Compare the 2026 Subaru Forester to the 2026 Toyota RAV4
When it comes to safety, capability, and value, the Subaru Forester stands out. See how it compares to the Toyota RAV4 and discover why Forester is built to give you more confidence wherever life takes you.
The Subaru Forester is the 2026 Top Compact SUV, according to Consumer Reports.
Learn more at subaru.com/cr
See How the 2026 Forester Compares
2026 Subaru Forester vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4
| $29,995 | $31,900 | |
| Yes | No | |
| Yes | Hybrid Only | |
| 110.8 cu. ft. | 98.9 cu. ft | |
| 74.4 cu. Ft. | 70.4 cu. Ft. | |
| 8.7 in. | 8.6 in. |
Capability
New England conditions can change quickly, which is why it's important to have a vehicle that can keep up. The Subaru Forester is built to handle it all with confidence, featuring standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance to help take on snow, rough roads, and uneven terrain.
When conditions get more challenging, X-MODE® adds another layer of capability by optimizing the AWD system for low-traction situations. X-MODE is standard on Forester Premium, while Dual-Function X-MODE is standard on select higher trims, offering specialized settings for conditions like deep snow and mud.
Safety
Every 2026 Subaru Forester comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, an advanced suite of active safety features designed to help watch the road ahead and intervene when necessary. Available Automatic Emergency Steering can even provide steering and braking support to help avoid a collision when the system determines there's enough space to do so.
The Forester also has the third-party recognition to back it up. The 2026 Forester is an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, earning "Good" ratings in all of IIHS's major listed crashworthiness evaluations, including the updated moderate overlap front and side tests. As of September 2026, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 does not appear among IIHS's 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ small SUVs.
Value
The Subaru Forester is built to deliver value that lasts, with 96% of Forester vehicles sold in the last 10 years still on the road today.
Independent experts have taken notice, too. The Forester was named a 2026 Consumer Reports Top Pick, an honor awarded to just 10 vehicles, marking the 13th consecutive year Forester has earned a spot on Consumer Reports' annual Top Picks list. Subaru was also named Consumer Reports' Best Overall Automotive Brand for 2026; the second consecutive year it received that recognition.
When it comes to holding its value, the Forester was ranked #1 for 2025 Projected Resale Value among Compact SUVs by J.D. Power.
FAQ
Yes. The starting MSRP of base model Forester is $29,995 while the starting MSRP $31,900 on the base RAV4; which does not include AWD. With AWD, the MSRP for the RAV4 is $33,300.
Yes. The Forester provides more passenger space (110.8 cu. ft. vs. 98.9 cu. ft.) and more maximum cargo space (74.4 vs. 70.4 cu. ft.) than the RAV4. Not to mention, it offers more headroom and legroom than the RAV4, making it a more spacious and comfortable choice for passengers.
Yes. Unlike the RAV4, Symmetrical AWD is included on every 2026 Forester while FWD is standard on the RAV4 with an option for AWD for an upgrade cost of $1,400. Why pay the extra?
Yes. When it comes to gas or hybrid, the choice is yours with the 2026 Forester. While the RAV4 2026 models are strictly hybrid only.
The 2026 Subaru Forester is built for the tough New England winter. Every Forester comes equipped with Symmetrical AWD, while AWD is an additional cost on the RAV4. Most Forester models also feature X-MODE, which works with the AWD system to help improve traction in rough conditions such as snow, mud, slippery roads, and steep hills. With a maximum of 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance; the Forester is well equipped for snowy New England winters.
The 2026 Forester is made to be safe. Eyesight Driver Assist Technology is equipped on all models of the 2026 Forester. With the use of cameras and advanced driving-assistance technology, Eyesight acts like an extra set of eyes on the road and even, if need be, a foot on the brake. It helps monitor traffic, makes sure you are centered in your lane, and it reacts to any potential hazards. Features include Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management. Available Automatic Emergency Steering can also help avoid a collision to make sure you and your family are safe.
The 2026 Forester also earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest honor, TOP SAFETY PICK+, earning “Good” ratings in its major crashworthiness evaluations. Not to mention receiving a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Together, these ratings provide strong third-party recognition of the Forester’s safety performance.
The Subaru Forester has great credibility as a reliable SUV. Subaru reports that 96% of Foresters sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. In addition, the Forester was named a 2026 Consumer Reports Top Pick, while Subaru was named Consumer Reports’ Best Overall Automotive Brand for 2026 for the second consecutive year. The Forester also ranked #1 for 2025 Projected Value Resale among Compact SUVs by J.D. Power, helping support its reputation for long-term value.
