2026 Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V Hybrid vs Subaru Forester Hybrid: A Comparison of Specifications
Credit respective manufacturers, Andrew P. Collins
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The new sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has arrived, marking it as one of the most significant new cars of the year. While it might not match the excitement of models like the GR Corolla, it is the best-selling Toyota by a considerable margin and ranks among the top-selling cars globally. The 2026 RAV4 must compete against an expanding array of challengers to maintain its leading position, particularly from rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.
Similar to the RAV4, both the CR-V and Forester have also recently undergone redesigns to stay appealing within a crowded, competitive market. Additionally, like the RAV4, both the CR-V and Forester offer hybrid options; Subaru sources some of its gasoline-electric technology from Toyota. It's set to be a competitive matchup. As we await the opportunity to test drive the new RAV4, here’s a comparative overview of these three SUVs on paper.
The new RAV4 is exclusively hybrid, so we are comparing it to the hybrid versions of its two primary competitors. Unlike Toyota, Honda and Subaru continue to provide traditional gas-powered versions of their compact SUVs. The powertrain of the 2026 RAV4 is centered around a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a total output of 226 horsepower with front-wheel drive and 236 horsepower with the optional all-wheel-drive.
Regardless of the drive type, the RAV4 outperforms its competitors. Honda's hybrid system generates 204 horsepower, while Subaru’s is rated at 194 horsepower. Additionally, RAV4 buyers can opt for a plug-in hybrid version, which produces a robust 320 horsepower; however, this model is not included in the comparison table since Honda and Subaru do not have plug-in equivalents.
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 Core | 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid |
|-----------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------|
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid | 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid | 2.5-liter flat-four hybrid |
| Total system horsepower| 226 (FWD); 236 (AWD) | 204 | 194 |
| Length | 180.9 inches | 184.8 inches | 183.3 inches |
| Width | 73 inches | 73.5 inches | 72 inches |
| Height | 67 inches | 66.2 inches (FWD); 66.5 inches (AWD) | 68.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 inches | 106.3 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Instrument cluster size| 12.3 inches | 10.2 inches | 12.3 inches |
| Touchscreen size | 10.5 inches (standard); 12.9 inches (available) | 9 inches | 11.6 inches |
In terms of dimensions, the RAV4, CR-V, and Forester are quite similar. This is expected, as they are designed to serve the same fundamental purpose, and there are limited ways to design a compact SUV that meets the criteria for “space,” “value,” and “safety.” The RAV4 is the shortest of the trio by a few inches, though it has a slightly longer wheelbase than the Forester, while the CR-V boasts the longest wheelbase. However, the size differences among the three are minimal, and most drivers are unlikely to perceive them.
It is important to note that, since the 2026 RAV4 is brand new, some key details are still unavailable, including its weight. For reference, the CR-V Sport Touring weighs 3,926 pounds, whereas the top-tier Forester Touring Hybrid weighs 3,946 pounds. Toyota has also yet to disclose the trunk capacity for the new RAV4. In comparison, the Honda offers 34.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and the Subaru provides 27.5 cubic feet.
Clockwise from top left: Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4. Credit respective automakers
If your priority when shopping for a vehicle includes the "space occupied by screens," the new RAV4 is likely to appeal to you. Its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster exceeds the size of the CR-V’s and matches that of the Forester’s. Standard features include a 10.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which sits between the sizes of the screens in the Honda and Subaru, with an optional upgrade to a 12.9-inch display. Toyota has integrated climate control buttons into
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