2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE vs 2025 Subaru Forester Premium
On paper, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE wins on $675 less, 23 more hp. The 2025 Subaru Forester Premium has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $675 price gap, 203 vs 180 hp, 29 vs 29 MPG.
The RAV4 XLE leads on $675 less, 23 more hp. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE | 2025 Subaru Forester Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $32,710 | $33,385 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 203 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.5 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,515 lbs | 3,569 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 105.1" |
| Length | 180.9" | 183.3" |
| Width | 73.0" | 72.0" |
| Height | 67.0" | 68.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 2yr/25k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE and 2025 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE starts at $32,710, $675 less than the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium at $33,385. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $12/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $675 in your pocket and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Premium is the stronger pick when the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE or 2025 Subaru Forester Premium?
Both achieve 29 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE or 2025 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE produces 203 hp, 23 more than the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium at 180 hp. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium uses a 2.5L flat 4.
Is the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE bigger than the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Premium is 2.4″ longer at 183.3″ vs 180.9″. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE has a 0.8″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Toyota trims, Toyota RAV4 trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Forester trims
The RAV4–Forester Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the RAV4 and Forester compare. The $675 gap is about $12/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE has 23 more hp (203 vs 180), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE when you want to keep $675 in your pocket and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium when the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute. At $12/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Toyota or Subaru or any dealership.