2025 Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester: Ultimate Showdown

The duel for supremacy in the compact SUV segment has often pitted the Toyota RAV4 against the Subaru Forester. These two popular crossovers perennially deliver on every metric, from driving dynamics and ride quality to cabin space and safety. However, with both models returning in 2025, discerning SUV buyers are eager to find out which of these longstanding rivals is the better pick. Join us in this in-depth comparison as we explore how the formidable 2025 Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester stack up in key areas.

Performance and Engine Specs

The 2025 RAV4 and 2025 Subaru Forester offer equally potent options that can take on any road challenge with ease. Here’s how these two compelling crossovers compare on the powertrain and performance front.

Gasoline Powertrains: A Detailed Comparison

For the 2025 model year, Toyota equips the RAV4 with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that outputs 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This robust engine mates to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission system, delivering smoother acceleration and better driving performance. This model also features a standard front-wheel-drive system, while all-wheel drive is optional.

Tests of the 2025 RAV4 reveal that it makes the 0-to-60 mph sprint in 8.0 to 8.5 seconds, depending on the trim and drivetrain. The new RAV4’s gas powertrain also delivers great fuel economy, with the base Limited model getting EPA ratings of 27 city mpg and 35 highway mpg when equipped with a front-wheel drivetrain. All-wheel-drive variants have a slightly lower but still decent fuel economy rating, with EPA estimates of 25 city mpg and 33 highway mpg.

The 2025 Subaru Forester comes with a formidable albeit slightly less powerful gasoline engine. Its 2.5-liter flat-four engine cranks out a maximum of 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Like most Subaru models, the 2025 Forester uses a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. It also features Subaru’s well-known Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ensuring a smooth and balanced driving experience on any terrain.

On the fuel economy front, the Forester’s standard gasoline engine more-or-less matches the RAV4’s inline-four. It has EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 27 city mpg and 35 highway mpg.

Hybrid Options: Analyzing Eco-Friendly Choices

The 2025 Subaru Forester will be the first model in its line to feature a hybrid engine option, which we expect will make it more competitive given the rising demand for eco-friendly vehicles. Its hybrid setup comprises a 2.5-liter flat-four engine paired with two electric motors. Actual engine specs are yet to be announced as the hybrid version of the Forester will arrive later in 2025. However, based on speculation from credible sources, the hybrid Forester could deliver a combined net output of over 200 horsepower.

Unlike the Forester, the Toyota RAV4 is no stranger to electrified powertrains — it’s been available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants since 2016. The 2025 RAV4’s hybrid engine combines a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine with two electric motors for maximum power and efficiency. This setup delivers a remarkable 219 horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 41 city mpg.

Apart from the hybrid engine, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is also available as a plug-in hybrid, with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with dual electric motors and a large battery pack. This setup outputs a net combined 302 horsepower.

Interior Space: Passenger and Cargo Volume

While the 2025 RAV4 and the Subaru Forester both offer generous cabin spaces with ample seating for five passengers, the latter has a slight advantage when it comes to passenger comfort. The base model Forester provides 41.2 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.6 inches in the rear. Legroom is also pretty decent in the model, with 43.3 inches in the front row and 39.4 inches in the rear.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Toyota RAV4’s dimensions provide 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the rear. As for legroom, the model offers 41.0 inches in the front row and 37.8 inches in the rear.

That said, while the 2025 Subaru Forester offers more generous passenger space, the RAV4 gets an advantage in standard trunk space. The 2025 RAV4’s cargo space provides a maximum of 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, significantly greater than the 29.6 cubic feet available on the base Forester. However, collapsing the rear seats changes the dynamic, with the Forester’s cargo capacity expanding to up to 74.4 cubic feet and the RAV4’s to 69.8 cubic feet.

Infotainment Features: Technology for Connectivity and Entertainment

The 2025 RAV4 and Subaru Forester offer an impressive array of technologies for a more connected and entertaining driving experience. The base RAV4’s infotainment system is centered around an 8.0-inch high-resolution touch-screen display, while higher models come with a much larger 10.5-inch touch screen. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also available to provide vital vehicle information during drives.

The new RAV4 provides five USB ports, so you and your traveling companions can easily recharge your devices. There’s also a wireless charging pad below the climate controls that you can use to power up your phone.

Lower models of the 2025 Subaru Forester feature dual 7.0-inch displays, with one screen controlling connectivity and entertainment features and the other providing access to climate control and other vehicle settings. Meanwhile, higher models come with an 11.6-inch vertically-oriented touch screen with smartphone integration. Like its rival, the Forester features a wireless charging pad for convenient phone recharging. It also comes with a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot to ensure you stay connected on the go.

Test-Drive the 2025 Toyota RAV4 at Classic Toyota of Tyler

Are you shopping for a new SUV and unsure whether to purchase the 2025 Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Forester? Taking each for a spin can help you decide. Schedule a test-drive of the new Toyota RAV4 with us today to experience its performance and features. Our friendly staff will walk you through your purchase experience and secure a financing option that works for you.