Commendable as it is that Toyota includes so many driver assist features, the functionality of those features falls behind. The adaptive cruise control tends to react a moment later than would be ideal, but more irksome is how much the lane keep system allows the RAV4 to weave within the lines. Again, improvements to these systems are part of its 2023 updates. Subaru's hypochondriacal equivalents beep alarmingly at any hint of driver malfeasance—the system accuses you of taking your eyes off the road even when stopped in traffic—but nevertheless provide more confidence and relaxation.

Still a Close Contest

As has long been the case, the RAV4 and Forester remain worthy rivals. Each has evolved significantly over the years, yet there's more old-school drudgery in the Toyota than the Subaru.

Would the RAV4 have fared better if not for the TRD Off-Road spec? Aside from looks, we've never been able to discern the benefit of this variant, neither in this on-pavement assessment nor during our previous dirt excursions. It strikes us as nonsensical to pay more expecting trail chops only to receive a firmer suspension that roughens the ride. Rough, too, is the engine, and the operation of its tech and driver aids. The RAV4 checks the compact SUV boxes, but it's not the better option here.

Even though very little about how the Forester drives will endear you to it, this Subaru succeeds in being downright agreeable. Its cushy ride, spacious cabin, excellent visibility, and useful assist features make it so easy to live with. If ever the desire for dirt arises, the Forester's indefatigable AWD and reasonable ground clearance will help it venture off-road. The premium features brought by choosing the Touring trim sweeten the deal, considering its lower price than the Toyota. Can't complain about better fuel economy, either.

2nd Place: 2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road

Compact size but big-SUV vibes
Good-looking inside and out
Clever use of interior space

Gravelly powertrain
Firm ride
Unimpressive tech

Verdict:Feeling in many ways like an old SUV in a newer wrapper, the RAV4 gets the job done but not as well. If you must have one, choose a hybrid or the improved 2023 model.

1st Place: 2023 Subaru Forester Touring

Excellent outward visibility
Commodious seats and cargo area
Absorbent ride

Busy styling
Insipid driving manners
Safety alerts need to chill

Verdict:Likable infinitely more for what it can do than how it drives, Subaru's compact crossover simply makes too much sense not to take the win.

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS	2023 Subaru Forester Touring Specifications	2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Specifications
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD	Front-engine, AWD
ENGINE TYPE	Direct-injected DOHC 16-valve flat-4, alum block/heads	Direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, alum block/head
DISPLACEMENT	2,498 cc/152.4 cu in	2,487 cc/151.8 cu in
COMPRESSION RATIO	12.0:1	13.0:1
POWER (SAE NET)	182 hp @ 5,800 rpm	203 hp @ 6,600 rpm
TORQUE (SAE NET)	176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
REDLINE	6,000 rpm	6,700 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER	19.7 lb/hp	18.0 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION	Cont variable auto	8-speed automatic
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO	3.70:1/2.06:1	3.18:1/2.14:1
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR	Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar	Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
STEERING RATIO	13.5:1	14.4:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK	2.7	2.7
BRAKES, F; R	12.4-in vented disc; 11.2-in vented disc	12.0-in vented disc; 11.1-in disc
WHEELS	7.0 x 18-in cast aluminum	7.0 x 18-in cast aluminum
TIRES	225/55R18 98H Falken Ziex ZE001 A/S (M+S)	225/60R18 100H Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 01A (M+S)
DIMENSIONS
WHEELBASE	105.1 in	105.9 in
TRACK, F/R	61.6/61.8 in	62.6/63.3 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	182.7 x 71.5 x 67.5 in	181.5 x 73.4 x 68.6 in
GROUND CLEARANCE	8.7 in	8.6 in
APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE	20.0/24.6 deg	19.0/21.0 deg
TURNING CIRCLE	35.4 ft	37.4 ft
CURB WEIGHT (DIST F/R)	3,584 lb (57/43%)	3,645 lb (57/43%)
SEATING CAPACITY	5	5
HEADROOM, F/R	40.2/37.6 in	37.7/39.5 in
LEGROOM, F/R	43.3/39.4 in	41.0/37.8 in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/R	58.1/57.2 in	57.8/56.4 in
CARGO VOLUME	69.1/26.9 cu ft	69.8/37.5 cu ft
TOWING CAPACITY	1,500 lb	3,500 lb
ACCELERATION TO MPH
0-30	3.3 sec	2.9 sec
0-40	4.8	4.5
0-50	6.5	6.1
0-60	8.5	8.2
0-70	10.9	10.8
0-80	14.0	13.7
0-90	17.8	17.5
PASSING, 45-65 MPH	4.1	4.2
QUARTER MILE	16.5 sec @ 86.9 mph	16.3 sec @ 87.4 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	125 ft	117 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.81 g (avg)	0.81 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	27.3 sec @ 0.62 g (avg)	27.1 sec @ 0.62 g (avg)
TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH	1,600 rpm	1,700 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
BASE PRICE	$37,720	$38,930*
PRICE AS TESTED	$37,720	$41,710*
AIRBAGS	7: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, driver knee	8: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, driver knee, passenger thigh
BASIC WARRANTY	3 yrs/36,000 miles	3 yrs/36,000 miles
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY	5 yrs/60,000 miles	5 yrs/60,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	3 yrs/36,000 miles	2 yrs/unlimited miles
FUEL CAPACITY	16.6 gal	14.5 gal
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON	26/33/29 mpg	25/32/28 mpg
EPA RANGE, COMB	481 miles	406 miles
RECOMMENDED FUEL	Unleaded regular	Unleaded regular
ON SALE	Now	Now
*2023 Pricing