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Is the Toyota RAV4 the best new compact SUV? U.S. News picks the 2023 Subaru Forester with the best score of 8.2/10 as the best alternative. U.S. News says the RAV4 sells better than all other compact SUVs, but it only places eighth in its competitive compact SUV ranking.
The Subaru Forester is a better choice, says U.S. News.
Why do they give it a better score than the Toyota RAV4? "The 2023 Subaru Forester shares many traits with the RAV4, including spacious seating, good cargo volume, and above-average gas mileage. Moreover, this Subaru compact SUV costs about $1,600 less than the Toyota, and all-wheel drive is standard."
U.S. News says, "The Forester doesn't have as much horsepower as the RAV4, but its engine is quiet and peppy off the line. This compact SUV also delivers confident handling and a cushioned ride. While it's not an off-road champ, it has high ground clearance and respectable capability."
U.S. News says, "Other strengths include its well-built interior and good crash test ratings. In addition, Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety technology and a user-friendly infotainment system come standard."
What is the price of the Forester?
The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).
What is Subaru EyeSight?
The EyeSight suite of safety tech is upgraded on the Forester Premium trim with the option package and all higher trim levels. The next-generation EyeSight includes automatic emergency steering. Subaru says the feature works with pre-collision braking to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph.
The new generation EyeSight includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with a complete stop, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, rear vehicle detection, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert.
Cargo Volume
Among compact SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports, the Forester now ranks fifth best overall in cargo space. CR says, "Given its boxy shape, there should be no surprise that the cargo room is impressive: we measured 36.5 cubic feet of space."
What sets the Forester apart from the competition?
The significant difference between the Forester and the 2-Row SUV competition is that it comes standard with all-wheel-drive and X-Mode. You won't pay extra for the all-weather, all-terrain features on the Forester. In addition, Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, gets the highest IIHS safety scores, it's fuel-efficient, and is fun to drive.
What is the Forester fuel mileage?
The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV has standard all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine powers the Forester.
What are Forester's safety scores?
The Subaru Forester has been a safety leader in its segment. The Forester 2-Row compact SUV has been a Top Safety Pick+ winner for 16 consecutive years. In addition, all 2023 Forester trim levels come standard with the automaker's EyeSight driver-assist safety technology.
If you're shopping for a Toyota RAV4, there are many other SUVs you should consider. U.S. News says the 2023 Subaru Forester is one of the best alternatives for new compact SUV shoppers this year.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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