Consumer Reports Says Avoid The Toyota RAV4, Buy A Subaru Forester Instead

What are the best compact SUVs for shoppers this winter? An updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranking of new compact SUVs says you should avoid buying the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and buy the 2023 Subaru Forester instead. CR now ranks the Forester as the #1 of twenty-eight new compact SUVs.

The Forester performed well in CR's road tests, has good reliability, has crucial advanced safety equipment, and performs well in crash tests from the IIHS.

Why should you avoid the 2023 Toyota RAV4?

photo credit: Toyota Motor

Consumer Reports says, "The RAV4 is one of the most popular models on the market. The red-hot small SUV segment draws buyers by being reliable and fuel-efficient. But the recent move to a lower, wider appearance has compromised interior space. Plus, its bland cabin, droning engine noise, and ride comfort that trails the competition has resulted in below-average owner satisfaction in our Annual Auto Surveys."

Why Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Forester is better for compact SUV shoppers than the 2023 Toyota RAV4. 

What does CR say about the Forester compact SUV?

Consumer Reports says, "Subaru has nailed the ideal small SUV configuration, with compact exterior dimensions, a tall roof, and a surprisingly roomy interior. Throw in a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, essential safety features, and a standard all-wheel-drive system that out-claws rivals, and the Forester is a true gem. Subaru has honed this package for years, perfecting a model that's easy to recommend. A redesigned Forester goes on sale this spring as a 2025 model."

CR fails to say that the 2023 Subaru Forester is sold out, and you'll be looking at 2024 Forester models now. It's a carry-over model, identical to the 2023 model year.

My take on the Subaru Forester

The Forester is the best pick for active customers using the SUV for more than a commuter vehicle or grocery hauler. The Forester comes with all-wheel-drive on all trim levels, and it's not an expensive option.

Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars - It’s The Subaru Forester Again @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/hs3ePci0wX
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 29, 2023

Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for improved severe weather traction. Forester also offers a new Wilderness trim level, and the Sport and Wilderness trims offer a dual-function X-Mode with Deep Snow and Deep Mud settings. The Forester is the top pick for customers who live in a cold weather state and will use their vehicle to get further off the grid.

What is the fuel mileage of the Forester?

The 2024 Subaru Forester compact SUV has standard all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. The Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine.

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Forester?

Head to Head 2024 Subaru Forester Vs. 2024 Toyota RAV4 And the Winner Is..@SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/6e6jrRBnWZ
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 24, 2023

All 2024 Forester trim levels increased by $770 in price, including destination and delivery. The Forester comes in six trim levels: The Base Forester starts at $28,190, Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

Should you wait for the 2025 Forester?

The 2025 Forester is completely remodeled and gets significant upgrades. 

Here are the new Forester upgrades at a glance:

• Sleek, fresh, contemporary interior and exterior design
• Advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology standard on all trims
• Improved dynamic performance and ride quality from a 10% stiffer chassis
• Available 11.6-inch Subaru Starlink Multimedia system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto™ available
• The debut of kick sensor-activated Hands-Free Power Rear Gate. 

The remodeled sixth-generation 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV is coming in the spring 2024.

Consumer Reports says to avoid the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and buy the 2024 Subaru Forester instead. Forester is rated CR's best compact SUV because it performed well in CR's road tests, has good reliability, comes with crucial advanced safety equipment, and gets the highest crash scores.

Consumer Reports recently said the 2024 Forester is one of the ten most reliable new vehicles you can buy today. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4 report. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to the Subaru Forester, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars - It’s The Subaru Forester Again
• 2024 Subaru Forester Pricing And Model Guide - One Hot Trim Stands Out
• Why CR Says Avoid The Toyota RAV4 And Buy The Subaru Forester Instead

Here are Consumer Reports’ 2024 Cars Reliability Results on YouTube

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru, Toyota