Subaru Forester Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid showcased a redesigned look for its sixth-generation model, adopting a more conventional design that somewhat diminished its distinctiveness. Its blockier shape and cohesive styling gave it a visual heft reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer. Despite losing some unique character, the Forester maintained a rugged appearance with black plastic elements hinting at off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester Hybrid featured a beveled dashboard centre section dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen, adding modernity alongside a digital instrument panel exclusive to the Hybrid model. While hard plastics were prevalent, soft-touch materials covered frequently contacted areas, and the front seats offered ample cushioning and support, enhanced by ventilation and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in Sport design grades in Canada, presented a bold and assertive look with its GR Sport trim. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers and a broader truck-like presence. The GR Sport trim stood out with red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. The RAV4's passenger space remained consistent with standard models, offering 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though cargo space was slightly reduced to 951 litres due to the PHEV's design.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing a combined 194 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system used a traditional driveshaft, promising better traction and consistent off-road performance. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made it feel slower, especially at higher speeds. The Forester Hybrid excelled off-road with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, offering a balanced performance for both urban and adventurous driving.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering a combined 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. Its larger 22.7-kWh battery pack provided an estimated 80-kilometre electric range. The RAV4's all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. In Auto mode, the RAV4 achieved a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension, providing a sportier driving experience without sacrificing comfort.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered an unobstructed forward view from the driver's seat, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The cockpit felt open and airy, with ample space for front passengers. Rear seats provided generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The Forester Hybrid's cargo space was 779 litres, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for easy loading.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, with SofTex synthetic leather upholstery on higher trims. Clever storage solutions included a dashboard shelf and deep door pockets. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though cargo space was slightly reduced to 951 litres. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 1,798 litres, with a flat floor and a temporary spare tire.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen featuring Subaru's Starlink system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was praised for its large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. The Forester Hybrid also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and multiple external camera views for off-roading.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The system featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new Arene operating system improved responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant offered a range of commands. The RAV4 also provided data for the plug-in hybrid system, including charging schedules and a range map.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model a Top Safety Pick. The Forester Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight suite with features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Top trims added rear automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and a surround-view monitor.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with expected improvements in crash protection.