Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $28,490. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $15,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $47,839 and $31,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Forester packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Toyota RAV4.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 7 in the Toyota RAV4.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol making 107kW and 187Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the front wheels.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 107kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 85mm longer than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,570mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 577L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 81L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,195/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,195 (Toyota RAV4). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota RAV4). The Subaru Forester has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The Subaru Forester adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 is the cheapest at $28,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $15,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 577L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Subaru Forester has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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