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If you’re in the market for a brand-new ride that ticks all the boxes in terms of size, comfort, and overall utility, then look no further than the rankings for these two compact SUVs! Today, we’ll be diving headfirst into an epic battle between two of the most popular SUVs out there – the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester.
So sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride as we compare these two titans on all fronts – exterior, interior, cargo space, and more. Let the games begin!
Exterior Dimensions Comparison
Overview of exterior dimensions across different generations
When it comes to size, one can’t help but judge a book by its cover. The standard exterior dimensions of an SUV play a crucial role in how it looks, drives, and handles.
So, let’s start with a quick rundown of the standard exterior dimensions of both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester across their different generations:
Toyota RAV4 Exterior Dimensions
| Generation (Years) | Length (inches) | Width (inches) | Height (inches) | Wheelbase (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (1994-2000) | 152.0 | 66.5 | 65.0 | 86.6 |
| 2nd (2001-2005) | 163.8 – 166.9 | 68.3 – 71.5 | 65.7 – 66.7 | 98.0 – 100.4 |
| 3rd (2006-2012) | 181.1 – 181.9 | 71.5 – 73.0 | 66.3 – 68.7 | 104.7 – 104.9 |
| 4th (2013-2018) | 179.9 – 183.5 | 72.6 – 73.4 | 65.4 – 68.3 | 104.7 – 104.9 |
| 5th (2019-Now) | 180.9 – 181.5 | 73.0 – 73.4 | 66.9 – 68.6 | 105.9 – 107.3 |
Subaru Forester Exterior Dimensions
| Generation (Years) | Length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) | Wheelbase (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (1998-2002) | 175.2 | 68.3 | 62.8 | 99.4 |
| 2nd (2003-2008) | 175.2 | 68.3 | 62.6 | 99.4 |
| 3rd (2009-2013) | 179.5 | 70.1 | 65.9/68.6* | 103 |
| 4th (2014-2018) | 180.9 | 70.7 | 68.2 | 103.9 |
| 5th (2019-Present) | 182.1 | 71.5 | 68.1 | 105.1 |
Length comparison between RAV4 and Forester
From the tables above, it’s clear that the standard Subaru Forester has always been the slightly longer of the two SUVs. However, the Toyota RAV4 has grown in length over the years and is now much closer to the Subaru Forester.
The difference may not be as long as a country mile, but it’s still worth considering when it comes to parking and maneuverability.
Width comparison between RAV4 and Forester
Width-wise, both standard vehicles have seen an increase over time. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare:
- 1st Generation: The Toyota RAV4 (66.5 inches) was narrower than the Subaru Forester (68.3 inches).
- 2nd Generation: The Toyota RAV4 saw a wider range (68.3 – 71.5 inches), while the Subaru Forester remained consistent at 68.3 inches.
- 3rd to 5th Generations: Both SUVs have increased in width, with the Toyota RAV4 ranging from 71.5 to 73.4 inches and the Subaru Forester from 70.1 to 71.5 inches.
Overall, the Toyota RAV4 has become wider than the Subaru Forester in recent generations, which could contribute to a more spacious feel on the inside.
Height comparison between RAV4 and Forester
When it comes to standard height, there are some noteworthy differences:
- 1st Generation: The Toyota RAV4 (65.0 inches) was taller than the Subaru Forester (62.8 inches).
- 2nd Generation: The Subaru Forester’s height increased slightly to 62.6 inches, but the Toyota RAV4 saw a more significant bump (65.7 – 66.7 inches).
- 3rd to 5th Generations: Both vehicles’ heights increased, with the Toyota RAV4 ranging from 66.3 to 68.6 inches and the Subaru Forester between 65.9 and 68.6 inches.
These height differences may impact standard headroom and overall cabin space, which we’ll explore further in the interior dimensions comparison.
