The 2022 Toyota RAV4 and 2022 Subaru Forester are two compact SUVs that have attracted significant followings. In 2022 Subaru released a Wilderness trim for the Forester to make it even more capable. In this comparison we'll see how the Forester compares with Toyota's hugely capable RAV4, delving into aesthetics, performance, practicality, and more, with ratings and insights from CarGurus team of expert reviewers.
2022 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Subaru Forester
Look and Feel
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota RAV4 at an impressive 9 out of 10 for its look and feel. In terms of exterior design, it blends in with the modern crossover market with its angular details and crisp lines. The expressive headlights and well-crafted grille contribute to a unique yet playful appearance. Inside, the RAV4 boasts a well-designed dashboard with a user-friendly touchscreen interface. The cabin is spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
CarGurus experts rate the Forester slightly lower at 6 out of 10 in this category. The Subaru Forester focuses more on functionality than aesthetics. It may not be the most attractive SUV (particularly with the extra body cladding of the Wilderness trim), but it excels in practicality. The interior features StarTex simulated leather that is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. The Forester's cabin is spacious and comfortable, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports to keep passengers content. However, the exterior design is more of an acquired taste than the Toyota's more conventional look.
Performance
Both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and 2022 Subaru Forester receive commendable ratings of 8 out of 10 for their performance.
The RAV4 offers a range of powertrain options to cater to different preferences. The gasoline-only model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It delivers a fuel economy of 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models and slightly lower figures for all-wheel drive models. The RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, boasting an impressive EPA fuel-economy rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is the most potent in the lineup, with 302 horsepower and the ability to travel up to 42 miles on electricity alone.
The Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and averaging a combined 26 mpg. The Forester's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides smooth power delivery. All Foresters come standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring excellent traction in various conditions. While the Forester's power may feel adequate at lower altitudes, it may struggle a bit at higher elevations due to the naturally aspirated engine. Honestly, we wish Subaru had fitted this engine with a turbocharger. Opt for a Forester in Wilderness trim and the raised ride height (total ground clearance is 9.2 inches) will help with its off-road ability.
Form and Function
In terms of form and function, both SUVs score a solid 9 out of 10.
The RAV4 offers a roomy interior that can accommodate up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row and a whopping 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. It also boasts an impressive payload capacity ranging from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds, depending on configuration. The RAV4's towing capabilities vary, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models leading the pack at 3,500 pounds. These figures, along with its excellent fuel efficiency, make the RAV4 a versatile choice for a wide range of consumers.
The 2022 Subaru Forester excels in functionality, with its tall seating hip points allowing for easy entry and exit. The StarTex upholstery is water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Subaru has also upgraded the roof rails to accommodate 220 pounds dynamically and 800 pounds statically, allowing for accessories like roof tents. Interior comfort is high, with spacious seating and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space is impressive, with 28.9 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 74.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Opting for the WIlderness trim increases the Forester's towing capacity from 1,500 pounds to 3,000 pounds.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota RAV4 with a score of 8 out of 10 for its technology. It impresses with a range of tech offerings, catering to various trim levels. Standard infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as SiriusXM satellite radio (via subscription).
RAV4 XLE models and above upgrade to an Audio Plus system with a 9-inch touchscreen. Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE take it up a notch with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation.
The RAV4 Prime meanwhile showcases available technology with multiple USB ports, power outlets, ambient lighting, Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.
The 2022 Subaru Forester scored 7 out of 10 for its technology features. In its base trim, the Forester provides a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services.
Upgrading to Premium trim introduces an 8-inch screen, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system, while the Forester Wilderness stands out with its more rugged body cladding and a 180-degree forward-view camera to enhance its off-roading capabilities.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota RAV4 with an impressive 9 out of 10 for safety. Every RAV4 model comes with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes essential safety features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. The RAV4 is also equipped with eight airbags, LATCH child-seat anchors, and child-guard locks on rear side doors.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is a suite of driver-assist systems that includes features like pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and more. Higher-grade RAV4 models also come with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2022 Subaru Forester receives an equally impressive rating of 9 out of 10 for safety from CarGurus experts. It incudes Subaru's EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering a wider field of vision and advanced driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist.
All of this helped the 2022 Subaru Forester to earn a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Cost Effectiveness
In CarGurus testing the 2022 Toyota RAV4 scored 7 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness, reflecting its pricing and value proposition. When new, the 2022 RAV4 started from $26,975 and went up to $43,625. The wide range of trim levels helps to ensure there's an option for various budgets and preferences, and being able to choose between such a wide range of powertrains ensures there's a model to suit most buyers.
The Subaru shines when it comes to cost effectiveness, with a score of 9 out of 10 that highlights its overall value. That's particularly the case because all models feature a very capable all-wheel-drive system for true all-weather capability at an attractive price point. For those who plan to venture off road, the new-for-2022 Wilderness trim is even more capable, and offers exceptional value in its segment.
Importantly, both of these models are know for their durability and dependability, which not only provides peace of mind but also helps when it comes to maintaining resale value.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Subaru Forester scores 8.0 out of 10. The RAV4 is arguably more aesthetically appealing, and the wide range of powertrains adds to its appeal. The Forester meanwhile leans heavily towards functionality and practicality, making it perfect for outdoor adventures without sacrificing interior space or practicality. Bottom line: these are both great vehicles.
Choose a 2022 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You prioritize a wide range of powertain options including hybrids.
- You are looking for a competitive SUV with a strong reputation for reliability.
- You want the flexibility of various trim levels to suit your needs.
Search for a 2022 Toyota RAV4 on CarGurus
Choose a 2022 Subaru Forester if:
- You desire an all-weather vehicle that can cope with tough off-road conditions.
- You value cost-effectiveness and practicality in an SUV.
- You appreciate an SUV with strong safety ratings and advanced driver assistance features.
Search for a 2022 Subaru Forester on CarGurus
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