Among compact crossover SUVs, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and the 2025 Subaru Forester are crowd favorites that continue to win drivers over with their day-to-day usefulness, safety tech, and rough-weather handling abilities. Especially in Texas, these qualities make them perfect for our unpredictable seasonal changes, from scorching summers to flash flood warnings. Let’s compare the RAV4 vs. Forester to help you decide which SUV suits your lifestyle better.
Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 starts at $29,250 and goes up to $40,605 for the Hybrid Limited, while the Subaru Forester begins at $29,995 and reaches $41,695 for the Touring Hybrid. That price gap matters for budget-minded Prosper families, as these savings can be used for other expenses or to add premium upgrades to your SUV.
2025 RAV4
The RAV4 offers up to 11 trim options, including hybrid choices:
- LE and Hybrid LE
- XLE and Hybrid XLE
- XLE Premium and Hybrid XLE Premium
- Limited and Hybrid Limited
- Hybrid Woodland Edition
- Hybrid SE
- Hybrid XSE
Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that matches your adventurous spirit or a cost-saving hybrid, there’s a trim for you.
2025 Forester
Subaru offers the Forester in 10 trim levels:
- Base
- Premium and Premium Hybrid
- Sport and Sport Hybrid
- Wilderness
- Limited and Limited Hybrid
- Touring and Touring Hybrid
Each model includes convenient features, especially for busy parents juggling soccer practice and dance recitals.
Performance and Efficiency
The RAV4’s standard 2.5-liter gas engine delivers 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the Forester’s 2.5-liter engine produces up to 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. When merging onto highways or climbing hills, the RAV4’s extra power helps. Both use continuously variable transmissions, though the RAV4 feels more responsive when you need quick acceleration. Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are available on the RAV4, while the Forester comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system.
For fuel economy, the RAV4 takes the lead. Gas models achieve 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with FWD, while the AWD hybrid versions jump to 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Non-hybrid Foresters get a respectable 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. If you’ve got long commutes, the more fuel-efficient RAV4 could save you hundreds of dollars yearly.
While both SUVs tow 1,500 pounds standard, Subaru’s Wilderness trim can pull 3,000 pounds. As for handling, the RAV4 feels slightly sportier around corners, while the Forester’s softer suspension better absorbs bumps.
Interior and Comfort
Both SUVs offer comfortable cabins with different strengths. The Forester wins on total cargo space with up to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.4 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the RAV4 provides more everyday utility at 37.6 cubic feet behind the seats but less max space at 69.8 cubic feet with seats down.
Most Forester trims feature an 11.6-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RAV4 includes an 8- or 10.5-inch display, and if you love music, you’ll appreciate the RAV4’s 11-speaker JBL audio system on higher models. Depending on the trim you choose, both SUVs offer heated and ventilated seats, dual climate control, and power-folding seats. These quality-of-life features make driving more comfortable, especially in hot Texas summers.
Safety, Reliability, and Warranty
Both SUVs offer excellent protection with five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ awards. These ratings come from extensive crash testing, including front, side, and rollover scenarios, so you can count on these SUVs keeping you and your family safe on the road.
Each model includes comprehensive safety tech. The RAV4 features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Subaru’s updated EyeSight system offers similar protection, plus attention monitoring that alerts you if you look away from the road for too long while driving. These technologies prove invaluable on Texas roads, preventing numerous accidents. Both vehicles are also known to be reliable and come with three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. With the cost of living increasing and repair costs running high, this dependability matters.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
If you compare the Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 specs, the RAV4 is cheaper upfront, has a more powerful engine, offers more space behind the rear seats, and gets better fuel ratings. However, the Forester fights back with standard AWD, more cargo room, and a larger standard touch screen.
Your decision hinges on what matters most. If you want fuel savings and a lower price, the RAV4 makes sense. For standard AWD and maximum cargo space, consider the Forester. You should also consider your local climate, such as opting for ventilated seats to handle Prosper summers. With top safety features and comfortable interiors, both vehicles easily handle school runs, daily commutes, and weekend adventures.
Test-Drive the New RAV4 at Longo Toyota of Prosper Today
To see if the 2025 RAV4 suits your Prosper lifestyle, visit our dealership. We’ll help you find your perfect SUV match. Contact us to arrange a test-drive or ask any questions.
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