Interior Dimensions Comparison
Overview of interior dimensions across different generations’
Now that we’ve tackled the exteriors, let’s venture within and compare the standard interior dimensions of the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester across their different generations:
Toyota RAV4 Interior Dimensions
| Generation (Years) | Seating Capacity | Headroom (front/middle/rear) | Legroom (front/middle/rear) | Shoulder room (front/middle/rear) | Cargo Space (rear seats folded down) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (1994-2000) | 5 people | 39.8/38.9/38.9 inches | 42/37.2 /37.2 inches | 57/55/54 inches | 57.9 cubic feet |
| 2nd (2001-2005) | 5 people | 40/39/38 inches | 41/35 /34 inches | 53/52/51 inches | 68.3 cubic feet |
| 3rd (2006-2012) | 5 people | 40/39/38 inches | 41/37 /36 inches | 56/55/54 inches | 73 cubic feet |
| 4th (2013-2018) | 5 people | 39.5/38.9/38.2 inches | 41/37.8 /37.2 inches | 57/55/54 inches | 73.3 cubic feet |
| 5th (2019-Now) | 5 people | 39.5/39.5/38.3 inches | 41/37.8 /33.7 inches | 57.8/56.4/54.8 inches | 69.8 cubic feet |
Subaru Forester Interior Dimensions
| Generation (Years) | Seating Capacity | Headroom (front/middle/rear) | Legroom (front/middle/rear) | Shoulder room (front/middle/rear) | Cargo Space (rear seats folded down) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (1998-2002) | 5 people | 39.8/39.2/38.4 inches | 43/35 /35 inches | 53/53/52 inches | 66.5 cubic feet |
| 2nd (2003-2008) | 5 people | 40/39.8/39.8 inches | 43/36.3 /33.5 inches | 54/53/53 inches | 62.7 or 64.1 cubic feet |
| 3rd (2009-2013) | 5 people | 41/40/39 inches | 43/38 /35 inches | 56/55/54 inches | 68.3 cubic feet |
| 4th (2014-2018) | 5 people | 40/39/37 inches | 43/38 /35 inches | 57/55/55 inches | 74.7 cubic feet |
| 5th (2019-Present) | 5 people | 41.2/39.6/37.2 inches | 43.3/39.4 /35.4 inches | 58.2/57.2/55.6 inches | 76.1 cubic feet |
Headroom comparison between RAV4 and Forester
One thing that becomes apparent when examining standard headroom is that both vehicles have ample space to accommodate even the tallest of passengers. However, there are some noteworthy differences:
- Front Headroom: The Subaru Forester consistently offers more front headroom than the Toyota RAV4. So, if you’re as tall as a giraffe, the Subaru Forester might be your best bet.
- Middle Headroom: The Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester are quite similar in this aspect, with minor differences across generations.
- Rear Headroom: The Subaru Forester has consistently offered more rear headroom, which could make all the difference for passengers in the back during long road trips.
Legroom comparison between RAV4 and Forester
As for legroom, these two SUVs boast some generous space, but let’s take a closer look:
- Front Legroom: The Subaru Forester has consistently offered more front legroom than the Toyota RAV4, so if you’re looking to stretch your legs after a long day, the Subaru Forester might be the one for you.
- Middle Legroom: The Forester also takes the lead in middle legroom, giving passengers a little extra space to kick back and relax.
- Rear Legroom: The Toyota RAV4 and Forester are comparable in rear legroom, with the Forester having a slight edge in the latest generation.
Shoulder room comparison between RAV4 and Forester
Shoulder room is essential for a comfortable ride, so let’s see how these two stack up:
- Front Shoulder Room: The Toyota RAV4 has consistently provided more front shoulder room than the Forester, allowing passengers to rub elbows with a bit more ease.
- Middle Shoulder Room: The Toyota RAV4 takes the lead in middle shoulder room as well, giving passengers more room to breathe.
- Rear Shoulder Room: The Forester generally offers more rear shoulder room, making it a more comfortable option for those in the back.
Cargo space comparison between RAV4 and Forester
If you’re a road trip warrior or simply need room for all your gear, cargo space is a crucial factor:
- RAV4 Cargo Space: The Toyota RAV4’s cargo space has increased over the generations, with the 4th and 5th generations offering 73.3 and 69.8 cubic feet, respectively.
- Forester Cargo Space: The Forester has also seen growth in cargo space, with the 4th and 5th generations boasting 74.7 and 76.1 cubic feet, respectively.
In conclusion, the Forester has a slight edge when it comes to standard cargo space, making it an excellent choice for those who need to haul a lot of gear.
Cargo Space Comparison
When it comes to cargo space, both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester have seen substantial improvements over the years. Let’s take a deep dive into the evolution of their standard cargo space on these cars:
Toyota RAV4 Cargo Space
- 1st Generation (1994-2000): The Toyota RAV4’s first generation offered a respectable 57.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Not too shabby for a 90s classic!
