2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with a price tag of $42,083, presented a robust yet understated appearance. Despite its fully-loaded status, it resembled a standard rental car model, lacking the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's design was rugged for a compact SUV, though it could benefit from bolder wheels. Inside, it offered a stylish and practical interior, albeit with mixed material quality. A notable issue was a rattle from the license plate, but overall, the RAV4 Hybrid maintained a balance of functionality and aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, despite its 2019 redesign, retained a classic, boxy look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. The Forester Sport model, with its orange accents and black alloy wheels, added a sporty flair. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, it shared its underpinnings with other Subaru models, emphasizing durability over style. The interior was practical, with a mix of materials designed to withstand wear and tear. The Forester's straightforward design and spacious cabin made it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and multiple driving modes, including EV mode, which emitted a whirring noise for pedestrian safety. Weighing between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, the RAV4 Hybrid offered lively acceleration, though the engine's sound was less pleasant at high revs. It achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg combined, with a tested average of 39.7 mpg. The CVT and regenerative braking system performed smoothly, while the suspension and steering provided a comfortable ride, albeit with limited tire grip during spirited driving.

The 2021 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter boxer engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The CVT, with manual mode and paddle shifters on select trims, offered a 1,500-pound towing capacity. While power was adequate, the engine lacked punch for highway maneuvers. The Forester's suspension prioritized comfort, resulting in noticeable body roll and bounce on uneven surfaces. Standard AWD and X-Mode enhanced its off-road capabilities, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. However, for serious off-roading, alternatives like the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk were more suitable.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated seats, though the seat height was slightly low. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and a user-friendly infotainment system. Cargo space was generous, offering 37.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 69.8 cubic feet with them folded, though the subwoofer and all-weather mat limited some storage options.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom due to its tall roofline. The cabin felt airy, with excellent visibility, though sunlight could raise the temperature. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. While lacking a sliding second-row bench, the Forester offered a power liftgate on higher trims. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though the phone cubby was small, and wireless charging was unavailable. The infotainment system was user-friendly, despite a slow boot-up time.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a choice of infotainment systems, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The test vehicle boasted an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was intuitive, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy access. Camera-based technology, such as a 360-degree camera system, enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch version on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM radio. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for key functions. However, the screen was slow to start. Additional displays provided secondary information, though the setup felt overly complex. The Forester's infotainment system was practical, but lacked the sophistication of some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was generally effective, though lane-centering assistance was occasionally intrusive. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard EyeSight technology included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The Forester also featured a unique DriverFocus system to monitor driver attention. While EyeSight performed well, lane-centering was less smooth than desired. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.