Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
2026 Subaru Forester
Base 2.5L AWD
2026 Toyota RAV4
LE FWD Hybrid
| $29,995 | MSRP (base, excl. dest.) | $31,900 |
| 29 MPG | Combined MPG | 43 MPG |
| $38,695 | 5-yr cost of ownership | $36,963 |
| $0.64 | Cost per mile | $0.62 |
Over five years, the Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper to own by about $1,732 on these modeled defaults (12,000 mi/yr). Every figure is an editable estimate — run the calculators with your own mileage, financing and local prices.
Run at 12,000 miles a year for five years, MotorCrunch's ownership model puts the Toyota RAV4 at $36,963 all-in against $38,695 for the Subaru Forester — a gap of $1,732, about $346 a year. That is close to a wash: your own insurance quotes and annual mileage will move the answer more than the default scenario does.
The biggest line separating them is fuel: roughly $7,034 for the Forester versus $4,744 for the RAV4 over five years. With the same drivetrain type, the spread comes down to depreciation (16% vs 15% a year) and each model's insurance risk factor (0.96× vs 0.98×).
Their stickers sit within about $1,905 of each other, so this one is decided by running costs, not the price tag. Adjust the mileage in the comparator below — the ranking can flip if your driving is far from the 12,000-mile default.
Key assumptions for this page
Modeled figures: values tagged modeled are MotorCrunch modeled estimates — outputs of our own transparent models, not published statistics or quotes. Computed with MotorCrunch's ownership-cost model: compounding depreciation, energy at national average prices, modeled insurance and maintenance baselines. Miles ÷ efficiency × national average energy price (last-known-good published price, see /data-sources). Computed with MotorCrunch's premium-factor model (the same model as the estimator widget) at a default driver profile, using this page's vehicle value. Full method: Methodology.
Data updated: 2026-07-17 — verify before purchase.
Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Toyota RAV4
by $1,732 — Subaru Forester: $38,695 · Toyota RAV4: $36,963
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Toyota RAV4
Lower fuel cost
🏆 Toyota RAV4
Lower depreciation
🏆 Subaru Forester
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Subaru Forester
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Toyota RAV4
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $17,451 | $17,746 |
| Fuel | $7,034 | $4,744 |
| Insurance | $9,410 | $9,573 |
| Maintenance | $4,800 | $4,900 |
| 5-year total | $38,695 | $36,963 |
| Cost per mile | $0.64 | $0.62 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $36,350 | $35,382 | RAV4 |
| 12,000 mi· now | $38,695 | $36,963 | RAV4 |
| 15,000 mi | $40,454 | $38,149 | RAV4 |
| 20,000 mi | $43,385 | $40,126 | RAV4 |
| 30,000 mi | $49,247 | $44,079 | RAV4 |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation and maintenance use segment-typical modeled assumptions; insurance is a MotorCrunch modeled estimate for a typical driver profile based on each model's value — not an insurer quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Subaru Forester or the Toyota RAV4 cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The Forester depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (Forester: 0.96×, RAV4: 0.98×).
Does the price gap between the Forester and RAV4 matter long term?＋
The two start within about $2k of each other, so the sticker is close to a wash and running costs decide it. With similar drivetrains, fuel and maintenance land close, leaving depreciation and insurance as the deciders.