New Subaru Forester vs The Competition

Performance

Key takeaways:

• The Forester produces more torque than the RAV4, meaning that it's arguably better at accelerating up hills, merging, and changing lanes.
• All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on every Forester trim. In contrast, it's optional on the RAV4 through the midrange. You must pay for a top-of-the-line model to get it standard.
• The Forester has a better city mileage rating from the EPA than the Mazda CX-5, making it a more capable commuter.

Every new Subaru Forester handles confidently in North Adams traffic and foul New England weather thanks to its 180-horsepower, 2.5-liter, flat-four SUBARU BOXER engine, 178 pound-feet of torque, and standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The Forester also achieves up to 33 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on highways, according to EPA estimates, making it one of the most efficient crossovers in its segment.

The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine in the Toyota RAV4 may produce 226 to 236 horsepower, but it only produces 163 to 170 pound-feet of torque, and AWD doesn't come standard unless you invest in the Woodland, XSE, or Limited trim. Moreover, similar RAV4 models with AWD may get 41 to 43 mpg in the city and 35 to 37 mpg on the highway, but they're costlier.

The Mazda CX-5 features a comparable 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 186 pound-feet of torque, it has standard AWD, and it gets up to 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Interior Features & Comfort

Key takeaways:

• The Forester is roomier and more cargo-friendly overall than the RAV4.
• While the seating in the CX-5 may be similarly inviting, the Forester has more passenger and cargo space than its rival.

Ever comfortable on long trips out of Bennington, VT, the Forester accommodates up to five passengers in a capacious cabin. It measures anywhere from 106.6 to 110.8 cubic feet and has 69.1 to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on trim. Plush cloth upholstery comes standard on base trims, and heated front seats come standard on the Premium trim. You can get durable StarTex surfaces in the midrange Sport trim and sumptuous leather-trimmed seats in the range-topping Limited trim.

The RAV4 offers a choice of cloth seats, SofTex synthetic leather, or a blend, but leather is unavailable. It also offers only 98.9 cubic feet of passenger space and 70.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The CX-5 features a selection of cloth-trimmed, leatherette-trimmed/ microsuede, and leather-trimmed upholstery and has only 103.6 cubic feet of passenger space and 66.5 cubic feet of cargo space.