Dimensions · Space · Buying guides
Vehicle A
2026 · Subaru · 2-row · Hybrid
Forester
- Starting price
- $29,995
- Length
- 183.3 in
- Seating
- 5
- Max cargo
- 74.4 cu ft
- Max towing
- 3,500 lb
SUVLook comparison lab
2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
Price, size, cabin, cargo, towing, safety and ownership side by side. Every value comes from the cited sources in each model-year profile, and gaps stay labeled instead of guessed.
Vehicle A
Vehicle B
2026 · Toyota · 2-row · Plug-in hybrid
RAV4
- Starting price
- $31,900
- Length
- 181.0 in
- Seating
- 5
- Max cargo
- 69.8 cu ft
- Max towing
- 3,500 lb
Key differences
Where the published numbers differ
No overall winner: each line is one source-backed figure. Decide which ones matter for how you will use the SUV.
AForester has
- Starting pricelower starting price by $1,905
- Overall lengthlonger by 2.3 in
- Rear legroommore rear legroom by 1.6 in
- Front headroommore front headroom by 3.5 in
- Maximum cargomore maximum cargo by 4.6 cu ft
BRAV4 has
- Wheelbaselonger wheelbase by 0.8 in
- Overall widthwider by 1.0 in
- Cargo behind rear seatmore cargo behind the rear seat by 8.2 cu ft
- Maximum towinghigher towing rating by 2,000 lb
=Same figure
None of the compared fields are identical.
Head-to-head
The numbers, side by side
Bars share one scale starting at zero, so small real differences are not exaggerated. Where a profile lists several figures, the highest published one is used.
ForesterRAV4
Decision snapshot
Six buyer questions, without an overall winner.
Each card compares one documented criterion. A lead is shown only when both source-backed values use a compatible measurement; otherwise the raw facts stay visible and the criterion stays unresolved.
Starting priceStarting MSRP
AForester$29,995Base gas Forester
BRAV4From $31,900LE FWD
2026 Subaru Forester has lower published starting MSRP by $1,905.
EfficiencyGas / base fuel economy
AForesterUp to 26 city / 33 highway mpgSubaru published estimates
BRAV4Up to 47 city / 40 highway / 43 combined mpgToyota manufacturer estimate
The current profiles do not provide two normalized values that can be compared safely.
Maximum cargoMaximum cargo volume
AForester74.4 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration
BRAV469.8 cu ftToyota current comparison figure
2026 Subaru Forester has more published maximum cargo volume by 4.6 cu ft.
Rear-seat roomRear legroom
AForester39.4 inSubaru U.S. specification
BRAV437.8 inToyota current comparison configuration
2026 Subaru Forester has more published rear/second-row legroom by 1.6 in.
Maximum towingMaximum towing
AForester1,500 lbProperly equipped
BRAV43,500 lbSpecified AWD hybrid/PHEV grades
2026 Toyota RAV4 has higher published maximum towing rating by 2,000 lb.
Basic warrantyNew-vehicle / basic warranty
AForesterConfirm current Subaru warranty bookletCoverage is tied to in-service date and mileage
BRAV43 years / 36,000 milesToyota new-vehicle limited warranty
The current profiles do not provide two normalized values that can be compared safely.
Table view
At a glance
Key specifications
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRPDifferent | $29,995Base gas Forester | From $31,900LE FWD |
| Primary engine / systemDifferent | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinderSubaru U.S. specification | 2.5L four-cylinder hybridFifth-generation Toyota hybrid system |
| Primary outputDifferent | 180 hp2.5L BOXER | 226–236 hpFWD / AWD |
| DrivetrainDifferent | Symmetrical AWDStandard across the lineup | FWD or electronic AWDGrade dependent |
| Seating | 5Subaru U.S. specification | 5Toyota U.S. specification |
| Cargo behind rear seatDifferent | 29.6 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration | 37.8 cu ftToyota current comparison figure |
| Maximum cargoDifferent | 74.4 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration | 69.8 cu ftToyota current comparison figure |
| Maximum towingDifferent | 1,500 lbProperly equipped | 3,500 lbSpecified AWD hybrid/PHEV grades |
Price & trims
Pricing and trim lineup
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRPData gap | $29,995Base gas Forester | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Entry trimDifferent | Base · $29,995Gas | Hybrid LE · $31,900FWD available |
| Highest listed trimDifferent | Touring Hybrid · $41,545Hybrid | PHEV GR SPORT · $48,500AWD; performance-focused chassis tuning |
| Trim lineupDifferent | Base · Premium · Premium Hybrid · Sport · Wilderness · Sport Hybrid · Limited · Limited Hybrid · Touring · Touring Hybrid10 researched trims | Hybrid LE · Hybrid SE · Hybrid XLE Premium · Hybrid Woodland · Hybrid XSE · Hybrid Limited · PHEV SE · PHEV Woodland · PHEV XSE · PHEV GR SPORT10 researched trims |
| Hybrid MSRPData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | From $31,900LE FWD |
Performance
Engine, output and drivetrain
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine / primary systemDifferent | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinderSubaru U.S. specification | 2.5L four-cylinder hybridFifth-generation Toyota hybrid system |
| Primary outputDifferent | 180 hp / 178 lb-ftSubaru U.S. specification | 226 hp net combinedToyota U.S. specification |
| Hybrid outputDifferent | 194 hpSubaru Hybrid System | 236 hp net combinedToyota U.S. specification |
| TransmissionData gap | Lineartronic CVTSubaru U.S. specification | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| DrivetrainDifferent | Symmetrical AWDStandard across the lineup | FWD or electronic AWDGrade dependent |
| High-output / turbo powerData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 324 hp net combinedToyota current 2026 specification |
Fuel & efficiency
Fuel and efficiency details
