2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Forester

For the 2022 Subaru Forester, the compact SUV came with a range of trim levels: base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Prices started at an MSRP of $25,195 for the base model, while the top-tier Forester Touring reached $35,295, excluding a $1,125 destination charge. Subaru offered numerous dealer-installed accessories for this versatile SUV, with all-wheel drive standard across all models.

During its evaluation in the Cascade Mountains of Bend, Oregon, the Subaru Forester Wilderness was one of the spotlight trim levels. The test vehicle featured a striking white paint job complemented by a dark gray interior with water-repellent StarTex simulated leather. Starting at $33,945 with an inclusive destination charge, the test car included an option package that added a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and power rear liftgate. With a dealer-installed engine skid plate, the total price came to $36,014.

While the Subaru Forester was never renowned for its aesthetic appeal, the Wilderness variant, with its massive protective cladding, suspension lift, higher ground clearance of 9.2 inches, and anti-glare matte-black hood decal, made it look quite rugged. The raccoon-like appearance with copper-colored accents and small 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels wasn't universally admired. Inside, the copper-colored stitching and purposeful design with hard plastics and soft surfaces emphasized function over form. Despite its somewhat dated and inexpensive feel, the Forester's interior exuded quality construction and clarity of purpose.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid moved away from the softer crossover styling when it was redesigned in 2019, adopting a more substantial and blocky appearance. The trapezoidal grille borrowed from Toyota’s truck lineup and angled bodywork framed by the headlights gave it a heavier presence. Other manufacturers soon followed this angular design, evident in models such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s angular theme carried over into its interior with a multi-tiered, visually engaging dashboard. The dashboard incorporated beveled cutouts, though it featured the common (for the time) layout of an infotainment touchscreen atop the dash with ample physical buttons and knobs for controlling primary features. Materials were average for the class, with many hard plastics and some light padding on frequent contact surfaces. Both the base and the new Woodland trim versions left out the leather-wrapped steering wheel in favor of a downmarket urethane wheel, which felt rubbery and cheap to the touch. However, higher trims did include a leather covering. Overall, the build quality was solid, with minimal cabin noise over rough roads.

When test driving the 2022 Subaru Forester any qualms about its exterior appearance quickly faded. The SUV's driving dynamics were commendable despite the absence of a turbocharger, which many enthusiasts craved. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Wilderness variant featured a unique CVT design that promised a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This enhancement doubled the Wilderness’s towing capability to 3,000 pounds.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2022 Forester Wilderness achieved 26 mpg in combined driving. During tests conducted in the Bend-Redmond region, the vehicle averaged 25.9 mpg. The boxer engine’s distinctive grumble was a charm when accelerating but felt sluggish at higher altitudes without a turbocharger. The CVT, with its eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive for a Sport mode, provided an acceptable level of energetic response, though a turbo engine would have been a welcome addition.

The forester’s dual-function X-Mode system, standard on most versions, offered better speed management on descents, and its new “standby” setting re-engaged X-Mode automatically when speeds dropped below 22 mph. The Wilderness trim increased ground clearance from 8.7 inches to 9.2 inches, improving approach, breakover, and departure angles to 23.5 degrees, 21 degrees, and 25.4 degrees, respectively. Adding Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and a standard aluminum front skid plate made it adept on the trails.

Testing revealed that the Wilderness trim excelled in various driving conditions, including off-road courses and minimally maintained forest roads, where it maneuvered through sand, rocks, and mud with ease. Despite some wind noise and a lack of engine power at speeds above 65 mph, the Forester’s long-travel suspension soaked up road imperfections effectively, maintaining a smooth and composed ride.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. A second electric motor on the rear axle provided all-wheel drive, resulting in a combined output of 219 horsepower and propelling the RAV4 Hybrid from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds. This performance was notably better than the standard RAV4 and competitive within its class.

The RAV4 Hybrid's regenerative braking system converted braking momentum to charge the battery, with physical brakes engaging during more aggressive stops. The suspension delivered a balanced ride quality over bumps and potholes while maintaining confidence when cornering. Though not sporty, its driving dynamics were competent and should appeal to most drivers, competing closely with rivals in terms of calm and effortless handling.

Functionality was a hallmark of the 2022 Subaru Forester. Easy ingress and egress were facilitated by tall seating hip points, allowing occupants to slide in and out of the front seats. The StarTex upholstery, while practical and water-resistant, did not breathe well, making it uncomfortable when wet. The set of upgraded roof rails allowed for dynamic loads up to 220 pounds and static loads up to 800 pounds, ensuring versatility for outdoor adventures.

Inside, the Forester offered substantial comfort for both front and rear passengers, with notable inclusions such as rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Though storage space was decent, opportunities were missed to add more practical features like a dashboard shelf or shallow tray. Nevertheless, cargo space remained a highlight. Without the panoramic sunroof, it provided 28.9 cubic feet (26.9 with the sunroof) and up to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down (69.1 with the sunroof). These dimensions were competitive and practical, putting it among the roomiest in its class.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample front seat space with sufficient room for larger passengers, while the rear accommodated average-sized adults comfortably. Despite somewhat low rear seat cushions, which might impact thigh support on longer trips, the RAV4 Hybrid boasted 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space. This was just a tenth of a cubic foot smaller than the non-hybrid RAV4, indicating no significant compromise due to the battery placement.

RAV4's interior also excelled in storage solutions. The front passenger had access to a wide shelf in the dashboard and a phone tray in front of the center console. While a wireless charging pad remained optional, cupholders could accommodate large drinks, and a sizable center armrest bin added to the practicality. Though the door pockets were average, overall, the RAV4 Hybrid's interior was well-designed for everyday convenience.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base trim, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD Radio. Upgrading to higher trims such as Wilderness, Limited, or Touring provided an 8-inch screen, access to navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Forester's infotainment system included physical knobs and buttons, which facilitated intuitive usage, though the hit-and-miss voice recognition system left something to be desired.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a significantly improved infotainment system with sharper graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims featured a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. Connectivity included a Wi-Fi hotspot, and higher trims like the Limited offered an 11-speaker JBL audio system, enhancing the multimedia experience.

Safety systems were robust in both vehicles. The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0, which enhanced the field of vision and accuracy of the camera-based technology. This system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Forester received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and had an anticipated Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid similarly received top safety accolades. The NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover crash tests. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most tests, with "Acceptable" ratings in some newer evaluations, earning it a Top Safety Pick rating. Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite was standard, including features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added features like a blind-spot monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.