2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a range of trims, from the base model starting at $29,495 to the Premier at $40,595, with a destination charge of $1,800. The Wilderness trim, priced at $38,995, featured a rugged design with white paint, dark grey interior, and water-repellant StarTex simulated leather. Its exterior, with a suspension lift and protective cladding, aimed for a rugged look but was not universally appealing. Inside, the Forester focused on functionality, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system that was intuitive despite having three display screens.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its design from 2019, with four trim levels in Canada, starting just over $35,000. The Trail trim featured a distinctive two-part face, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents. While it aimed for an off-road aesthetic, it was more style than substance. The interior offered a basic yet functional design, with a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel. The RAV4 provided a balance of ruggedness and practicality, appealing to those seeking a truck-like nature in a compact SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque and a towing capacity of 1,360 kg. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 L/100 km combined. The Forester excelled in various terrains, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension, providing a smooth ride and impressive off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard, with a Snow drive mode included. While the RAV4's performance was adequate, it lacked excitement. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension system similar to other RAV4s, offering a balanced ride but not excelling in off-road conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and all-weather floor mats. It offered upgraded roof rails and a spacious interior, with 818 litres of cargo space (762 litres with a sunroof) and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The Forester provided ample room for passengers and practical storage solutions.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five, with 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear. It offered 1,039 mm of front legroom and 960 mm in the back, with a narrower back seat compared to competitors. The RAV4 provided 1,059 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,977 litres with seats folded. It featured convenient storage options, including a shelf and generous door pockets.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim featured a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. It supported OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RAV4 included Toyota’s connected services and a wireless charging pad for Trail and Limited trims.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted EyeSight 4.0, offering improved driver assistance with a wider field of vision. It included features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured TSS 2.5, with lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, demonstrating strong safety performance.