Tom Wood Subaru · Indianapolis, serving Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville & Fishers
2026 Subaru Forester vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4: Which Compact SUV Is Better for Central Indiana?
The 2026 Forester ranks #3 among 32 compact SUVs, with a Consumer Reports Overall Score of 85 and a Road Test score of 92 out of 100. Those results come from testing the current-generation model. The redesigned 2026 RAV4 is new this year and has less real-world history behind it. Every 2026 Forester also comes with standard AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with no extra package required.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Forester for standard AWD on every trim, 8.7″ ground clearance, current-generation test results, and 38 cu ft of cargo.
Choose the RAV4 if hybrid fuel economy and quicker acceleration are your top priorities.
Our pick for Central Indiana: the Forester. Available now at Tom Wood Subaru.
85
CR Overall Score · #3 of 32
#1
Subaru CR Brand Ranking
96%
Foresters still on the road after 10 yrs
2026 Subaru Forester · Tom Wood Subaru
#1
Subaru's rank among all 31 brands tested by Consumer Reports for the second year in a row
Source: Consumer Reports Brand Rankings, 2026
3
The 2026 Forester's rank among 32 compact SUVs, with a CR Recommended badge and Overall Score of 85
Source: Consumer Reports Compact SUV Rankings, 2026
38 cu ft
Forester cargo volume compared with 31 cu ft in the RAV4, using the same CR measurement method
Source: Consumer Reports, 2026 Forester & RAV4 specs
96%
Of Subaru Forester vehicles sold in the last 10 years still on the road today
Source: Subaru.com
Forester vs RAV4 in Carmel, Westfield & Indianapolis
2026 Forester vs. RAV4: Where Each Compact SUV Has the Advantage
Drive through Carmel, Westfield, or north Indianapolis on any given day and you'll see both of these SUVs everywhere. The sixth-generation 2026 Subaru Forester was redesigned for 2025, so the 2026 model arrives with a year of real-world experience behind it. The RAV4 is completely redesigned for 2026, and Toyota has dropped the gas-only engine. Every new RAV4 is now a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. For Hamilton County shoppers, the differences become easy to understand when winter hits I-465 or it is time to load up for a weekend at Brown County State Park.
One automotive publication described the 2026 Forester as a faithful take on what a compact SUV should be: practical, confident in bad weather, and dependable. It is not the flashiest praise, but it speaks directly to what many people need from an everyday SUV.
- Standard Symmetrical AWD on every 2026 Forester trim, with no package to add and no front-wheel-drive base model to work around
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance, more than the RAV4 and CR-V hybrids and enough for trail access at Brown County or Indiana Dunes
- 38 cubic feet of Consumer Reports-measured cargo volume, about 7 more than the RAV4's 31 cubic feet using the same measurement method
- Subaru ranks #1 of all 31 car brands Consumer Reports tested, and #1 of 17 mainstream brands, for the second year running
- A quieter cabin than previous generations, thanks to added sound deadening that addresses one of the Forester's longest-standing weak points
- 96% of Forester vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today, per Subaru's own data
- Coming from a compact Crosstrek that felt tight on headroom? The Forester is the natural next step up. See it at Tom Wood Subaru, 3300 East 96th Street.
2026 Subaru Forester · Available now at Tom Wood Subaru, 3300 E 96th Street, Indianapolis
2026 Subaru Forester interior, first introduced with the redesigned 2025 model
What 29 MPG Could Cover in a Full Week
A Hamilton County Workweek and Turkey Run on One Tank
Hamilton County workers spend an average of about 26 minutes commuting, though public datasets do not publish an average commute distance.* For a practical example, assume a 15-mile drive each way to work.
Over five days, that adds up to 150 miles. Add a weekend round trip from Indianapolis to Turkey Run State Park, roughly another 140 miles, and you are looking at about 290 miles of driving between Monday morning and Sunday evening.
At Consumer Reports' measured 29 mpg, the Forester would use approximately 10 gallons for all of it. With a 16.6-gallon tank, you could commute all week, make the full Turkey Run trip, and return home with about 6.6 gallons still in the tank, or roughly 40% remaining. The 2026 RAV4 hybrid will deliver better fuel economy. The Forester's 29 mpg means a full workweek and a weekend away fit comfortably into one tank.
