition of aluminum body material lends itself to the Forester's lighter curb weight, yet it's still taller and sports greater interior cargo and passenger space than the RAV4. Overall, the Forester also boasts more legroom and headroom than the RAV4.
• Forester is one inch longer, one inch taller. The RAV4 is two inches wider.
• The Forester, like all Subarus, comes with symmetrical all wheel drive.  The RAV4 is a front wheel drive system, and then an optional all wheel drive system  with additional hardware. Big difference.
• Forester has an 8.7" ground clearance, whereas the RAV4 is 6.3 inches.  Subaru maintains a low center of gravity. Overall Forester has large advantage in snow, and off road.
• The RAV4 has a bit more cargo space,  73 cubic feet to 68 cubic feet with seats down. 
  
• The Forester has a bit more room for the passengers, 108 cubic feet to 101 cubic feet.
• The Forester has more head room, and more front leg room
• Standard engine comparison - Forester delivers 170hp with a 2.5 liter four cylinder boxer engine, and the RAV4 has 176hp with a 2.5 liter in-line 4 cylinder.  Forester goes 0-60 in 8.6 seconds, the RAV4 in 9.1 seconds.
• MPG - RAV4 : 6 speed automatic transmission.  Forester: continuously variable auto transmission. Even though Forester is All-Wheel Drive, it delivers 26 city/32 hwy.   The front wheel drive RAV4 delivers 24 city/31 hwy.  The RAV4 with all wheel drive option has 22 city/29 hwy.
• Both vehicles offer engine upgrades.  The Forester 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder with continuously variable transmission/250 hp delivers 23 city/28 why.   The RAV4 can add a 2.5 liter hybrid four cylinder with continuously variable transmission/ 194 hp, and 34 city/31 hwy.
• Compare the rear windows.   Forester offers a much larger view.
• Both offer an optional moonroof.  Forester is almost 50% larger.
• Both rate a 1,500 towing capacity.
• The RAV4 doesn't have an emergency telematics system or remote services either. Automatic collision notification and emergency assistance comes standard on the Forester, while remote access and security features are available.

Need more information?  VIsit us at Patriot Subaru in Saco, and check out the Subaru Digital Showroom, that has comparative information in exhaustive detail!