Face-Off: 2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Toyota RAV4

Both are being replaced for 2019, so you might be able to get a great deal on the outgoing version

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

June 29, 2018

2017 Subaru Forester — 2018 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are popular SUVs that perform very well in Consumer Reports' tests. The Subaru tops our compact SUV ratings, while the RAV4 sits just a few points behind in third place (after the Honda CR-V).

They have excellent, proven reliability histories and owners love them, based on CR’s reliability and owner satisfaction surveys. Each is being redesigned for 2019, and that means these soon-to-be-retired models are enticing because dealers are offering discounts and incentives to make room for the newest versions.

To help shoppers make a reasoned purchase decision, we dove into the details for each compact SUV. All of our data and impressions come from CR testing:

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We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.