A Hamilton County Workweek Plus Turkey Run
Weekday commute (5 days, 15 mi each way)150 miles
Turkey Run round trip140 miles
Total distance290 miles
Fuel used at 29 mpg~10 gallons
Forester tank capacity16.6 gallons
Fuel remaining Sunday evening~6.6 gallons, about 40% remaining
* Average commute time for Hamilton County, IN is approximately 25.2 to 25.9 minutes. Official datasets do not publish an average commute distance in miles; the 15-mile one-way estimate is derived from that time range using standard speed assumptions. Source: Data USA, Hamilton County, IN. MPG based on Consumer Reports-measured 29 mpg overall for the 2026 Subaru Forester with standard AWD. Actual fuel economy varies by driving conditions, speed, load, and climate.
By the Numbers
2026 Subaru Forester vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4: Key Specs at a Glance
The figures below come from Consumer Reports' 2026 model-year data and manufacturer specifications available when this page was published. Pricing and availability can change, so check with Tom Wood Subaru for the latest information.
| Metric | 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| CR Overall Score | 85, CR Recommended | Not yet rated (new redesign)1 |
| Compact SUV Ranking | #3 of 32 | Not yet ranked1 |
| Road Test Score | 92 / 100 | CR road test in progress1 |
| Predicted Reliability | 60 / 100 (tested current generation) | 86 / 100 (projected from prior generation)2 |
| Standard Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD on every trim | Front-wheel drive standard; AWD available |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | Lower than Forester |
| Cargo Volume (CR-measured) | 38 cu ft | 31 cu ft |
| Horsepower | 180 hp (2.5L 4-cyl, standard AWD) | 226 hp (FWD hybrid) / 236 hp (AWD hybrid) |
| 0–60 mph | ~8.3–9.2 sec (varies by trim)3 | ~7.1 sec (AWD Limited, per Car and Driver)4 |
| CR Measured MPG | 29 mpg (standard engine, AWD) | Hybrid-only; CR testing in progress1 |
| Price Range | $29,995 – $41,545 | Starting approx. $31,900+ |
| Available at Tom Wood Subaru | Yes, in stock now | No |
Sources: Consumer Reports, 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Toyota RAV4 overview and road test reports. Manufacturer specifications. See footnotes below.
1 The 2026 RAV4 is an all-new redesign. Consumer Reports' full road test and ranking are in progress at time of publishing. Check consumerreports.org for updates. 2 The RAV4's Predicted Reliability score of 86 out of 100 is Consumer Reports' projection for the redesign. It is based on the outgoing generation's history and Toyota's broader brand record, not owner data from the 2026 model. The Forester's scores reflect testing of the current redesigned generation. 3 Forester 0-60 per Autoblog and Edmunds testing, 2026 model. 4 RAV4 0-60 per Car and Driver road test, 2026 AWD Limited trim. Pricing subject to change; confirm with Tom Wood Subaru.
What You Get
Inside the 2026 Subaru Forester
The redesigned Forester earned its place near the top of the compact SUV class. Here is what that looks like in practice.
2026 Forester
180 HP
2.5-liter 4-cylinder · Standard Symmetrical AWD on every trim
29 mpg CR-measured · 8.7 in. ground clearance · Standard on every model
38 CU FT
CR-measured cargo, 7 cu ft more than the RAV4
Room for a Turkey Run weekend, Carmel sports gear, or a Costco run
92 / 100
CR Road Test Score; #3 among 32 compact SUVs
Roomy rear seat · Airy outward visibility · Short stopping distances
QUIETER
New sound deadening in the 6th-gen redesign
A longtime Forester weak point that has been meaningfully improved
5-YR / 60K
Drivetrain warranty + 5-yr/unlimited-mile corrosion coverage
Basic: 3 yr / 36,000 mi · Roadside Aid: 3 yr / 36,000 mi
Specs via Consumer Reports 2026 Subaru Forester Ratings & Specs and Subaru.com. Images: Tom Wood Subaru inventory photography.
Let's Be Straight About It
Is the 2026 Forester Slower Than the 2026 RAV4?