- 2nd Generation (2001-2005): The second generation saw a leap in cargo capacity, with 68.3 cubic feet available. Talk about growing up!
- 3rd Generation (2006-2012): During its third generation, the Toyota RAV4 continued to impress, providing 73 cubic feet of cargo space for all your road-trip essentials.
- 4th Generation (2013-2018): The Toyota RAV4’s fourth generation maintained its cargo capacity at 73.3 cubic feet, making it a consistent choice for those seeking space.
- 5th Generation (2019-Present): The latest Toyota RAV4 generation now offers 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space, giving you ample room for all your adventure gear.
Subaru Forester Cargo Space
- 1st Generation (1998-2002): The Forester’s first generation started strong with 66.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a solid contender in the compact SUV market.
- 2nd Generation (2003-2008): The second generation of the Forester saw a slight decrease in cargo capacity, offering between 62.7 and 64.1 cubic feet of space. Still, it was a force to be reckoned with.
- 3rd Generation (2009-2013): The Forester’s third generation bounced back with 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for loading up your weekend getaway essentials.
- 4th Generation (2014-2018): The fourth generation saw a significant jump in cargo capacity, boasting an impressive 74.7 cubic feet. It’s like a magician’s hat—there’s always room for more!
- 5th Generation (2019-Present): The latest generation of the Forester takes the crown with a whopping 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Now, that’s music to your ears if you need plenty of storage!
As we can see, both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester cars have grown in cargo capacity over the years. While the Toyota RAV4 has been relatively consistent, the Forester has managed to outpace it in the latest generation, offering a jaw-dropping 76.1 cubic feet of space.
Driving Experience and Comfort
While size and space are critical factors, the driving experience and comfort play a pivotal role in deciding between the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester cars.
After all, you want to enjoy the ride as much as possible! Let’s hit the road and explore the driving experience of both SUVs.
Toyota RAV4 Driving Experience
The Toyota RAV4 offers a smooth and comfy ride, with a few key highlights:
- Smooth Handling: The Toyota RAV4’s precise steering and well-tuned suspension make navigating those twisty turns a piece of cake.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Toyota RAV4 boasts impressive fuel economy, letting you go the extra mile without breaking the bank.
- Noise Control: The Toyota RAV4’s well-insulated cabin helps keep road and wind noise at bay, allowing you to enjoy the silence (or your favorite tunes) as you cruise along.
- Safety Features: With Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, you’ll feel protected with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation.
Subaru Forester Driving Experience
The Forester, on the other hand, is known for its sure-footed performance and comfortable ride:
- All-Wheel Drive: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on all Forester models, making it a go-to choice for those who need extra traction in challenging conditions.
- Off-Road Capability: The Forester’s ground clearance and off-road capabilities let you venture off the beaten path with confidence.
- Driver-Assist Technologies: Subaru’s EyeSight suite provides an extra layer of safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning.
- Visibility: The Forester’s large windows and minimal blind spots make for excellent visibility, letting you see and be seen while on the road.
At the end of the day, both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester cars offer a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency and noise control or all-wheel drive and off-road prowess, there’s an SUV here that’s tailor-made for your needs.
Is a Toyota RAV4 bigger than a Subaru Forester?
When it comes to choosing a vehicle that’s perfect for your family and outdoor adventures, size truly does matter. In this section, we’ll explore whether the Toyota RAV4 is bigger than the Subaru Forester.
We’ll dive into their exterior and interior dimensions, and discuss how each model has evolved over the years. Get ready to discover which of these two popular SUVs is the better fit for your needs!
Exterior Dimensions
Let’s start by taking a look at the exterior dimensions of both the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester. When comparing the lengths, the Forester has typically been slightly longer than the RAV4, with the exception of the 2019-Now RAV4, which is quite similar in length to the 5th generation Forester (182.1 inches for the Forester, 180.9-181.5 inches for the RAV4).
In terms of width, the Forester has consistently been wider than the RAV4, with the 5th generation Forester measuring 71.5 inches wide compared to the 73.0-73.4 inches for the RAV4 in the same generation. As for height, the RAV4 has been generally taller than the Forester, but the difference has lessened in recent years.
Interior Dimensions
Moving on to the interior dimensions, let’s first discuss seating capacity. Both the RAV4 and the Forester have a seating capacity of 5 people, perfect for small families or groups of friends.
