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Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4

Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews

Subaru Forester

$632

Average Annual

Repair Cost

Toyota RAV4

$429

Average Annual

Repair Cost

Overall Reliability Rating

Above Average

The Subaru Forester Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $632 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.

Excellent

The Toyota RAV4 Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 3rd out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $429 which means it has excellent ownership costs. The severity and frequency of repairs are both much lower than other vehicles, so the RAV4 is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.

Cost

Average annual repairs total

$632

inexpensive

expensive

$429

inexpensive

expensive

Frequency

Average annual repair shop visits

0.37

not often

very often

0.26

not often

very often

Severity

Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent

13%

not urgent

urgent

10%

not urgent

urgent

Overall Car Ratings & Details

(27 Reviews)

(47 Reviews)

5		(3)
4		(20)
3		(3)
2		(1)
1		(0)

Read reviews

“I bought my "98" forster 2 years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. It has been a really good car. now I have 180.000 miles on it and I have to change the head gaskets, that will cost about...”

“I bought my "98" forster 2 years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. It has been a really good...”

1144 known problems

95 known recalls

5		(8)
4		(18)
3		(15)
2		(6)
1		(0)

Read reviews

“Love this car!”

902 known problems

116 known recalls

Vehicle Comparison Rundown

The Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 are both compact, two-row SUVs. The RAV4 comes with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, while the Forester has all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The Forester also gives you more ground clearance (8.7 inches) than the RAV4 (up to 6.5 inches).

In terms of power output, the standard engines here are similar. The Forester comes with 170 horsepower, and the RAV4 has 176 horsepower. The Forester does offer an optional engine with 250 horsepower. The RAV4 does not offer an optional engine, but a gasoline-electric hybrid version is available.

The cargo space of these two SUVs is also similar. The Subaru Forester has 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while the Toyota RAV4 has 73.4 cubic feet.

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are generally pretty similar for everyday usage. If you like off-roading or need additional power to tow or carry heavy loads, the Forester is a better choice. But if you’d rather have a complete suite of advanced driver assistance tech as standard equipment, or the improved fuel economy of a hybrid version, then the RAV4 will suit you better.

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