2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trim levels. It started at $25,195 MSRP for the base model, with the Forester Touring maxing out at $35,295. Subaru added a $1,125 destination charge and offered various dealer-installed accessories. All-wheel drive was standard across all Forester models.

To evaluate the 2022 Forester Wilderness, we traveled to Bend, Oregon, testing the vehicle in the Cascade Mountains. Our test model, painted white with a dark gray interior featuring water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, had a base price of $33,945 (including the destination fee). Options included a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, power rear liftgate, and a dealer-installed engine under-guard, bringing the total to $36,014.

Aesthetically, the Forester was never a looker, and the Wilderness version with its suspension lift, high ride height (9.2 inches of ground clearance), massive cladding, and matte-black hood decal did little to enhance its appeal. The "raccoon on wheels" look was not for everyone. Inside, the Forester’s design prioritized function over flair, with durable materials and straightforward controls, although the hard plastics gave it a somewhat cheap feel.

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 showcased a more mature crossover design, often leading U.S. SUV sales. While it didn't stand out at first glance, closer inspection revealed angular flourishes, expressive headlights, a snub-nosed grille, and a distinctive lower fascia. Toyota's craftsmanship gave the RAV4 an overall quality feel.

Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and a well-positioned touchscreen atop the center stack. It also flaunted unique design cues, like a circuit-board-inspired pattern that tied together elements from the seat inserts to the sill plates. Our Adventure-trim test vehicle came with standout 19-inch matte-gray alloy wheels.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, devoid of any turbocharging. This engine, paired with a CVT and standard AWD, provided a 25% increase in initial torque in the Wilderness model. The towing capacity doubled to 3,000 pounds, and the EPA rated the Wilderness at 26 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 25.9 mpg.

Near sea level, the engine was adequately competitive, emitting a unique boxer engine grumble. However, at higher altitudes, the Forester felt underpowered—a turbocharger would’ve helped. The CVT with eight programmed ratios performed smoothly, and the SI-Drive’s Sport mode improved responsiveness. The dual-function X-Mode system allowed for better terrain management, enhancing the Forester's hill descent control.

The extended suspension, with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and a front skid plate, improved handling and off-road performance, raising ground clearance to 9.2 inches. We tested the Forester across various terrains, and it delivered exceptional off-road capability despite some wind noise at higher speeds.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model boasted a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was optional across all trims. The RAV4 FWD models achieved 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models slightly underperformed at 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid, with a 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor, delivered 217 combined net hp and achieved 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime, the high-performance plug-in hybrid, reached 302 hp and an electric-only range of 42 miles, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined.

Our gasoline AWD Adventure model provided smooth power delivery and responsive acceleration thanks to its naturally aspirated engine. The eight-speed transmission offered familiar performance, with quick kickdowns for highway passing. The RAV4's three driving modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) allowed for minor performance customization. Its superior handling was supported by MacPherson struts in the front, multi-link suspension in the rear, and AWD models’ Multi-Terrain Select tuning.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was designed for maximum functionality. Its heights allowed easy access to the front seats, making entry and exit effortless. Younger buyers appreciated the SUV's ability to handle grit and grime, thanks to water-resistant StarTex upholstery and standard all-weather floor mats.

Comfort levels were high, with tall seating positions offering excellent visibility. Rear air vents and quick-charge ports made the back seats comfortable for two adults, or three in a pinch. Storage was adequate, though a shelf in front of the passenger seat would have been a nice touch.

Cargo space measured 28.9 cu ft without and 26.9 cu ft with the panoramic sunroof. Those numbers might seem modest, but the squared-off cargo area was well-utilized, with ceiling-mounted cargo hooks and a full-size spare tire. With the rear seats folded, it offered 74.2 cu ft (69.1 with the sunroof), making it spacious among compact SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while still classified as a small SUV, could carry 37.5 cu ft of luggage behind its second row. Folding the seats flat increased this to 69.8 cu ft. With a payload capacity ranging from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds and towing capacities of up to 3,500 pounds (Adventure and TRD Off-Road models), the RAV4 offered practical versatility.

Inside, the RAV4 was spacious for four adults and could accommodate a fifth if needed. The front seats provided ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom. Numerous cupholders, bottle holders, and storage compartments enhanced convenience. The second-row middle seat was less comfortable but adequate for short trips.

Even the base 2022 Subaru Forester came with a range of technology features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite and HD radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trims gained a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting.

Higher trims, like the Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a useful 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The provided navigation system proved helpful but lacked a breadcrumb function needed for forest trails. Subaru's PIN Code Access was a unique feature allowing access without a key fob.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered robust technology across trims. Standard features included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM, and Wi-Fi Connect with a three-month trial. XLE and above trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen.

Higher trims like the Limited and RAV4 Prime XSE went a step further with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime exemplified advanced technology with multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, a 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and ambient illumination. It also had a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, doubling its field of vision for better accuracy. This system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. New features included Automatic Emergency Steering and a more accurate rear-seat reminder system.

Subaru equipped the Forester with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim also featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition tech for drowsiness and distraction. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Forester a 5-star overall safety rating, with a likely IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating for models other than the Wilderness trim.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, covering stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and smart stop technology. It also provided Safety Connect with emergency assistance, eight airbags, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including pre-collision with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams.

Upper trims gained systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear cross-traffic braking. The RAV4 received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" for the standard model and "Top Safety Pick+" for the RAV4 Prime. The NHTSA also awarded it a top five-star rating.