2023 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, evolved from its original "cute ute" status to a mature and sophisticated vehicle. Its exterior design, while blending in with the current crossover trends, featured distinctive angular flourishes and expressive headlights that gave it a unique, anthropomorphic appearance. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, complemented by a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied the cabin's design elements together. The RAV4's fit and finish reflected Toyota's commitment to quality, making it a top choice for many SUV buyers.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a more utilitarian design, prioritizing function over form. Its exterior, reminiscent of previous Forester models, featured flared fenders and pincer-shaped lighting, with the Premier trim offering upscale satin chrome trim and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Forester Premier provided exclusive brown leather and metallic accents, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. The cabin's layout relied on traditional buttons and knobs, ensuring ease of operation, while the Forester's excellent outward visibility and well-sealed doors added to its appeal as a reliable and functional SUV.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, starting with a gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Fuel economy varied, with FWD models achieving 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 on the highway, while AWD models ranged from 8.7 to 9.5 L/100 km city and 6.9 to 7.4 highway. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 hp and impressive fuel economy of 5.8 L/100 km city and 6.3 highway. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 hp and could run up to 68 km on electricity alone, with a combined efficiency rating of 2.5 Le/100 km. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction control system included settings for Deep Snow and Mud. The Forester Premier, tested in challenging weather conditions, demonstrated its capability on flooded roads and muddy trails, inspiring confidence in its all-weather performance. Despite its adequate powertrain, the Forester's excellent driving dynamics, including light and accurate steering and effective brakes, contributed to a comfortable and engaging driving experience. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, returning 9.1 L/100 km compared to the official rating of 8.2 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered a spacious interior with up to 1,059 litres of luggage space behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity of 499 to 511 kilograms, depending on configuration, and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms in Trail and TRD Off-Road models. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with comfortable front seats and a well-organized cabin featuring numerous storage options. The middle seat in the second row was less desirable but functional for short trips.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats available from the Touring trim. The Forester's interior offered excellent outward visibility, easy entry and exit, and well-sealed doors. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting led to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats lacked leg support and had a reclined backrest angle. The Forester's cargo area, with a standard power liftgate, provided 762 litres of space behind the back seat, expanding to 1,957 litres with the seats folded. Interior storage was plentiful, with creative use of space for stashing items.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, stepping up to a 9-inch screen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. The RAV4 Prime offered advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology, while appearing outdated, offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. An 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims. The Forester's user interface was simple and appealing, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for navigation and other functions.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all models, offered a suite of driver-assist systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight technology, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims included Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking. The Forester's safety systems performed well, but the vehicle's age showed in its IIHS ratings, dropping to a Top Safety Pick due to lower scores in new crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star ratings across the board.