Both the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester Hybrid Are Winners. But One is a Champ.

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3 days ago

Subaru is directly competing with the Toyota RAV4 hybrid after finally producing the Forester hybrid. Both are excellent, but I don't think Toyota has much to worry about… Yet.
The Toyota RAV4 has been a hybridized hit since 2016. The system was so good, it helped Toyota sell millions upon millions of the economical SUV. In 2022, the RAV4 broke records by selling 1 million units globally. The Toyota RAV4 has plenty of competition, like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, the Kia Sportage Hybrid, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid. It also competes with the Mazda CX-50 hybrid (which uses the same hybrid system), and finally, a decade after the first RAV4 hybrid model year, the Subaru Forester Hybrid has entered the fray.
Unlike the Crosstrek hybrid of 2019, which used an older Toyota system, the 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid is mostly Subaru's doing. Toyota was there to help develop the system, but Subaru engineers were at the helm this time—creating a hybrid SUV with a true, mechanical AWD system.
Subaru may have shown up fashionably late to the compact AWD hybrid SUV party, but she's here to disrupt the numbers and show people what she's made of. Is it enough to top the charts? After driving both back-to-back, here's what I think.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Forester is Priced Fairly, But the Toyota Has More Options
For the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, there are seven trims, ranging from the base LE to the plush Limited. Prices range from $32,600 to $40,905 MSRP, making it a very cost-effective choice for a wide range of buyers. The Forester hybrid has four trims, starting with the Premium Hybrid and going up to the Touring, ranging from $36,385 to $43,295 MSRP.
That price range is fair for both SUVs, especially compared to their competitors. The Kia Sportage ranges from $30,290 to $40,390, and the Hyundai Tucson starts at $34,960 and goes up to $42,790. The Honda CR-V hybrid's base price is $35,630, while the top-tier price is $42,250, and the Mazda CX-50's pricing is $33,970 to $40,050.
Therefore, the Subaru is the most expensive option out of the best AWD hybrid SUVs. Of course, this is all based on MSRPs—the dealer is who sets the final price—but it raises an important question: do the options and AWD system justify the price?The Subaru's AWD System is More Capable, But at a Cost
I'll explain the differences between the RAV4 hybrid's AWD system and the Subaru Forester hybrid's simply: the Subaru's AWD system is permanently active, while the Toyota's is 'on demand.' When slipping isn't detected, the Toyota's electronic rear axle—which isn't physically connected to the front axle with a driveshaft like the Subaru—doesn't see 50% of the engine's power. Instead, it's front-wheel drive biased, so it's more FWD until computers and sensors determine a 50:50 split is needed. So, it's no surprise that the Subaru was incredibly poised and ready for off-road driving.
Toyota's system is still effective in slippery conditions, especially in 'Trail' mode, but it's not as rugged as Subaru's, making the Subaru more appealing for those who want to push their Forester to the limits (especially with X-MODE). But a more robust system that can't be shut off or have power diverted to save mileage is thirsty. When I was driving the Forester hybrid, I averaged 29.5 mpg. In the Toyota, I saw 36.2 mpg, and 36.3 when I put it in Eco mode. That's a very significant difference.
Granted, 29.5 mpg combined is a vast improvement over the gas-powered version of the Forester, and impressive for a truly AWD SUV. And it should be noted that a majority of my driving was around town. Bend doesn't have a freeway with speeds higher than 45 mph; otherwise, I'm sure mileage would have been much better.As Far as Space is Concerned, the Subaru Felt Roomier
If we look at cargo space figures, the Toyota offers more space. Behind the rear seats, it has 37.6 cubic feet of space. The Subaru has technically less at 26.9 cubic feet, but after having both back-to-back, the Subaru felt bigger. The rear passengers had more legroom, and the taller ceiling means more stacking capabilities. When the rear seats are folded down, though, the Forester has more space at 74.2 cubic feet compared to the Toyota's 69.8 cubic feet.
What I also noticed was that a taller roof meant larger windows, which helped open up the interior, let in more natural light, and provide a much better view of the world around me. The large sunroof was a bonus, too, since my toddlers got to enjoy looking up at the trees while we played around off-road. The RAV4 also had a large sunroof, but the lower seating position combined with the smaller windows made it slightly harder to see out of.