The 2026 Forester is not especially quick. Its 2.5-liter engine produces 180 horsepower, and published tests place its 0-to-60 time between 8.3 and 9.2 seconds depending on trim and tires. The 2026 RAV4's hybrid powertrain is quicker. Car and Driver recorded 7.1 seconds in an AWD Limited.
That difference is worth knowing before you drive one.
The rest of the picture is strong. Consumer Reports combines road test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety data into a single Overall Score, and the 2026 Forester earned an 85 out of 100, good for #3 among 32 compact SUVs and a CR Recommended badge. That score is not just about how the Forester drives; it reflects how the whole package holds up. One review called it "Almost Great," which feels fair. For many drivers in Carmel, Westfield, and north Indianapolis, modest acceleration is an acceptable trade for a comfortable ride, useful space, clear visibility, and everyday confidence.
The RAV4 is quicker, but it is also a brand-new redesign with little real-world history so far, and its 2026 Overall Score is still pending. The Forester is the more familiar choice. Subaru reports that 96% of Foresters sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today, which is a strong sign of long-term staying power.
Consumer Reports Overall Score
Compact SUV comparisons, 2026 data. Overall Score reflects Consumer Reports' road test results, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety data combined.
RAV4 PHEV
86/100
2025
Forester Hybrid
87/100
2026
Subaru Forester
85/100
2026 · This car
Hyundai Tucson
82/100
2026
Honda CR-V
79/100
2026
Toyota RAV4
75/100
2025
The 2026 RAV4's full Consumer Reports road test and Overall Score are still in progress; figures shown for the RAV4 and RAV4 PHEV reflect the 2025 model year, the most recent rated version. Consumer Reports also ranks Subaru #1 among all 31 brands based on the lineup as a whole, a position it has held for two years running. Source: Consumer Reports, 2026 Forester overview.
See It for Yourself
Take a Look Inside the 2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Forester carries over the interior introduced with the 2025 redesign. Subaru added meaningful sound deadening and made the cabin quieter and more comfortable than before. Brian C., who bought a Forester Sport at Tom Wood Subaru, said the ride and seats stood out while he was comparing it with the Crosstrek and Outback. Take a look before you visit.
2025 Subaru Forester Interior | A Look Inside · The 2026 model carries the same cabin · Opens YouTube in a new tab
Common Questions
Quick Answers About the 2026 Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4
What gas mileage does the 2026 Subaru Forester get?
Consumer Reports measured the 2026 Subaru Forester at 29 mpg overall with its standard 2.5-liter engine and standard all-wheel drive. For most drivers in Carmel, Westfield, and Indianapolis, that covers daily errands, school runs, and commutes without a second thought. It's also enough to make the round trip from Indianapolis to Turkey Run State Park, about 140 miles, on under five gallons of gas with plenty of tank to spare. The 2026 RAV4 is hybrid-only and will return a higher mpg figure, but for most real-world driving patterns around Hamilton County, the Forester's 29 mpg means you're not thinking about fuel stops.
Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Subaru Forester?
Yes. Every 2026 Forester trim comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. There is no front-wheel-drive base model and no AWD upgrade to add. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers front-wheel drive as standard on some versions, with AWD available. For Hamilton County drivers facing winter weather on I-465, US-31, and Keystone Parkway, every Forester at Tom Wood Subaru already includes AWD.
Which is better: the 2026 Subaru Forester or 2026 Toyota RAV4?
Choose the Forester for standard AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, stronger current-generation test results, and greater CR-measured cargo volume (38 versus 31 cu ft). Consumer Reports gives the Forester an Overall Score of 85, ranks it #3 among 32 compact SUVs, and awards it a CR Recommended badge with a Road Test score of 92 out of 100.
Choose the RAV4 if hybrid fuel economy and quicker acceleration are your highest priorities. The 2026 RAV4 is an all-new hybrid-only redesign with genuine powertrain improvements, though its full Consumer Reports road test and ranking are still in progress.
For most drivers in Carmel, Westfield, and north Indianapolis, the Forester's combination of standard AWD, proven real-world track record, and class-leading cargo makes it the stronger everyday choice.
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester reliable?
