Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured a bold design with exaggerated forms, including scowling headlights and flared rear fenders. The interior was equally dramatic, with oversized elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. However, the quality of materials was questionable, with controls that felt inexpensive and storage areas that were unlined, leading to potential noise issues. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride, thanks to Toyota's focus on minimizing road noise.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid introduced a new design for its sixth generation, offering a more cohesive but less distinctive look. It had a rugged appearance with black plastic elements hinting at off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard and a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with comfortable front seats and heated rear seats. While some felt the Forester lost some personality, its design aimed for broader appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. It featured standard AWD, with one motor powering the rear wheels on demand. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for fuel efficiency, averaging 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km during testing. The SUV's performance was lacklustre, with limited high-speed passing power and a soft suspension that made it feel unengaging to drive. It was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid used a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. It featured standard AWD with a traditional driveshaft, providing better traction off-road. The Forester Hybrid's acceleration was adequate, though the hybrid transmission made it feel slower than it was. The ride quality was firmer than expected, but it handled off-road conditions well with its X-Mode drive programming. The Forester Hybrid offered a balanced performance, appealing to both urban and adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could seat seven or eight people, though the third row was best for occasional use. It featured three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional comfort features in the Platinum package. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats and second-row captain's chairs with sunshades. However, the third row was cramped, and the storage areas were poorly designed. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available when the second-row seats were folded.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid provided excellent forward visibility with thin roof pillars. The front seats were spacious, and the rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom. A panoramic sunroof added to the sense of openness. The Forester Hybrid included a wireless charging pad, though storage was only adequate. It offered 779 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for easy loading. The upright tail design allowed for bulkier items, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim had a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system was praised for its large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. The X-Mode off-road drive menu was accessible through the screen, and external camera views aided off-roading. The Forester Hybrid also featured an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing a premium listening experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured Subaru's EyeSight suite, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The top-trim Forester Hybrid added rear automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and a surround-view monitor. The safety systems functioned well, with the option to disable audible alarms for a more pleasant driving experience.