527 N Bennington Rd.
Bennington, VT 05201
The Forester Hybrid is the stronger fit for shoppers who want standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, more passenger room, more ground clearance and a larger standard touchscreen. The RAV4 Hybrid counters with more horsepower, a lower starting price and higher peak fuel-economy ratings in its most efficient configurations.
Choose the Forester Hybrid if you want all-wheel drive included on every trim, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, dual-function X-MODE, more passenger volume and an 11.6-inch touchscreen as standard equipment.
Choose the RAV4 Hybrid if maximum fuel economy or stronger published horsepower matters more. Toyota's all-new 2026 model produces 226 horsepower with front-wheel drive or 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive and advertises up to 47 city and 40 highway MPG in its most efficient configurations.
Both seat five, use conventional hybrid systems that do not require plugging in, and offer modern active-safety technology. The important distinction is that Subaru builds AWD into every Forester Hybrid, while Toyota offers front-wheel drive or AWD depending on grade.
The Forester Hybrid's biggest advantages are not only fuel economy. They are the all-weather and interior features included throughout the lineup.
Every Forester Hybrid includes full-time all-wheel drive. RAV4 Hybrid offers FWD or AWD depending on grade and configuration.
Forester Hybrid exceeds the RAV4 LE's 8.1 inches and the Woodland's 8.5 inches of published clearance.
All Forester Hybrid trims include traction-management settings and Hill Descent Control for slippery or uneven surfaces.
Subaru lists more maximum passenger volume than the RAV4 Hybrid's 98.9 cubic feet.
Forester Hybrid includes the larger screen standard, while RAV4 starts with 10.5 inches and offers 12.9 inches on higher configurations.
The Forester Hybrid is designed for longer trips without the need to stop and recharge a plug-in battery.
The RAV4 wins several efficiency and output categories. The Forester counters with standard AWD, more clearance, more passenger volume and a larger standard center display.
| Comparison | 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid | 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Vermont buyer implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $34,730 for Premium Hybrid | $31,900 for LE | RAV4 has the lower entry price before destination, options, taxes and dealer charges. |
| System output | 194 total system hp | 226 hp FWD / 236 hp AWD | RAV4 has the horsepower advantage. |
| Fuel economy | 35 city / 34 highway MPG with standard AWD | Up to 47 city / 40 highway MPG, configuration dependent | RAV4 offers the higher peak rating, while Forester's rating includes AWD on every trim. |
| All-wheel drive | Standard Symmetrical AWD | FWD or AWD depending on grade | Forester simplifies all-weather shopping because no drivetrain upgrade is required. |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.1 inches on LE; 8.5 inches on Woodland | Forester provides more published clearance for snow and uneven roads. |
| Passenger volume | 106.6 cu. ft. | 98.9 cu. ft. | Forester provides more published passenger room. |
| Standard touchscreen | 11.6 inches | 10.5 inches; 12.9 inches available | Forester has the larger standard screen, while RAV4 offers the larger optional screen. |
| Maximum towing | 1,500 lbs. | Up to 3,500 lbs. on eligible AWD grades; 1,750 lbs. on FWD and LE AWD | RAV4 is the stronger choice when trailer weight is a priority. |
| Safety suite | Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Standard Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 | Both include broad active-safety systems; features and operation differ. |
| Hybrid type | Conventional hybrid, no plug required | Conventional hybrid; separate RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid also offered | Both HEV versions operate without external charging, while Toyota also offers a plug-in alternative. |
Fuel economy, towing, clearance, equipment and price vary by trim and drivetrain. Toyota's highest fuel-economy figure does not apply to every AWD configuration. Compare the exact vehicles and window labels before purchase.
Lundgren Subaru is located at 527 N Bennington Rd in Bennington. The dealership serves local drivers and shoppers traveling from Manchester, North Adams, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Latham and Albany.
Use the live Forester Hybrid inventory page to check current Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring Hybrid availability. Lundgren Subaru also provides online specials, financing resources and trade-in tools.
The Forester Hybrid is the stronger fit if you prioritize standard all-wheel drive, more ground clearance, more passenger volume and a larger standard touchscreen. The RAV4 Hybrid is the stronger fit if you prioritize lower starting price, more horsepower, higher peak fuel economy or greater towing capacity on eligible AWD trims.
The RAV4 Hybrid has the higher peak rating at up to 47 city and 40 highway MPG in its most efficient configurations. The Forester Hybrid is rated at 35 city and 34 highway MPG, with all-wheel drive standard on every trim.
The RAV4 Hybrid has more horsepower. It produces 226 net combined horsepower with front-wheel drive or 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive. The Forester Hybrid produces 194 total system horsepower.
All-wheel drive is standard on every Forester Hybrid. The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid is offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on grade and configuration.
The Forester Hybrid has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Toyota lists 8.1 inches for the RAV4 LE and 8.5 inches for the Woodland grade.
Subaru lists 106.6 cubic feet of passenger volume for the Forester Hybrid, compared with 98.9 cubic feet for the RAV4 Hybrid.
The Forester Hybrid can tow up to 1,500 pounds. Eligible AWD RAV4 Hybrid grades can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while front-wheel-drive models and the LE AWD are rated at 1,750 pounds.
No. Both conventional hybrid versions recharge their batteries through the gasoline engine and regenerative braking. Toyota also sells a separate RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid that can be externally charged.
Yes. Lundgren Subaru provides a live Forester Hybrid inventory filter and currently promotes 2026 Forester Hybrid shopping. Inventory, trim mix, colors and individual equipment change over time.
Lundgren Subaru is located at 527 N Bennington Rd., Bennington, VT 05201. The sales department can be reached at (802) 442-3400.
Review current inventory, compare standard AWD and interior space, value your trade and contact Lundgren Subaru when you are ready for the next step.