Subaru is ranked #1 among all 31 car brands tested by Consumer Reports and #1 among 17 mainstream brands for the second year running. The 2026 Forester carries a CR Recommended badge and ranks #3 among 32 compact SUVs. Subaru also reports that 96% of Foresters sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. Predicted Reliability scores for redesigned vehicles can change as more owner data becomes available, as they did after the Forester's previous redesign.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Subaru Forester have?
Consumer Reports measured 38 cubic feet of cargo volume in the 2026 Forester versus 31 cubic feet in the 2026 RAV4, using the same Consumer Reports measurement method. The extra 7 cubic feet can make a difference when hauling sports gear, packing for a weekend at Turkey Run or Brown County, or loading a Costco run. Subaru also states that the Forester offers more total passenger and cargo volume than the RAV4 with the seats up.
Where can I shop for a 2026 Subaru Forester near Carmel or Westfield?
Tom Wood Subaru is located at 3300 East 96th Street in Indianapolis, with convenient access from Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville. North Indianapolis, Westfield, and Carmel are among Tom Wood Subaru's strongest Forester markets, so the team regularly works with local shoppers comparing this model. Call (765) 335-5197 to schedule a test drive, or browse current Forester inventory online before your visit.
"...I sat in a Crosstrek and did not have much head room. Then I sat in a Forester and an Outback. I really liked the Forester Sport and took it for a test drive. This vehicle has the best ride and the seats are so comfortable! After the test drive, Dan and I went inside the dealership and started the purchase process. Should have purchased a Subaru a long time ago!!"
Google Reviews ★ 5/5
Serving Hamilton County & North Indianapolis
Tom Wood Subaru, Your Local Forester Dealer
From Carmel
Just South on Keystone Parkway or US-31
Carmel ZIP codes 46032 and 46033 are among Tom Wood Subaru's strongest markets for new Forester sales. From many Carmel neighborhoods, the dealership is about 15 minutes away by taking Keystone Parkway south.
~15 min typical drive
From Westfield
South on US-31 to East 96th Street
Westfield ZIP code 46074 is consistently one of Tom Wood Subaru's strongest areas for new Forester sales, behind only north Indianapolis. The route is simple: take US-31 south to 96th Street near the Indianapolis-Carmel border.
~20–25 min typical drive
Service Area
North Indianapolis, Hamilton County & Beyond
Tom Wood Subaru's top Forester markets span north Indianapolis (ZIP 46260), Westfield, Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville. More new Foresters are delivered to the 46260 Indianapolis ZIP code than any other single area Tom Wood Subaru serves.
3300 E 96th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Ready to Find Your 2026 Forester?
Browse available 2026 Subaru Forester models, compare trims and current incentives, estimate your trade value, or get directions to Tom Wood Subaru on East 96th Street. Then come see whether the Forester feels right for you.
(765) 335-5197 · 3300 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240Reviewed and updated in June 2026. Pricing, rankings, and scores can change, so verify current details before purchasing. Consumer Reports updates its ratings periodically.
- Consumer Reports, "2026 Subaru Forester: Reviews, Ratings, Prices," consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester/2026/overview/
- Consumer Reports, "2026 Subaru Forester Road Test Report," consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester/2026/road-test-report/
- Consumer Reports, "2026 Toyota RAV4 Overview and Road Test," consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2026/
- Autoblog, "2026 Subaru Forester Review," autoblog.com/cars/subaru/forester/2026
- Car and Driver, "2026 Toyota RAV4 Road Test," caranddriver.com, AWD Limited 0-60 test result.
- Car and Driver, "2026 Subaru Forester Review, Pricing, and Specs," caranddriver.com/subaru/forester
- MotorTrend, "2026 Subaru Forester Review," motortrend.com/cars/subaru/forester/2026
- Subaru.com, 96% still on the road statistic, ground clearance specifications, EyeSight features. subaru.com/vehicles/forester/2026.html
- Tom Wood Subaru new vehicle sales data by ZIP code, internal data, not for public citation. Used for hyperlocal geographic sections only.
- Edmunds, "2026 Subaru Forester Trims and Pricing," edmunds.com/subaru/forester/2026/trims/, rel="nofollow" per page link equity policy.
