Subaru Forester vs The Competition
Subaru Forester VS The Competition
Compare the Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V
View Forester InventorySubaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 & Honda CR-V
If you're shopping for a compact SUV, you may be asking:
- Is the Subaru Forester better than the Toyota RAV4?
- How does the Forester compare to the Honda CR-V?
- Forester vs. RAV4 vs. CR-V: which one comes with all-wheel drive standard?
Here's the answer: the Subaru Forester is the only one of the three that puts Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on every trim, with no upcharge and no trim restriction, backed by standard EyeSight® safety technology and one of the roomiest cabins in its class.
At Subaru Stamford, we've broken down how the Forester stacks up against the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V so you can shop with confidence.
Starting MSRP Comparison [1]
Subaru Forester Base:
$29,995
Toyota RAV4 LE:
Honda CR-V LX:
$31,900
$31,520
Top Trim MSRP
Subaru Forester Touring:
$41,595
Toyota RAV4 Limited:
Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid:
$43,300
$42,950
Why it matters: The Forester starts lower and tops out lower than both rivals, while still including standard AWD at every price point – something RAV4 and CR-V buyers have to move up the lineup, or pay extra, to get.
Proven Reliability & Long-Term Value
A compact SUV is a long-term relationship, not just a spec sheet. Here's where the Forester's track record and standard AWD – even on hybrid trims – set it apart.
Hybrid All‑Wheel Drive
Subaru Forester Hybrid:
Standard, Every Trim
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (LE / SE / XLE Premium):
Honda CR-V Hybrid (All Trims):
Optional (+$1,400)
Available, Not Standard
Consumer Reports Recognition
Subaru Forester:
Top Compact SUV, 13 Years Running
Projected Resale Value
Subaru Forester:
#1, Compact SUVs – J.D. Power
96% of Foresters sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today – the kind of long-term track record that's hard to put a number on, but easy to see in the numbers above.
Handling Advantage: Standard All-Wheel Drive
Standard All‑Wheel Drive
Subaru Forester:
Standard, Every Trim
Toyota RAV4 LE / SE / XLE Premium:
Honda CR-V (All Trims):
Optional (+$1,400)
Available, Not Standard
Ground Clearance
Forester Wilderness:
9.3 Inches
Forester (Standard Trims):
Toyota RAV4:
8.7 Inches
Up to 8.6 Inches
Max Towing Capacity
Forester Wilderness:
3,500 lbs.
Toyota RAV4:
Honda CR-V:
1,500 lbs.
1,500 lbs.
Total Interior Volume [2]
Subaru Forester:
Up to 110.8 cu. ft.
Toyota RAV4:
Honda CR-V:
Less Than Forester
Less Than Forester
Why it matters: The Forester provides confident traction in all conditions and adds the most off-road-capable trim of the three, giving it an edge over rivals that either restrict AWD to certain trims or leave it off the base model.
Interior Space & Everyday Usability
The Forester's tall roofline and boxy shape aren't just about looks – they translate into up to 110.8 cubic feet of total interior volume, more front headroom, and better outward visibility than a lower, sleeker RAV4 or CR-V can offer. Wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and a large available touchscreen come standard across the lineup.
Advanced Safety: Confidence Comes Standard
Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
Every Forester trim includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, forward collision mitigation, and adaptive headlights – no upgrade required to get the essentials.
All-Around Awareness
Higher Forester trims add Automatic Emergency Steering, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Emergency Lane Keep Assist – systems designed to give you maximum awareness in every situation.
360-Degree Surround-View Monitor
Available on higher trims, Subaru's Surround-View Monitor delivers a top-down view around your Forester, perfect for parking and tight spots.
Forester vs. RAV4 vs. CR-V: Common Questions
Yes. Every Forester trim includes standard Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive at no extra cost. The Toyota RAV4 only includes AWD standard on select trims, and the Honda CR-V lists AWD as available rather than standard.
Yes. The Forester's starting MSRP of $29,995 undercuts both the RAV4 ($31,900) and the CR-V ($31,520), and its top trim price is lower than both as well.[1]
The Forester offers up to 110.8 cubic feet of total interior volume, more than the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, according to Subaru of America's published comparison.[2]
Yes. The Forester Hybrid includes standard AWD on every trim. The RAV4 Hybrid only includes it standard on select trims, and the CR-V Hybrid lists AWD as available rather than standard.
Yes. 96% of Foresters sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today, J.D. Power ranks it #1 for Dependability and Projected Resale Value among Compact SUVs, and the Forester is a 2026 Consumer Reports Top Pick.
I love Subaru of Stamford! Been working with them for years and have tried other locations and have always come back to them. The staff is friendly and super helpful. I know my car is in great hands when I get it serviced.
— Julie T. | Google Review
Test Drive the Subaru Forester
If you're comparing:
- Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4
- Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V
- Best compact SUV with standard AWD
- Best compact SUV for Stamford, CT winters
[1] MSRP does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to change without notice. Starting and Top Trim MSRP reflect published non-plug-in trims at time of publication. Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V pricing and specifications are set by their respective manufacturers and are subject to change without notice. See your retailer for more information.
[2] Per Subaru of America's published comparison, Forester interior passenger and cargo volume exceeds that of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Manufacturer-published interior volume figures use each brand's own measurement methodology.
-
Subaru Stamford
198 Baxter Ave
Stamford, CT 06902
- Sales: (203) 252-2222
Loading Map...
Pricing includes all offers and incentives. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee, and dealer charges including negotiable $599 conveyance fee, which is not paid to the state. Dealer sets actual selling price. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at (203) 252-2222 or by visiting us at the dealership.