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Gas / base fuel economyDifferent | Up to 26 city / 33 highway mpgSubaru published estimates | Up to 47 city / 40 highway / 43 combined mpgToyota manufacturer estimate |
| AWD / alternate fuel economyDifferent | About 25 city / 32 highway mpgSubaru published estimates | Varies by grade; up to 45 city / 39 highway / 42 combinedToyota manufacturer estimates |
| Hybrid fuel economyData gap | 35 city / 34 highway mpgSubaru published estimates | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Off-road trim fuel economyData gap | About 24 city / 28 highway mpgSubaru published estimates | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Driving rangeData gap | Up to 581 milesSubaru published estimate | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Electric rangeData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | Up to 52 milesToyota manufacturer estimate |
Size & footprint
Exterior dimensions
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| WheelbaseDifferent | 105.1 inSubaru U.S. specification | 105.9 inToyota current comparison configuration |
| Overall lengthDifferent | 183.3 inMost trims | 181.0 inToyota current comparison configuration |
| Overall widthDifferent | 72.0 inMost trims | 73.0 inToyota current comparison configuration |
| Ground clearanceData gap | 8.7 inMost trims | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Off-road ground clearanceData gap | 9.3 inSubaru Wilderness specification | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Overall heightData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 66.5 inToyota current comparison configuration |
Cabin
Interior space and seating
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5Subaru U.S. specification | 5Toyota U.S. specification |
| Front legroomDifferent | 43.3 inSubaru U.S. specification | 41.0 inToyota current comparison configuration |
| Rear legroomDifferent | 39.4 inSubaru U.S. specification | 37.8 inToyota current comparison configuration |
| Front headroomDifferent | Up to 41.2 inEquipment dependent | 37.7 inToyota current comparison configuration |
| Passenger volumeData gap | Up to 110.8 cu ftConfiguration dependent | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Rear headroomData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 39.5 inToyota current comparison configuration |
Cargo
Cargo space and practical measurements
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo behind rear seatDifferent | 29.6 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration | 37.8 cu ftToyota current comparison figure |
| Maximum cargo volumeDifferent | 74.4 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration | 69.8 cu ftToyota current comparison figure |
| Cargo length, seats upData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 37.8 inToyota current comparison figure |
| Width between wheel housingsData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | Not establishedDo not substitute maximum cargo width |
| Cargo-area widthData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 60.5 inToyota current comparison figure |
Utility
Towing, seating and capability
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum towingDifferent | 1,500 lbProperly equipped | 3,500 lbSpecified AWD hybrid/PHEV grades |
| All-wheel driveData gap | Symmetrical AWDStandard across the lineup | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Cargo behind rear seatDifferent | Up to 29.6 cu ftRoomiest published configuration | 37.8 cu ftToyota current comparison figure |
| Maximum cargoDifferent | Up to 74.4 cu ftRoomiest published configuration | 69.8 cu ftToyota current comparison figure |
| Lower / standard towing ratingData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 1,750 lbFWD models and LE AWD |
Safety
Published safety ratings
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS small overlap frontData gap | Good2026 rating | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| IIHS updated moderate overlap frontData gap | Good2026 rating | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| IIHS updated sideData gap | Good2026 rating | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| IIHS headlightsData gap | Good2026 rating | —No source-backed value verified yet |
| Safety-system contextData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 4.0 standard2026 Toyota specification |
Ownership
Warranty and service planning
| Research field | A2026 Subaru Forester | B2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| New-vehicle / basic warrantyDifferent | Confirm current Subaru warranty bookletCoverage is tied to in-service date and mileage | 3 years / 36,000 milesToyota new-vehicle limited warranty |
| Powertrain warrantyData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 5 years / 60,000 milesToyota limited warranty |
| Hybrid coverageData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 8 years / 100,000 milesToyota hybrid-related component warranty |
| Hybrid batteryData gap | —No source-backed value verified yet | 10 years / 150,000 milesToyota hybrid battery warranty |
Safety systems
Driver-assistance equipment and context
A2026 Subaru
Forester
The 2026 Forester earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and includes EyeSight driver-assistance technology. The hybrid also carries a published NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from Subaru’s U.S. materials.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise functions
- Available blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert
- DriverFocus available on upper trims
B2026 Toyota
RAV4
Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 is standard on the all-new 2026 RAV4. Because 2026 is a new generation, SUVLook does not attach prior-generation IIHS crash ratings to this body while waiting for model-specific current-generation results.
