When you decide that you want to get an SUV, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options you need to consider. When doing your research, you'll come across two popular options: the 2022 Subaru Forester and the 2022 Toyota RAV4. So which is the better option? Lucky for you we have put together this guide to help explain what sets these two SUVs apart, which will hopefully make it easier for you to decide which one is the best vehicle for you.
Performance
Let's start by looking at the performance specs for these two vehicles. First up is the 2022 Subaru Forester, which has a 2.5-liter engine that produces 182 horsepower. In addition to this, you'll also get a continuously variable transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. As for efficiency, you can expect to get around 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is fairly good for a compact-crossover SUV.
The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, delivers a little more in terms of performance. Its 2.5-liter engine produces 203 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For this SUV, front-wheel drive is the standard option but you can upgrade to all-wheel drive if you would like. The efficiency you'll get from the RAV4 depends on whether you choose all-wheel or front-wheel drive. With the standard front-wheel-drive system, you can expect around 35 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive system drops it down to 32 mpg.
Interior Comfort and Storage
Next, let's inspect the interior of these two SUVs. The Subaru Forester offers a luxurious and modern cabin with plenty of room for passengers. One of the things you'll notice is how comfortable the seats are. For the driver's seat, you'll get a 10-way adjustable driver seat that has power lumbar support. You can also adjust the head restraints for improved comfort. The front bucket seats are also heated for added comfort on those colder days. As for storage space, there's plenty in the rear, with about 33 cubic feet of space available, which expands even further if you lower the back seats.
If you're someone who likes to have a lot of little storage spaces throughout their vehicle, then you may like the Toyota RAV4. The first thing you'll notice is a shelf that runs the length of the dashboard, perfect for storing items you need to reach quickly while you're on the go. As for other comfort features, there are plenty available with the RAV4, however many of them are only available in the more premium trims. For example, if you want things like faux-leather upholstery or a leather-wrapped steering wheel, you'll need to upgrade to the XLE Premium trim. As for cargo volume, there are 37 cubic feet in the back, which like the Forester, can also expand if you lower the back seats.
Entertainment Features
The entertainment features of the Forester and the RAV4 also add to the enjoyment of these vehicles. In this regard, the two vehicles are very similar. Both have infotainment centers in the middle of the dashboard consoles which make it easy to control all of your media. In the Forester, this is a 6.5-inch touch screen (with the option to upgrade to an 8-inch version), while in the RAV4 there is a 7-inch screen (with the option to upgrade to an 8-inch one as well). Both versions have the ability to connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for additional features. Finally, both models also come standard with a Wi-Fi mobile hot spot.
Safety Features
Similar to the entertainment features, the 2022 Forester and the 2022 RAV4 have many features in common. Some of the safety features available within both models include:
- Automated emergency braking.
- Pedestrian detection.
- Lane-departure warning.
- Lane-keeping assist.
- Adaptive cruise control.
One significant difference is the inclusion of Subaru's EyeSight features on the Forester. These are a suite of camera-based assistance features, providing drivers with more visibility around the vehicle to help avoid accidents and make parking easier. It should also be noted that some features, like blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alerts, cost extra on the RAV4.
Trim Levels and Price
Both the Forester and the RAV4 come with different trim level options. This makes it easier to pick a level that fits within your budget and comes with the features you want most. For the Subaru 2022 Forester, the following trim levels (and their starting MSRPs) are available:
- Base model: $25,195.
- Forester Premium: $28,195.
- Forester Sport: $29,765.
- Forester Wilderness: $32,820.
- Forester Limited: $31,875.
- Forester Touring: $35,295.
As for the Toyota 2022 RAV4, the following options are available with their expected MSRPs:
- RAV4 LE: $28,000.
- RAV4 XLE: $29,000.
- RAV4 XLE Premium: $32,000.
- RAV4 Adventure: $35,000.
- RAV4 Limited: $37,000.
- RAV4 TRD Off-Road: $38,000.
Which Model is Right for You?
There's a lot to like about both the 2022 Forester and the 2022 RAV4. However, it's likely that one SUV is better for you than the other. If you're looking for something that's a little more affordable and comes with plenty of safety features standard, then you'll likely want to consider the 2022 Forester.
