The Subaru Forester is a rugged and reliable 4x4 – but it’s far from perfect.
Modern Subarus are known for their four-wheel-drive capability and laser-sharp focus on safety… but also their dated interiors and lacklustre driving experience. Unless you need its field-crossing abilities, there are several better cars that are similar to a Subaru Forester – and we’ve listed five of the best here.
Toyota RAV4
Better than a Forester for: warranty
The Toyota RAV4 feels similarly durable to the Forester, but comes with the peace of mind of up to 10 years of Toyota warranty cover if you keep the car serviced at a main dealer. Ideal if you want to keep your car for a good few years. Reliability is a key concern for many Forester buyers, and there aren’t many better options than Toyota – so there’s a strong chance you'll never need that warranty. The RAV4’s hybrid engines will be more economical than the Forester’s asthmatic petrol engine, too.
Shop used Toyota RAV4 cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Toyota RAV4 review
Volvo XC60
Better than a Forester for: luxury
Subaru’s dependability is well known, and the Forester’s interior feels built to last and easy to wipe down. But, if you want to treat yourself to something a bit plusher, try the Volvo XC60. It still feels properly built, but its cabin is wrapped in soft and soothing materials. The tech is more up-to-date than the Forester’s, and you’ll find used XC60s with a far wider choice of engines than Subaru offers.
Shop used Volvo XC60 cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Volvo XC60 review
Subaru Solterra
Better than a Forester for: being electric
If you like what Subaru stands for and you can charge at home, why not go for the brand’s first fully electric car? The Solterra’s smooth acceleration and quietness is a world away from the Forester’s noisy, laboured engine, and its maximum range of 289 miles is plenty for taking the scenic route. It’s based on the Toyota bZ4X but features Subaru’s X-Mode four-wheel-drive system with hill descent control – so it’s still at home on unpaved roads.
Shop used Subaru Solterra cars for sale at Motorpoint
Mitsubishi Outlander
Better than a Forester for: offering a seven-seat version
Mitsubishi is back in the UK after a six-year hiatus with a couple of familiar names: the L200 pickup and the Outlander SUV. The Outlander, which shares its underpinnings with the Nissan X-Trail, offers a seven-seat version whereas the Forester is staunchly a five-seater. Or, flip the third row down and the Outlander has a big boot. The interior is rugged as the Forester without feeling hundreds of years old.
Read more about the Mitsubishi Outlander here
KGM Rexton
Better than a Forester for: towing capacity
The KGM Rexton is like a next-level Forester. Based on the Musso pickup, the Rexton is a body-on-frame 4x4 that’s probably happier off-road than on it. There’s a locking centre differential and a low-range gearbox, earning the Rexton comparisons to a Land Rover Discovery. The Rexton can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, making it ideal if you need to tow a horsebox or a large caravan.
Shop used KGM Rexton cars and used SsangYong Rexton cars for sale
