2022 SUBARU FORESTER vs TOYOTA RAV4 - Which is Better compact SUV? Full Engineer's Review and Audit

This is a full Automotive Engineer's Review and Audit of the 2022 Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4.

Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, consulting, and strategy. David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean Thinking or Toyota Production System. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[cargueone]

I bought my first Subaru ever after years of owning Toyotas. The biggest difference is the Forester fits my 6'3" frame better, and the AWD is first rate. However it's the dealership experience that makes the noticable difference. Subaru treats me like a Lexus dealership.

[TheMontoya]

Absolutely amazing reviews! I’m impressed that someone actually took the time to critique the paint thickness and gap continuity. Keep up the good work

[garystar]

One of the best car reports hands down. I have never seen anyone verify the paint, and gaps before. Great interior review. The Subaru Forester is definitely a great, practical vehicle with hybrid numbers on the highway. The RAV4 EV is a great vehicle as well. There is a long waiting list to get one. Most go to British Colombia and Quebec that have numerous charging stations on street's, public parking, business, rest area's for EV's.

[bradr]

I'm a bit of an analytical person, and this is exactly the kind of car reviewing I've always been hoping to find - keep it up!

[johnmorris]

To add to the meaning of the Subaru badge, it actually means collection/collaboration and it’s the Japanese name for the Pleiades cluster or the Seven Sisters, however the reason for only 6 stars is because six companies amalgamated to form Subaru. Thank you I’m here all week.

[thiaguinhooitodois]

At 75, 000 miles my 2016 Subaru Forester started to leak oil. Engine had to be pulled out and re-sealed. This will be my last Subaru. My wife’s RAV4 has 115, 000 miles and never had an issue.

[littleninja]

Thank you. This was a most useful review and comparison of these two vehicles.

[jorgevasquezang]

I just found your videos, and I am overwhelmed for the amount of great content you give, thank you so much for sharing!!

[CozyEccentric]

Thank you for doing this review, one of the best I've seen. I hope you will compare the Forester hybrid with the Rav 4 models when it is available (as it is rumoured to be). I have a 1999 Forester, and it's still going strong, with the odd age related part replacement needed - your description of "an old friend" is absolutely spot on. The only thing I don't love is the fuel economy. It is going to be hard to part with. (I have been waiting for a hybrid to appear.)

I would also really appreciate an episode on regular vs hybrid vs plug in and how you know which are really suitable for you. I have heard, for example, hybrids must be driven a certain amount per year and have extra filters that need changing where the batteries are vented. Just because a new technology exists, doesn't mean it is the correct fit for everyone.

Many thanks for your kind attention.

[rabidbigdog]

Either car is a superb choice. Both cars have great resale too. We purchased a 2007 Forester here in Australia for a staff member rather than a RAV4. He's delighted. Great cars.

[smokynagata]

Thanks for a thorough review! Would be great if your reviews can get more technical into the engine design!

[crashbug]

Amazing video! Thanks for the good work!

[markreynolds]

Nice review David thanks for sharing this video.👍👍👍

[ericpizarro]

We owns a RAV4 hybrid and 2 Subarus Ascent & Crosstrek Sport. We love all of them. Toyota gives 45+ miles per gallon (amazing) Crosstrek drive much better than any other small SUV. I agree 100%. The Subaru handling is second to non. Plus the seats comfort.

[saabpilot]

Excellent job. This is an engineer talking, all the right points are covered. You are the best!

[bobbytradie]

really good information greatly assist me in decision-making process.

[generalcaeser]

I'd like to point out that the Rav4 apples to apples is quit a bit more expensive. I would be more interested to see a rav4 non hybrid or no Prime compared to the Subaru Forester. Since the Prime and hybrid have an unfair advantage we should be comparing the two non-hybrid models. I may be a little bias now but I just picked up a full load limited Subaru forester yesterday after nearly buying a Rav4 Hybrid. I do a lot of highway driving and that made the hybrid only 4 mpg better on the highway and what tipped me was the overall value and the safety difference was huge when shopping for insurance. In my case the Subaru Forester was $105 per month less to insure than the Rav4 hybrid and I have a perfect driving record and am a professional driver for work. All that said I was able to get a full load Limited Subaru Forester for about the same price as the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid base model with the $815 weather package. One notable thing to know is that only the Rav4 Prime is made in Japan and the rest of the Rav4s are made in the USA (Kentucky I believe) and the Subaru is made in Japan. This could make a substantial difference in quality. This Subaru forester is insane with tech and safety features. It really did blow my mind. There is far too much to list so if you are interested, I would encourage you to watch a video on it. In the end, the Subaru Forester is a better value from what I experienced. Hope this helps with your decision.

[gregholman]

That Forrester is gorgeous, would be my pick, the RAV Prime is too expensive for my pocketbook, but maybe in the cards someday hopefully!...Great Vid!

[markreynolds]

Thanks so much for this interesting review David. I am surprised with your comments on Subaru, very positive, . I think trying hard to improve there cars.

[davehumphries]

Great fair comparison, both great SUVs.Our 2016 Rav4 has been very enjoyable & reliable & can see advantages of Rav4 prime plug in hybrid. Wait in Canada for one is over a great so will keep driving our gas Rav4 for awhile. Cheers