- Pre-Collision System
- Lane Tracing Assist and lane-departure functions
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Available 3D Panoramic View Monitor
Cabin technology
Infotainment, connectivity and convenience
A2026 Subaru
Forester
- An 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available on higher trims.
- DriverFocus distraction mitigation is included on selected upper trims.
- Power rear gate and panoramic moonroof availability depend on trim and package.
- Hybrid models integrate Subaru’s electrified power display and energy-management information.
B2026 Toyota
RAV4
- A 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen is standard; a 12.9-inch display is available.
- A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard across the lineup.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.
- The 2026 RAV4 introduces Toyota’s newer multimedia architecture and Arene software platform.
Evidence ledger
Source links and research freshness
AChecked 2026-09-16
2026 Subaru Forester
3 research sources attached to this model-year profile. Row notes in the tables above keep the evidence context for each value.
Subaru2026 Forester trim and specification comparisonSubaru2026 Forester brochureIIHS2026 Subaru Forester safety ratings
Open full source context →BChecked 2026-09-16
2026 Toyota RAV4
3 research sources attached to this model-year profile. Row notes in the tables above keep the evidence context for each value.
Toyota Newsroom2026 RAV4 launch, powertrain, economy, towing and technologyToyota Newsroom2026 RAV4 current pricingToyota2026 RAV4 brochure and model specifications
Open full source context →Buying context
What to check before choosing a trim
A2026 Subaru
Forester
- Forester is unusually easy to shortlist for tall drivers because Subaru publishes 43.3 inches of front legroom and up to 41.2 inches of headroom.
- The hybrid materially improves city fuel economy while keeping standard AWD, but its pricing and packaging differ from the gas lineup.
- Wilderness trades some fuel economy for extra ground clearance and a substantially higher published tow rating.
- Moonroof and equipment packaging can reduce published cargo volume, so compare the exact trim instead of relying on the maximum 74.4-cu-ft figure.
Research caveat
SUVLook does not carry the separate 2025 third-party linear cargo measurements forward as guaranteed 2026 dimensions. This profile uses 2026 data only where the existing research supports it.
B2026 Toyota
RAV4
- There is no conventional gas-only 2026 RAV4 in the U.S. lineup, so comparisons with older gas RAV4s need a powertrain reset as well as a body-generation reset.
- FWD hybrid models target the highest published fuel-economy figures, while selected AWD grades unlock the 3,500-lb tow rating.
- PHEV trims add much more system power and meaningful electric-only range, but also carry a substantial price step over the regular hybrid.
- The published 60.5-inch cargo width is a maximum cargo-area field; a rigid box still needs wheel-housing and hatch-opening checks.
Research caveat
Older 2024–2025 RAV4 cargo dimensions belong to the prior body generation. SUVLook does not automatically apply them to 2026.
Keep comparing
Similar matchups
The closest researched rivals to each SUV by size and price.
VSSubaru Forester vs Chevrolet Equinox2026 · 2026 model years
VSSubaru Forester vs Nissan Rogue2026 · 2026 model years
VSSubaru Forester vs Kia Sportage2026 · 2026 model years
VSSubaru Forester vs Honda CR-V2026 · 2026 model years
VSToyota RAV4 vs Ford Escape2026 · 2026 model yearsVSToyota RAV4 vs Nissan Rogue2026 · 2026 model years
Popular comparisons
Head-to-heads shoppers ask about
Well-known rivalries with full side-by-side research, each built from the cited sources in both SUVs' profiles.
- Honda CR-VvsToyota RAV4
- Toyota Corolla CrossvsToyota RAV4
- Ford BroncovsFord Bronco Sport
- Subaru ForestervsToyota RAV4
- Honda CR-VvsSubaru Forester
- Honda CR-VvsMazda CX-50
- Hyundai TucsonvsToyota RAV4
- Hyundai TucsonvsKia Sportage
- Ford EscapevsToyota RAV4
- Nissan RoguevsToyota RAV4
- Chevrolet EquinoxvsHonda CR-V
- Subaru CrosstrekvsToyota Corolla Cross
- Subaru ForestervsSubaru Outback
- Honda PilotvsToyota Grand Highlander
- Hyundai PalisadevsToyota Grand Highlander
- Hyundai PalisadevsMazda CX-90
- Chevrolet TraversevsFord Explorer
- Honda PilotvsHyundai Palisade