2014 Forester vs. CRV vs. RAV4

Symmetrical AWD | Real Time AWD | 4 Wheel Drive |

FORESTER Symmetrical AWD CRV Real Time AWD RAV4 4WD
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive has the engine mounted in-line with the drivetrain, helping provide a seamless transfer of power to all four wheels. Other AWD systems need additional drivetrain components to route the same power to the wheels, often using complex designs. More components tend to reduce vehicle efficiency and could add to higher maintenance costs. This keeps the driver in total control at all times.
View Subaru engineering videos here.
Real Time AWD is when the vehicle remains in a 2 wheel drive function and switches to AWD automatically when the vehicle detects little to no traction control. Real time is ok, but can be a little worrisome to know that it won't kick in until after traction is lost. This is a good system, but does not leave the driver in full control of the vehicle at all times, opposed to Symmetrical AWD.
4WD is when the driver has the option to either use 2 wheel, or 4 wheel drive modes at their disposal. This is great if the driver likes to choose how their vehicle handles, but sometimes it may be too late to decide when transfer power to all wheels.
Real Time AWD is when the vehicle remains in a 2 wheel drive function and switches to AWD automatically when the vehicle detects little to no traction control. Real time is ok, but can be a little worrisome to know that it won't kick in until after traction is lost. This is a good system, but does not leave the driver in full control of the vehicle at all times, opposed to Symmetrical AWD.
4WD is when the driver has the option to either use 2 wheel, or 4 wheel drive modes at their disposal. This is great if the driver likes to choose how their vehicle handles, but sometimes it may be too late to decide when transfer power to all wheels.
Passenger Space


FORESTER 38.0" | CRV 38.3" | RAV4 37.2" |

103.3 Cubic ft | 101.5 Cubic ft | 100.7 Cubic ft |
Vehicle | 2014 Forester 2.5i Premium | CRV-EX | RAV4 XLE |
PRICE | $24,995 | $26,295 | $25,690 |
MPG | 32/24 | 30/22 | 29/22 |
All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Opt. | Opt. |
Available GPS | Yes | No | Yes |
10-Power Driver's Seat | Yes | No | No |
Engine | 2.5L H4 | 2.4L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
Horse Power | 170@5800 | 185@7000 | 176@6000 |
Torque | 174@4100 | 163@4400 | 172@4100 |
Automatic Transmission | Lineartronic 6-Speed Electronically Controlled Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission With Overdrive and Tow/Haul/Snow Mode (Standard) | 5-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission With Overdrive and Tow/Haul/Snow Mode (Standard) | 6-Speed Electronically Controlled Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission With Overdrive and Tow/Haul/Snow Mode (Standard) |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 | 15.3 | 15.9 |
Front Brakes | Disc | Disc | Disc |
Rear Brakes | Disc | Disc | Disc |
Turning Ratio, Curb-to-Curb | 38.4 | 37.3 | 34.7 |
Towing Capacity | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 |
Basic Warranty | 36 Mo. 36,000 Miles | 36 Mo. 36,000 Miles | 36 Mo. 36,000 Miles |
Power Train Warranty | 60 Mo. 60,000 Miles | 60 Mo. 60,000 Miles | 60 Mo. 60,000 Miles |
Have Questions? Ask us Here.

Summary: As you can see, the New 2014 Subaru Forester outweighs on the competition in almost every aspect. It is the best car for the money, the best car for a needed AWD terrain, and the best car for fuel economy in a midsized SUV division. The 2014 Forester has been completely redesigned and re-imagined, it's higher, wider, and has more passenger room. Not to mention the driver's side is now equipped with a knee protecting airbag. The AWD is the best in the market with its Horizontally Opposed 4 Cyl. Boxer Engine, giving this vehicle the best center of gravity and traction than any other AWD system in the market. The 2014 Subaru Forester has been rated Motortrend's 2014 SUV of the Year and rated the Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
In a Head to Head Comparison, it's the 2014 Forester for the Win!
- The Forester comes standard with Symmetrical AWD
- competitive passenger volume
- the best Miles Per Gallon
- best price by comparison
- Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for highway safety!
- Motortrend's SUV of the Year 2014!