All New Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 in Madison, WI
2026 Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 in Madison, WI
Are you looking for your ideal SUV to drive in Waunakee? Then visit Don Miller Subaru East, where you will find the latest Subaru models, including the 2026 Subaru Forester. The Forester delivers exceptional versatility and capability, and we think one from our showroom might be ideal for you. Of course, you might be wondering how the Forester compares to similar crossovers, like the Toyota RAV4. Keep reading to learn more.
Vehicle Comparison
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $34,835 | $42,750 |
| Engine configuration | Flat 4 | Inline 4 (Gas/Electric) |
| Engine Power | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 236 hp |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive | All wheel drive |
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 41 MPG |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Cargo Space | 27.5 cu. ft. | 37.8 cu. ft. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in. | 8.1 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4: Performance
The Subaru Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer® four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. An available hybrid setup generates 194 horsepower. Both engines pair with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Toyota RAV4 has a 2.5-liter hybrid I4 engine that generates 226 horsepower with front-wheel drive and 236 horsepower with available all-wheel drive. Every Subaru Forester comes standard with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides exceptional traction on and off the road in Sun Prairie.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4: Technology
The Subaru Forester Base trim comes standard with dual seven-inch front touchscreens, which pair with wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. All other models feature an 11.6-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while a 12.9-inch display is available.
The Subaru Forester comes standard with six speakers, with the option to upgrade to a premium sound system by Harmon Kardon featuring 11 speakers. The Toyota RAV4 offers an available premium JBL sound system with nine speakers. Both the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 offer an available wireless smartphone charger. However, the Forester has this feature on five of its six trims, while the Toyota RAV4 features it on just four of its six trims.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4: Interior
The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are similar in size, with the Forester offering more total interior space at 140.4 cubic feet, compared to 136.7 cubic feet for the RAV4. The vehicles divvy up their interior space differently as well. The Subaru Forester has plenty of room for the driver and front passenger, with 43.3 inches of front leg room and 41.2 inches of front head room. The Toyota RAV4 is more cramped up front, with 41 inches of leg room and just 37.8 inches of head room.
The Subaru Forester is also more spacious for rear passengers. The Forester has 39.4 inches of rear leg room, 56.7 inches of rear shoulder room, and 53.7 inches of rear hip room. The Toyota RAV4 has 37.8 inches of rear leg room, 56.4 inches of rear shoulder room, and just 49.6 inches of rear hip room.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4: Exterior
If you love off-roading near Watertown, it's hard to find a better vehicle to accompany you on your adventures than the Subaru Forester Wilderness. The Wilderness trim is optimized for the trails, with 9.3 inches of ground clearance (up from 8.7 inches that come standard), a skid plate, roof rails, and all-terrain tires. The Toyota RAV4 has the Woodland Edition trim, which is the RAV4's take on an off-road crossover. While the RAV4 Woodland Edition has all-terrain tires and roof rails, it does not provide a skid plate to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle. The RAV4 Woodland Edition has 8.5 inches of ground clearance, less than the standard Forester and significantly less than the Forester Wilderness. The standard RAV4 has 8.1 inches of ground clearance.
Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4: Safety
Every Subaru Forester comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This suite of safety features includes:
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering: Automatically maintains a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead of you while keeping the Forester centered in the lane
- Lane Departure & Sway Warning: Monitors lane markings, alerts you if the Forester begins drifting out of the lane, and applies corrective steering when necessary.
- Pre-Collision Braking: Alerts you if EyeSight detects a potential impending collision and applies the brakes automatically if necessary.
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Reduces engine power if EyeSight detects an impending collision, giving you more time to respond and reducing the impact if a collision does occur.
The Toyota RAV4 also comes with its own set of standard safety features, which compare fairly evenly to the Subaru Forester. Standard RAV4 safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
Subaru Forester Trim Level Breakdown
The Subaru Forester has six trim levels for customers to choose from:
- Base: Includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual seven-inch front touchscreens, four speakers, wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assistance Technology
- Premium: Builds on Base with panoramic sunroof, improved upholstery, heated front seats, reclining front seats, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a wireless smartphone charger
- Sport: Builds on the Premium with 19-inch wheels with bronze finish, shift paddles with eight simulated gears, multiple drive modes, unique interior design elements, and additional safety features
- Limited: Builds on the Premium with 18-inch alloy wheels, hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, multiple drive modes, power front seats, and additional safety features
- Touring: Builds on the Limited with 19-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, driver's seat memory, navigation, an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, and additional safety features
- Wilderness: An off-road trim that builds on the Sport with unique 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, an underbody skid plate, roof rails, LED foglights, copper-finish exterior accents, water-resistant upholstery, and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity
Take a 2026 Subaru Forester for a Test Drive
Ready to see for yourself if the 2026 Subaru Forester is your dream crossover? Then visit Don Miller Subaru East to take one for a test drive. While you are here, visit our Finance Center to learn about your payment options. Meanwhile, our Service Center is ready to keep your Forester running like new for years to come. To schedule your visit, contact us.
* Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.
**The arrival timeline is an estimate. It may vary due to circumstances beyond Subaru’s or the retailer’s control.
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Don Miller Subaru East
5401 High Crossing blvd
Madison, WI 53718
- Sales: 608-258-3636
