The Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 have been perennial bestsellers since their introductions, but between these two stalwarts, which one is a better buy?

 

     Right from the start, the 2012 Subaru Forester (MSRP $20,595) has a distinct advantage over the 2012 Toyota RAV4 (MSRP $22,475) with a nearly $1,900 lower base price and the legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system included as standard equipment. The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with front-wheel drive and only offers AWD as an additional option costing thousands more.

 

     The 2012 Subaru Forester comes in two versions of Symmetrical AWD; when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, Continuous AWD and a viscous-coupling locking center differential splits power evenly from front to rear. Manual transmission models also feature Incline Start Assist that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when driving uphill from a stop. The RAV4 is not offered with a manual transmission, a feature many driving enthusiasts can't do without.

 

     The Forester also offers a four-speed automatic, and models equipped with the four-speed come with an Active Torque Split AWD with an electronically controlled, variable transfer clutch that manages power delivery based on speed and traction. Either way you option it, the 2012 Subaru Forester with Symmetrical AWD outperforms the RAV4 in all conditions for less money.

 

     Paired with the legendary AWD system in the Forester is a choice of two horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER powerplants; another unique characteristic that the RAV4 does not feature. The engines in Forester 2.5X and 2.5XT models are 2.5-liters in displacement, with the normally aspirated 2.5X putting out 170 hp and 174 lb/ft of torque, and the turbocharged 2.5XT generating a robust 224 hp and 226 lb/ft of torque. The four-cylinder in the RAV4 produces 179 hp, but the torque numbers fall short at 170 lb/ft. The Forester also offers a 900-pound towing advantage and can tow up to 2,400 pounds.

 

     The exclusive BOXER engine found only in Subaru vehicles sits low and flat in the engine bay, helping keep center of gravity lower in the Forester for more planted, confident handling than the RAV4. Add in the Symmetrical AWD system, and the Forester delivers a distinct traction advantage over the RAV4.

 

     If off-road is where you plan to go, the Forester offers a best in class 8.7 inches of ground clearance, compared to the 7.5 inches on the RAV4. When equipped with the 2.5XT turbocharged engine, the Forester is a more ideal choice than the Toyota, especially for those who live in winter climates at high altitude where normally aspirated engines lose power.

 

     Inside the Forester, occupants are welcomed to one of the most spacious interiors in the compact SUV segment with a generous 33.5 cubic inches of cargo space behind the rear seating area and a cavernous 68.3 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded down. The Forester also features rear seats that are mounted slightly higher for better forward visibility with optional reclining seatbacks for more comfort.

 

     In addition to a roomier, more open feel with better outward visibility, the Forester interior also has a higher level of refinement than the RAV4. Brushed aluminum accents, high-grade plastics and interior accent lighting help the Forester exude quality, especially considering its lower base price than the RAV4. Extra front and rear headroom, front legroom and rear shoulder room adds to the appeal of the Forester.

 

     The 2012 Subaru Forester is also one of the safest vehicles on the road, as evidenced by its selection as a "2012 Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a prestigious award that the Toyota RAV4 did not receive. (To read more about the IIHS awards, click here)

 

     The 2012 Subaru Forester is built from the ground up with safety in mind, featuring a Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure that helps dissipate and direct crash energy away from vehicle occupants. The Forester also comes standard with a long list of safety features including the Subaru Advanced Airbag System, Vehicle Dynamics Control Stability and Traction Control systems and four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System and Brake Assist.

 

    The Subaru Forester is the most popular Subaru model in the United States for good reason. It offers the ultimate blend of sport utility toughness and car practicality, along with off-road prowess, class-leading safety and outstanding value that the Toyota RAV4 - and virtually every other compact SUV - can't offer.

     According to a review published by Edmonds.com on January 5, 2012, "Subaru occupies a unique position among other, more conventional automakers. There's a certain buyer that has historically been drawn to the brand: a kind of rugged individual who enjoys the great outdoors, yet needs the sensibility of a car that is well suited to urban settings. In many ways, the 2012 Subaru Forester best represents this niche."

     The review from Edmonds.com also points out that "the 2012 Subaru Forester has one of the most comfortable rides in the segment. Its crisp steering and tight turning circle also make it surprisingly maneuverable in close quarters. Both engine choices are highly competitive in terms of power and fuel economy, although an automatic transmission with more gears than the Forester's four would make a big difference. 

     "The Forester's upright and boxy shape gives it much better outward visibility than you'll find in its sleeker rivals. Wind noise is detectable, but not any more intrusive than you'll find in the average SUV; the same holds true for road noise. Despite its prowess off-road, the Forester still manages to provide a suitably smooth and comfortable ride over bumpy surfaces."

Visit Stanley Subaru today for a test drive of the new 2012 Subaru Forester. As so many other Mainers have discovered, the Forester is a unique approach to the compact SUV that just might win you over. (Schedule your test drive online!)

Consumer Reports Reviews the Subaru Forester in the video below:

Some Reviews of the 2012 Forester from Kelly Blue Book (KBB.com)

"In the AWD category for small SUV. I'd have to rate this thev best over others I have owned ie. CRV, RAV 4, Blazer, Sportage, and others. Feel safest while driving in rain, snow, etc. Good gas mileage"

"I had an ES 350 Lexus and quite frankly was tired of striving for the status thing. For the money, this is a great value (I bought the base model with alloy wheel upgrade.) This car handles great, the boxer engine is very responsive for a 4 cylinder 170 hp engine, gas mileage is great considering it's an all wheel drive vehicle, and it has a smooth ride. My only gripes are the FM radio reception is fuzzy for some reason (not clean sounding) and the cup holders are too limited with no center cup holder standard in the base model back seat."