2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including the base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. Prices started at $29,495 MSRP for the base model, with the Premier trim reaching $40,595. An additional destination charge of $1,800 applied, and Subaru offered a variety of dealer-installed accessories. Notably, all-wheel drive was standard across all 2022 Forester models. The Forester Wilderness, new for 2022, featured white paint and a dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, priced at $38,995, including destination. The Wilderness trim added a suspension lift and higher ride height, resulting in 22.9 centimetres of ground clearance. However, the extensive protective cladding and matte-black hood decal gave it a raccoon-like appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality over aesthetics, with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, evolved from its original 1996 model, which was a compact alternative to larger SUVs. Over five generations, the RAV4 grew in size and sophistication, becoming a sales leader. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped SUV sales charts in Canada. Its exterior styling blended with current crossover designs, featuring angular wheel arches and crisp lines. The RAV4's expressive headlights and grille created a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The touchscreen interface was conveniently positioned for minimal distraction. The interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, repeated throughout the cabin and on the 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels of the test vehicle, which was the US equivalent of Canada's Trail grade.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model's CVT design increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester's engine emitted a characteristic boxer-style grumble, though it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT simulated an automatic transmission with eight programmed ratios, and the Wilderness trim included SI-Drive for a more responsive powertrain. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system offered improved off-road capabilities, and the re-tuned suspension enhanced ride and handling. The Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks increased ground clearance to 22.9 centimetres, improving approach, breakover, and departure angles. The Forester excelled in various environments, though it lacked engine power and experienced wind noise above 100 km/h.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all but the base model. Fuel economy ranged from 8.8 to 9.5 L/100 km in city driving, 6.8 to 7.4 on the highway, and 7.9 to 8.5 combined. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined net horsepower and achieving 5.8 L/100 km city, 6.3 highway, and 6.0 combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower and a 68-kilometre electric-only range, with fuel consumption ratings of 5.7 L/100 km city, 6.4 highway, and 6.0 combined. The test vehicle, a gasoline Trail AWD model, delivered smooth power and responsive acceleration. The RAV4's car-like handling, MacPherson struts, and multi-link suspension provided a comfortable ride. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved handling.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space was decent, with armrest bins, door panel bottle holders, and dual front seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it. Folding the rear seat increased capacity to 2,101 litres, making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 1,059 litres of luggage space behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of 499 to 511 kilograms, depending on configuration. Towing capacity varied, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models rated at 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with comfortable front seats and a roomy centre console. The XLE grade added dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. Cupholders and bottle holders were abundant, and the glove compartment and centre armrest offered additional storage. The middle seat in the second row was less desirable but not uncomfortable.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. The Touring trim and higher featured an 8-inch screen, with available navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle had navigation and the Harman Kardon system, though these were unavailable on the Wilderness trim in Canada. The voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A 9-inch touchscreen was optional on Trail and standard on Limited, paired with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured five USB ports, two auxiliary power outlets, and an available 120-volt AC power outlet. Upper trims included a wireless charging pad, bird’s-eye view camera, digital rear-view mirror, and head-up display.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based driver assist technology. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims offered DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with the Star Safety System, including vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. It featured LATCH anchors, child-guard locks, and Safety Connect with a one-year subscription. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, offering a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.