Both SUVs, too, come with ample aftermarket support so roof rails, crossbars, and cargo boxes or baskets can be installed for added space.If Power is Important, Toyota is On Top
No trim level of either the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Forester hybrid comes with a turbo. And neither SUV is known for its track capabilities. However, it should be noted that if power is factored into a buying decision, the RAV4 is not power-shy. Combined with the battery pack, the Toyota generates 219 horsepower. It's no F1 car, but it's pretty quick off the line and has just enough power to pass slow trucks (safely, of course).
The Subaru Forester hybrid produces a combined 194 horsepower, and Subaru says the battery improves acceleration by 10 to 15%. I immediately noticed an improvement in acceleration and handling over the gas-only Forester, but it's still pretty slow compared to the RAV4. No one buys a hybrid for the power in the pedal, but the RAV4 had a lot more spirit compared to the Forester.The Subaru's Interior Is More Open and Tech-Forward
As I mentioned before, the high seating position paired with the large windows made it super easy to see out of. Especially since there wasn't a tablet sticking up over the dashboard line. Subaru's 12-inch infotainment screen is nicely integrated into the center console, so everything's easy to access and see. Now, I do have a bone to pick with whoever decided to bury a majority of the controls in the screen, but I at least appreciate that they're easy to manipulate and see, even with a phone mirroring program in use.
Toyota's interior was much more no-nonsense, which I liked. But the typical Toyota issues with connectivity quickly showed themselves, while I didn't have a single issue with Android Auto in the Subaru. I do prefer the sound system in the Subaru, too. Both utilize traditional shifters, and have easy-to-read digital gauges that can be customized and manipulated fairly easily. But, I liked the differing colors and textures in the Subaru better.
The RAV4 I drove was the XSE model, which came in the beautiful Calvary Blue with the black leather interior and blue accent stitching, which was very complementary. But the wide-open and colorful interior of the Subaru was much more appealing.For Families, the Forester Hybrid Feels like Home
The Toyota RAV4 hybrid is popular for several excellent reasons: it's easy to drive, easy to pack the family into, the mileage is impressive, and it's very cost-effective. The car seats were easy to install, there was plenty of room for them and their toys, and the sunroof was adored. Just like the Forester. However, the first thing my oldest said when she climbed into the Forester was how big the windows were, and the lower entry point made it easy for her to climb in and out of.
The lower entry point and bigger doors made their car seats even easier to install over the Toyota, too. The upper tether point was just on the back of the seat, and it was so easy to access and secure that I didn't even need to open the trunk. Loading the truck was also easier thanks to the lower entry, making Costco trips a breeze, and unloading the groceries even easier. It felt like a more seamless addition to my family with littles, and dog owners would appreciate it, too.
The Toyota's seats were leather with a fabric center, which helped the seats keep their shape after I installed car seats in it, which was a huge perk to me. The Forester's seats were a leatherette material, which was super easy to keep clean, but definitely suffered creases from their car seats.I Recommend Both, But for Different Reasons
If someone were cross-examining either AWD hybrid SUV solely for the hybridization, the Toyota wins every time. Toyota's been making and refining its hybrid systems for decades, and now, on its fifth generation, the hybrid system is—dare I say it—superior to just about any other hybrid system out there. The RAV4 hybrid gets 36.2 mpg combined because Toyota's got hybrids down to a simple science, while other automakers are playing catch-up.
Subaru benefits from having Toyota's engineers on speed dial, but this is the first model year of the Forester hybrid, and that always makes me wary. Now, if someone were looking at the two based on the AWD capabilities or passenger space, I'd wholeheartedly suggest test-driving the Subaru. Similar to my logic with Toyota, Subaru's been making its legendary AWD system for decades. They know better than to fix what isn't broken, and the Forester hybrid shows that. Yes, it's thirsty, but it's a testament to the system's capabilities and rigidity over an 'e-axle.'
All that is to say that both are excellent choices, and I wouldn't harshly judge anyone who bought one instead of the other. Even as family SUVs, I was sad to see both of them go. Now, let's hope Subaru takes notes and gets an Outback hybrid out. Both hybrids will sell like hot cakes.