Right now, I have a 2025 Honda HR-V, but the seats are uncomfortable, and I don’t have enough legroom. After long drives, my knees hurt.
I am the only driver in my family and need a car that’s reliable. I’ve always owned either a Toyota or Honda, so I’m debating between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE.
Forester Pros:
More legroom and overall space
Great visibility
Feels nice to drive
Available sooner, while the RAV4 has a waitlist
Forester Cons:
Not as proven as Toyota in reliability, and I’ve read about oil consumption issues in older models
No hybrid option this year, and I commute in traffic
Infotainment setup isn’t great, too many controls in the touchscreen
First model year after a refresh, which sometimes means bugs
RAV4 Hybrid Pros:
Better fuel economy
Toyota’s hybrid system is solid
It’s been around for a while, so fewer surprises
RAV4 Hybrid Cons:
Wait time to get one
The whole ‘cablegate’ issue
Local Toyota dealers don’t always give out loaners if repairs take time
Legroom is better than my current car but still less than the Forester
I really like how the CR-V Hybrid drives, but I need more space. Also, my experience with the HR-V hasn’t been great. Just looking for input from people who have driven or owned these models.
I’m not sure there won’t be a hybrid Forester this year. Subaru’s site has a ‘coming soon’ section for it. Also, you should check out the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. Interior is way nicer than the RAV4 for about the same price.
If it’s just between the RAV4 and Forester, I’d go with the RAV4. But if you’re open to the CX-50 Hybrid, that’s worth considering.
Something to think about is road noise. My RAV4 was great, except it was really loud on highways. Ended up switching to a Lexus NX Hybrid, and it’s way quieter.
Baylor said:
Something to think about is road noise. My RAV4 was great, except it was really loud on highways. Ended up switching to a Lexus NX Hybrid, and it’s way quieter.
Lexus NX is nice, but I need something I won’t feel bad taking off-road or getting dirty.
I had a 2012 Forester before switching to a 2022 RAV4 Hybrid. Forester was awesome for road trips and handled snow well, but around 150k miles, I started getting rod knock.
My RAV4 Hybrid is more fuel-efficient, but I feel a bit cramped (I’m 6’3). That said, the AWD surprised me. I’ve taken it through Yellowstone, Idaho, and Nevada in deep snow with just all-season tires, and it handled like a champ.
Most recently, I drove through a blizzard in the Sierra Nevada mountains with no issues. No regrets getting this car.
jefferson said: @Milo
Sounds like you loved your Subaru more. Did you have any oil consumption problems with it?
Yeah, it started using more oil around 120k miles. The Forester was more comfortable, but the RAV4 wins for reliability and fuel economy. I went with the base model, though, so maybe higher trims feel better.
People don’t talk enough about how much more car you get for your money with Subaru. You can get a fully loaded Forester for what you’d pay for a mid-trim RAV4.
The Wilderness trim is really nice. Subaru’s customer service is also solid. I’ve heard of them covering major repairs even after warranties expired. Oil consumption issues do happen, but many people who had the problem got a full engine replacement. Boxer engines are easy to swap, and Subaru will sometimes give you a warranty extension afterward.
@Ramirez
I read that Subaru won’t do anything unless you’re burning at least a quart of oil every 1,000 miles, which seems really high. Toyota and Honda don’t seem to have that issue at all unless it’s a turbocharged engine.
@Baylen
Seat cushion doesn’t help because it lifts me up instead of moving me back. I’ve tried everything over the last few months, and I just need a car with more space.
Are you planning to keep this car for 10+ years and over 100k miles, or will you trade it in after a few years?
Toyota will hold its value better and has fewer long-term issues, but the Forester isn’t far behind. I’ve got a 2015 Forester with almost 100k miles and no major problems.
The Forester Hybrid will use Toyota’s hybrid system but keep Subaru’s mechanical AWD, so in theory, you get the best of both worlds.
I compared both at the dealership. The RAV4 feels a bit more comfortable, but the Forester has a more practical layout. Cargo space is way better in the Forester. I have a big dog, and he wouldn’t fit in the back of the RAV4, but he fits fine in the Forester. The seats also fold completely flat, which is great for road trips.
Subaru dealers let you put down a refundable deposit to reserve the Forester Hybrid, so I did that while I take my time deciding.