Subaru Forester vs Toyota Highlander
The best SUVs are ones that you can count on in any situation. From family trips to running errands to driving through rough weather, the Subaru Forester and Toyota Highlander have you covered. So, which one is the right SUV for you? Paul Miller Subaru put this Subaru Forester vs. Toyota Highlander comparison together to help drivers in Parsippany, Wayne, and Morristown, NJ, decide.
All-Weather Capability for NJ Roads
New Jersey weather can change quickly, from heavy rain during your morning commute to snow and icy conditions during winter. The Subaru Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making all-wheel traction part of every Forester configuration. Available X-MODE® is designed to help improve traction in challenging conditions, giving you additional confidence when roads become slippery or you venture onto rougher surfaces.
The Toyota Highlander also offers available all-wheel drive, giving you the option to add additional traction for changing conditions. Depending on your configuration, the Highlander offers features designed to help you manage different driving environments.
If you regularly travel through New Jersey during unpredictable weather, the Forester's standard AWD is a significant point to consider. If you want a larger three-row SUV and prefer to choose an available AWD configuration, the Highlander gives you that flexibility.
Safety and Driver-Assist Technology
Safety technology can make a difference during everyday drives, from navigating busy intersections to traveling on crowded highways. The Subaru Forester features EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, giving you a collection of driver-assistance features designed to support you behind the wheel. The Forester also offers available technologies such as Automatic Emergency Steering and a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor.
The Toyota Highlander features Toyota Safety Senseâ„¢ 2.5+, which provides its own suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies. Available features such as the Panoramic View Monitor can provide additional visibility when maneuvering.
Both SUVs offer technology designed to provide additional awareness while you're driving. The Forester makes EyeSight® a central part of its safety offering, while the Highlander combines Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ with available technology designed to help you see more around the vehicle.
Interior Space, Seating, and Cargo
The right interior depends on how many people you typically bring along. The Subaru Forester is a two-row SUV that offers seating for up to five, making it a practical choice for daily commuting, grocery runs, and weekend trips. You can use the cargo area for everything from groceries and sports equipment to luggage for a trip down the Jersey Shore.
The Toyota Highlander gives you three rows, making it the more flexible option if you frequently transport a larger group. The extra seating can come in handy for family outings, carpooling, or road trips when you want to bring along friends or relatives.
Gas vs Hybrid: Which Is More Efficient?
The Subaru Forester gives you a choice between a gas-powered model and the Forester Hybrid, giving you the flexibility to choose the powertrain that best matches your routine. Subaru says the Forester Hybrid can provide an estimated 581-mile total driving range, making it a compelling option for commuters and road-trip enthusiasts who want to spend more time driving between stops.
The Toyota Highlander also offers gas and hybrid powertrain options. The Highlander Hybrid is designed to provide an efficiency-focused alternative for shoppers who spend significant time commuting or traveling longer distances.
For someone commuting across New Jersey during the week, a hybrid could help reduce the frequency of fuel stops. If your driving includes longer weekend trips, the Forester Hybrid's estimated total driving range may also appeal to you. Both SUVs give you an electrified option, but the Forester adds the benefit of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive throughout the lineup.
FAQs
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
Yes. The Forester is built for dependable everyday driving with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a durable design suited to changing road conditions. That reputation is supported by its Great 81 out of 100 Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power.*
Is the Subaru Forester or Toyota Highlander better for families?
It depends on your needs. The Forester offers a practical two-row layout with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the Highlander gives you three rows of seating, making it a strong choice for larger families and frequent passenger trips.
Which is better for driving in snow, the Subaru Forester or Toyota Highlander?
The Forester has an advantage for winter driving because Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard. The Highlander also offers available AWD, giving you the option to add all-wheel traction for navigating changing New Jersey weather.
Test Drive the Versatile Subaru Forester
From its superior fuel economy to its more advanced safety features, the Subaru Forester is the clear choice for drivers in Parsippany, Wayne, and Morristown, NJ. Visit Paul Miller Subaru to get behind the wheel and learn more about our Subaru Forester vs. Toyota Highlander comparison.
*Source: J.D.Power
-
Paul Miller Subaru
3469 Route 46
Parsippany, NJ 07054
- Sales: 855-591-9229
Loading Map...
How Can We Help?
* Indicates a required field