The headroom in the RAV4 has remained fairly consistent across generations, but has shown slight improvements in the latest generation (2019-Now). The Forester, on the other hand, has had relatively stable headroom dimensions.
When it comes to legroom, I have to say, I was excited to try the RAV4’s front legroom, which has remained generous across generations. The Forester has also provided ample front legroom, but the rear legroom is where the Forester truly shines, offering more space than the RAV4 in most generations.
As for shoulder room, the RAV4 and Forester are quite comparable, with both vehicles providing enough room for passengers to feel comfortable on long drives.
The Evolution of the RAV4 and Forester
Both the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester have undergone numerous changes over the years. The RAV4 has seen improvements in headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, while maintaining a consistent seating capacity of 5 people.
The exterior dimensions have also grown, making it a more spacious and comfortable vehicle overall.
The Forester, on the other hand, has maintained relatively stable interior dimensions while slightly growing in size on the outside. The vehicle’s width and height have seen minor changes, but the biggest difference is the increase in wheelbase, allowing for a more stable and comfortable ride.
So, Is the RAV4 Bigger than the Forester?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as one might think. While the RAV4 has generally been taller and offers more headroom, the Forester has provided more rear legroom and has been wider across generations.
Additionally, the exterior dimensions have been quite similar in recent years, with the Forester often being slightly longer than the RAV4.
At the end of the day, the decision between the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester will likely come down to personal preference and priorities. If headroom and a taller stance are more important to you, then the RAV4 might be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you prioritize rear legroom and a slightly wider vehicle, then the Forester might be more appealing.
Test Driving and Experiencing Both Models
Before making a final decision, I highly recommend test-driving both models to see which one feels better suited for your needs. When I got behind the wheel of both vehicles, I found that the Forester’s extra rear legroom wasn’t a big deal to me, as I didn’t need that extra space.
However, others might find this feature essential, especially if they often have adult passengers in the backseat.
During the test drives, I also found that the RAV4’s overall driving experience was more engaging and dynamic, whereas the Forester felt more stable and comfortable. It all comes down to personal preferences and what kind of driving experience you’re looking for in an SUV.
Considering Your Lifestyle and Preferences
Ultimately, the choice between a Toyota RAV4 and a Subaru Forester will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who values a capable off-road vehicle, the Subaru Forester with its standard all-wheel drive might be more up your alley.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable urban cruiser, the Toyota RAV4 could be the better fit.
Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester Size Comparison: Final Verdict
After comparing these two well-loved SUVs in various aspects, it’s time to deliver the moment of truth. Let’s sum up the key differences between the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester cars in terms of size and determine which one might be the better fit for you.
Exterior Dimensions
- Toyota RAV4: Slightly shorter in length, but generally wider and taller than the Forester. Its longer wheelbase may contribute to better stability and handling.
- Forester: A bit longer than the Toyota RAV4, but typically not as wide or tall. Its shorter wheelbase may offer a tighter turning radius, ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces.
Interior Dimensions
- Toyota RAV4: Generally offers more consistent headroom and shoulder room across the generations, but legroom in the rear seats may be limited in the latest models.
- Forester: Headroom and shoulder room may be a bit more variable, but it usually provides more generous rear legroom, making it a comfortable option for passengers.
Cargo Space
- Toyota RAV4: Across most generations, it boasts more cargo space with rear seats folded down, making it an attractive option for those with extensive cargo-carrying needs.
- Forester: Offers a slightly smaller cargo area, but still provides ample space for everyday items and outdoor gear.
Off-Road Capability
- Toyota RAV4: Excels with its specialized off-road trims, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and Multi-Terrain Select feature.
- Forester: Stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, exclusive X-MODE technology, and slightly higher ground clearance.
In Conclusion
When it comes to the car size comparison between the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, both SUVs have their strengths and weaknesses. While Toyota offers great benefits in the Toyota Rav4 to those seeking a more spacious cargo area and specialized off-road capabilities, the Forester may cater to those who value a roomier cabin for passengers and standard all-wheel drive.
Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of the details according to your specific needs and preferences. With either choice, you can rest assured that you’re selecting a reliable, versatile, and spacious SUV that’s ready for all your adventures. So, buckle up, hit the road, and enjoy the ride in your new Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Forester!