Because choosing your adventure-mobile is tougher than deciding where to brunch!
Let’s set the scene: You’re cruising through Ridgewood, NJ, sipping your iced latte, and what do you see? Subaru after Subaru, like a procession of woodland creatures in the Garden State. It’s almost like New Jersey’s own automotive mascot! The popularity of Subaru in the region is no accident. These cars are the "official vehicle" of outdoor-loving, dog-carrying, adventure-ready suburbanites—whether they’re off-roading or parking at Trader Joe’s. Heck, Subaru is so beloved around here that it feels like it should come with a North Face jacket and a Labradoodle in the trunk.
2025 Subaru Forester Vs. 2024 Toyota Rav4
But hold up—there’s a contender in this suburban saga. Enter the 2024 Toyota RAV4, trying its best to upend Subaru’s reign. It’s not making things easy for us either. The RAV4, with its sleek design and solid reputation, is forcing us to make tough choices. So, if you’re torn between these two iconic SUVs, we’ve got you covered. We’ll break it down feature by feature to help you pick your winner—because, let’s be honest, you deserve nothing less.
Engine Performance: Powering Up for Your Next Adventure
Let’s start under the hood, where all the magic happens.
2025 Subaru Forester Features
- Engine: 2.5-liter flat-four
- Horsepower: 180 hp
- Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
- 0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
- Special Feature: Dual-pinion electronic power steering
Subaru’s Forester is all about comfort and control. The CVT provides a smoother drive, perfect for zipping through Ramsey or handling a sudden detour into the woods. Though it’s not exactly WRX-level fun, it’s pretty impressive when you take it up to speed.
2025 Subaru Forester 0-60
The 2025 Subaru Forester hits 0-60 mph in around 8.0 seconds. It’s not the quickest, but it offers solid, dependable performance for daily driving, with Subaru's all-wheel drive keeping things steady.
2024 Toyota RAV4 Features
- Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four
- Horsepower: 203 hp
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Available all-wheel drive
- 0-60 mph: 7.8 seconds
Toyota brings a bit more muscle with the RAV4, boasting 203 horsepower and a quicker 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds. It’s slightly quicker than the Forester, but the RAV4’s eight-speed automatic can feel clunky at times, especially when you’re weaving through traffic in Mahwah, NJ.
2024 Toyota RAV4
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 goes from 0-60 mph in about 8.1 seconds. While not a speedster, it balances efficiency and performance, making it a reliable choice for everyday commutes and adventures.
Fuel Economy: Save Gas for Weekend Road Trips
Who doesn’t want to save a little at the pump?
2025 Subaru Forester MPG
- City MPG: 26
- Highway MPG: 33
You’ll love the Forester’s fuel efficiency. With 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, it’s a dream come true for those weekend escapes to the Catskills or just running the kids to soccer practice in Wycoff, NJ. Subaru’s known for squeezing every drop of gas for efficiency, so your wallet will thank you.
2024 Toyota RAV4 MPG
- City MPG: 27
- Highway MPG: 35
The RAV4 wins the fuel economy battle by a hair, offering 27 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. So, if gas mileage is your main concern, the RAV4 might have a slight edge. But remember, those extra miles won’t feel as plush when your ride isn’t as smooth or your car doesn’t come with Subaru’s off-road prowess. Choices, choices.
Interior & Cargo: Comfort Meets Capability
What good is a car if you can’t pack it with stuff?
2025 Subaru Forester Specs
- Seats: 5
- Cargo Space: 75 cubic feet (with seats down)
- Special Feature: Hands-free powered tailgate, heated and ventilated seats
The Forester is your buddy when you need space. Whether you’re hauling camping gear or a Costco run, the 75 cubic feet of cargo space will make your life easier. It also has heated and ventilated seats, so you’re always cozy, whether on winter or summer road trips.
2024 Toyota RAV4 Specs
- Seats: 5
- Cargo Space: 69.8 cubic feet (with seats down)
The RAV4 doesn’t lag far behind in cargo space, but it’s a little tighter at 69.8 cubic feet. It’s roomy enough for most day-to-day tasks, but if you’re hauling bulky items, the Forester’s extra space is a real perk. Plus, the Forester’s new sound-dampening improvements mean it’s quieter on the roads, which is a welcome bonus when driving with the family.
Infotainment: Stay Connected in Style
Because no road trip is complete without some great tunes.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester takes the win here with its giant 11.6-inch touchscreen, perfect for navigating the winding roads. With wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you won’t be fumbling with cords while trying to take calls or pick your playlist.
2024 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4’s 8-inch screen feels like a flip phone compared to Subaru’s tablet-sized display. And it doesn’t offer wireless connectivity for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay—come on, Toyota, it’s 2024!
Safety: Because Suburban Life Needs Peace of Mind
What’s more important than keeping your family safe?
2025 Subaru Forester Safety
- 2025 Subaru Forester Safety Rating: 5-Stars
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology is legendary and standard in every Forester. From adaptive cruise control to emergency braking, it’s peace of mind on wheels.
2024 Toyota RAV4 Safety
- 2024 Toyota RAV4 Safety Rating: 5-Star
The RAV4 isn’t too far behind, offering Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 as standard. But Subaru’s EyeSight system is known for being a little more intuitive, making it the safer bet if you’re zipping through New Jersey’s tricky traffic.
Reliability: Built to Last
Both the Forester and the RAV4 are reliable cars, but Subaru has the edge with its legendary durability.
2025 Subaru Forester Reliability
The 2025 Subaru Forester is known for its dependability, offering a solid reputation backed by years of consistent performance. With standard all-wheel drive and Subaru’s focus on safety, the Forester is built to last, making it a go-to for adventure seekers and daily drivers alike. Owners also appreciate its durability in various weather conditions, making it a reliable companion for the long haul.
2024 Toyota RAV4 Reliability
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 continues Toyota’s legacy of building reliable vehicles. With a proven track record for longevity and low maintenance costs, the RAV4 is a strong contender in the SUV market. It combines a sturdy build with advanced safety features, giving drivers peace of mind on a road trip or running errands around town.
2025 Subaru Forester for Sale
Ultimately, it’s clear: the 2025 Subaru Forester has the edge. Subaru is the ideal suburban companion whether it’s a smoother ride, better infotainment, or extra cargo space. Plus, with local dealerships like Ramsey Subaru offering top-notch service, it’s the no-brainer choice for New Jersey drivers.
So, ready to hit the road? Just don’t forget your Labradoodle!
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