2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 had a rugged-looking exterior that mimicked a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with sedans and minivans, making it mechanically similar to a Camry. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models added unique styling elements like an Ice Edge roof, orange interior accents, and matte black wheels, enhancing its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4 featured large rubberized knobs and door handles, adding to its rugged aesthetic. Material quality was decent on lower trims but didn't improve significantly on higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and more durable than leather, but real leather wasn't available even on the top-tier Limited trim. The interior design aimed to distinguish the RAV4 from other Toyota models, but it didn't offer the luxury feel some might expect at higher price points.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in various trims, including the new Wilderness model, which we tested in Bend, Oregon. Priced at $33,945, the Wilderness model featured white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and options like a navigation system and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim added a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance, though some found it less appealing.

Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for essential functions. The Wilderness trim included copper-colored stitching and accents, adding a touch of style. Overall, the Forester's interior was practical and easy to navigate, though it lacked the modern flair of some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered power at high RPMs. However, the transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feedback, making the driving experience less engaging. The RAV4 offered a "Sport" mode, but it only added weight to the steering without improving responsiveness.

On the highway, the RAV4 was quieter and more comfortable, with a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. Off-road, the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making them capable on rough terrain. However, the RAV4's limited suspension articulation and shallow approach, departure, and breakover angles restricted its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model's CVT provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester averaged 25.9 mpg during testing, close to the EPA's 26 mpg estimate. The engine's characteristic boxer-style grumble added charm, but it felt sluggish at higher altitudes.

The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive for a more responsive driving experience. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different terrains, and the Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks improved ground clearance to 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled on off-road trails, handling sand, rocks, and mud with ease. Its long-travel suspension absorbed bumps and maintained good road feel, though wind noise was noticeable at higher speeds.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered competitive headroom in both rows, thanks to its tall, upright roof. However, legroom was slightly behind some competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4's cargo space measured 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but still behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, even with gloves on, but the center-console storage was limited.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester's front and rear seats were comfortable, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited model featured an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked standout features, and the gasoline RAV4 didn't offer a head-up display.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trims added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, with options for navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed drivers to leave the key fob in the vehicle and re-enter using a PIN code.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a five-star overall rating, and it was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.