DecodedCarsSubaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4
2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota RAV4 is more fuel-efficient: 43 vs 35 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $350 a year less in fuel for the Toyota RAV4 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Subaru Forester is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru Forester has had fewer recall campaigns (39 vs 50).
The two cars
The 2026 Subaru Forester is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,746 lb (Le 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2024 Forester and the 2022 RAV4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Forester and the 2019 RAV4.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Subaru Forester if…
- You put reliability history first (39 vs 50 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (43 vs 35 MPG)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Subaru Forester
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
2026 Toyota RAV4
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 43 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Subaru Forester specs →Full 2026 Toyota RAV4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →