Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4: Best SUV Showdown
When looking at midsize SUVs, the Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4 face-off shines. It’s a great match for those picking their next car.
Whether you want good performance, room for adventure gear, or the latest in safety, this comparison covers the main points.
You’ll get an overview of both SUVs, focusing on their top features, how they perform, and their reliability.
The Subaru Outback boasts a big cargo space, up to 75.6 cubic feet, and always comes with all-wheel drive. This makes it perfect for off-road adventures.
It also gives both the driver and passengers plenty of room to stretch out on long trips.
On the other side, the Toyota RAV4 suits city drivers better, with up to 30 mpg on some models. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what sets these two vehicles apart.
We’ll look at their performance, and how reliable they are over time. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of which SUV matches your lifestyle best. Let’s dive in and compare these two popular models!
Introduction To The SUV Showdown
Deciding between the Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4 is hard. They stand out in the market with loyal fans.
The Outback is known for its practicality and all-wheel drive. The RAV4 focuses on being fuel-efficient and good for city living.
To help you see the differences, here’s a side-by-side of their features:
| Specification | Subaru Outback | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Space (with rear seats down) | 75.6 cubic feet | 69.8 cubic feet |
| Standard Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 hp | 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203 hp |
| Turbocharged Engine | 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 260 hp | N/A |
| Fuel Economy | 26 MPG city, 32 MPG highway | 27 MPG city, 35 MPG highway |
| Towing Capacity | 2,700 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 9.5 inches | 8.6 inches |
Both cars are designed for comfort and offer advanced safety. The Outback shines off-road with its X-MODE.
The RAV4 has a great infotainment system, working with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Knowing these key features helps decide between them.
Overview of The Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is perfect for adventure lovers and families who love the outdoors. It’s more than just a car; it’s a versatile SUV that scores high on safety and performance.
Thanks to the all-wheel-drive system, you can handle all sorts of terrains with ease. The inside of the Subaru Outback is incredibly roomy, making trips comfortable for everyone.
With 75.7 cubic feet of space with the seats down, you have plenty of room for your stuff. And with the seats up, there’s 32.5 cubic feet for your everyday needs.
This overview shows why it’s known for being so practical. Under the hood, the Subaru Outback has two powerful engine choices.
One of these, the 2.4L SUBARU BOXER® engine, kicks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
This power lets you tow up to 3,500 pounds, ideal for carrying trailers or boats. Also, higher trims feature an 11.6-inch touchscreen and exceptional Harman Kardon® audio systems.
| Specification | Subaru Outback | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Cargo Volume (with seats down) | 75.7 cubic feet | 69.8 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume (behind rear seats) | 32.5 cubic feet | 37.6 cubic feet |
| Engine Options | 2.5L, 2.4L SUBARU BOXER® | 2.5L |
| Horsepower (2.4L Turbo) | 260 HP | 203 HP |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs (non-hybrid) |
| Touchscreen Size | 11.6 inches | 7/9 inches |
Key Features of The Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback stands out in the SUV crowd with its fantastic comfort, versatility, and safety features. It’s known for the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
This gives it top-notch grip and balance on different terrains. This means you can easily handle city streets and tough trails.
It also boasts a large cargo area, with up to 75.6 cubic feet when you fold down the back seats.
This beats many rivals, giving you lots of space for gear, whether you’re heading to work or on a trip. The Outback’s rear hatch makes getting to your stuff easy.
The higher trims offer seats that can be adjusted in up to 12 ways, making long drives comfy. There’s also a powerful 2.4-liter turbo engine available.
It kicks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is not only strong but also fuel-efficient, with 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
Safety is a big deal with the Subaru Outback. It comes with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
These safety features improve your driving and keep you safe. The Subaru Outback’s tech protects you on every trip, giving you confidence.
This car can also tow up to 3,500 lbs, perfect for hauling trailers or heavy stuff. The Subaru Outback offers a great interior, cutting-edge technology, and strong safety features.
It’s ready for any adventure you have in mind.
Subaru Outback Review and Performance
The Subaru Outback is a stand-out for its strong performance. It’s a hit with those who want reliability and capability.
It has a 2.5-liter engine as standard, delivering 182 horsepower. That makes it a strong player in the midsize SUV field.
For more power, there’s an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. It boosts power to 260 horsepower.
This makes sure you can tackle tough roads and all kinds of weather confidently. The Subaru Outback is also known for its fuel efficiency.
You’ll be impressed with its fuel economy, reaching up to 32 MPG on highways. Despite its efficiency, the turbocharged engine provides solid acceleration.
It also has a towing capacity of 2,700 lbs. This is perfect for outdoor adventures. The Outback shines when it comes to utility.
It offers about 75.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats down. This is great for road trips or camping.
Drivers often compliment the driving experience. It offers both control and comfort.
In summary, the Subaru Outback is a well-rounded SUV. It excels in performance and reliability.
It’s ideal for both daily commutes and adventurous outings. It remains a top choice in its category.
Overview of The Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has built a great reputation in the SUV world. It’s known for its mix of good fuel economy, high-tech features, and lots of room for stuff.
It’s perfect for both people who drive alone and families because of its big and comfortable interior. This makes it a great pick for all sorts of trips.
The 2025 RAV4 is available in 11 different models to fit many tastes and budgets. The price starts at $28,850 for the base model.
The most expensive hybrid version is priced at $40,205. This range makes it easy for buyers to find a RAV4 that suits their needs without breaking the bank.
The RAV4 with a gasoline engine has a strong 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower. The hybrid version does even better with 219 horsepower.
The gas model gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The hybrid gets 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
The RAV4 is also a leader in safety, earning high ratings from experts. It got a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the top rating of “Good”. These ratings show it’s a very safe car.
Here’s a quick look at key features and specs:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Variants | 11 |
| Starting MSRP | $28,850 |
| Top Hybrid Model MSRP | $40,205 |
| Engine Type | 2.5L four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 203 hp |
| Hybrid Horsepower | 219 hp |
| Fuel Economy (Gas) | 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway |
| Fuel Economy (Hybrid) | 41 mpg city / 38 mpg highway |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 69.8 cubic feet |
| Crash Test Rating | 5-star NHTSA |
| IIHS Rating | Good |
Key Specifications of The Toyota RAV4
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 shines in the SUV market with its strong features. It has a 2.5L engine that gives a solid 203 horsepower.
This engine delivers great performance and fuel efficiency, with 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
The RAV4 also stands out with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, ready for different tasks.
The RAV4’s utility is boosted by its cargo space. It offers 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold the seats down, and you get up to 69.8 cubic feet.
This space is perfect for both everyday use and long trips, fitting a wide range of items.
- Engine: 2.5L gas engine or hybrid options
- Horsepower: 203 HP
- Torque: 221 Nm
- Fuel Efficiency: 27 MPG city / 35 MPG highway
- Cargo Capacity: 37.6 cubic feet (69.8 cubic feet max)
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
- Antenna: 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability available
The engine details and overall specs of the Toyota RAV4 make it a top pick. It’s great for city streets or country drives. The RAV4 meets your needs with power and efficiency.
Toyota RAV4 Comparison with Rivals
The Toyota RAV4 stands out in the SUV market with 11 different options. Prices start at $28,850 for the base model, going up to $40,205 for the hybrid.
This range makes it a strong choice against its competitors. The Subaru Outback begins at $29,010, reaching $42,910 for the high-end version.
It offers a bigger cargo area at 75.6 cubic feet, compared to the RAV4’s 69.8 cubic feet. Both models score well on comfort and usefulness.
The RAV4 has a 2.5-liter engine with 203 hp, and its hybrid version has 219 hp. The Outback has a 2.5-liter engine with 182 hp but also offers a turbocharged version with 260 hp.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the RAV4 shines with its economy rates. Safety is a top priority for both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback.
Both have earned a five-star crash test rating for 2025. The RAV4 also received a high rating for safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4: Key Features Comparison
Looking at the Outback vs RAV4, we see key differences. The Subaru Outback has an all-wheel-drive system as standard, perfect for off-road adventure.
It leads in cargo space, with 75.6 cubic feet available versus the RAV4’s 69.8 cubic feet. Both can tow up to 3,500 lbs, but the RAV4 hybrid can only manage 1,750 lbs.
The Outback’s 2.4L turbo engine is strong, offering 260 HP and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. The RAV4’s 2.5L engine provides 203 HP and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
For gas mileage, the Outback gets 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
The RAV4 does a bit better in the city with 27 MPG and 35 MPG on the highway, while its hybrid reaches up to 41 MPG city / 38 MPG highway.
When it comes to tech, the difference is clear. The Outback boasts a larger 11.6-inch screen compared to the RAV4’s 10.5-inch one.
It also offers more seat adjustment options, with 12 power seat adjustments versus the RAV4’s 8.
The Outback also wins in front legroom, offering 42.8 inches against the RAV4’s 41 inches.
Though the RAV4 has slightly more rear headroom with 39.5 inches, the Outback’s space and comfort are hard to beat.
In the end, choosing between these vehicles comes down to what’s more important to you. The Outback’s toughness and storage space?
Or the RAV4’s tech savvy and fuel efficiency? Each car has its unique benefits, fitting different tastes and needs.
Performance Analysis: Outback vs RAV4
The Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 cater to different kinds of drivers. The Outback’s turbocharged engine offers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
It’s great for rough terrains, giving an adventurous feel off-road. Meanwhile, the RAV4 has up to 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
It focuses on saving gas, with ratings of 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
Both can tow up to 3,500 pounds, perfect for folks who love the outdoors. The Outback has a slightly higher ground clearance at 8.7 inches.
This helps it go over obstacles more smoothly. But, for city drives, the RAV4 shines with its stability and smoothness.
Deciding on one depends on what you value more. Choose the Outback for adventurous driving and tough conditions.
But if you care about saving on gas and a smooth city drive, the RAV4 is better.
Interior Features Analysis: Comfort and Space
When looking at the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4, comfort and space are important for long trips. The Outback stands out with more room inside.
It has 42.8 inches of front legroom, while the RAV4 has 41 inches. The Outback also offers more legroom in the back – 39.5 inches vs. the RAV4’s 37.8 inches.
This means everyone has more space to relax in the Outback. How much stuff you can fit in the back is also key in this comparison.
The Subaru Outback gives you 32.6 cubic feet for your things with the seats up. When you fold the seats, this space grows to 75.6 cubic feet.
On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 starts with 37.5 cubic feet. But when you fold down its seats, you get 69.8 cubic feet.
The Outback proves better for carrying more stuff or bigger luggage. The materials and design inside both cars add to the comfort level.
The Outback has a big 11.6-inch screen for most models, while the RAV4 starts with an 8.0-inch screen. Higher RAV4 trims do get upgrades.
Even though the RAV4 wins on tech, the Outback is rated higher for how well it’s put together. It scores a 9 out of 10, with the RAV4 just behind at 8 out of 10.
Both cars are packed with safety features and have high safety scores. But if you want a car that’s more about comfort on long drives, the Subaru Outback is the better pick.
It’s designed to make both the driver and passengers feel more at ease.So, if you care a lot about the inside of your next SUV, this comparison should help. It shows why the Outback could be your top choice.
Reliability: Subaru vs Toyota
Subaru and Toyota are both well-known for their reliability in the car world. The Subaru Outback has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.
It ranks 10th among 26 midsize SUVs. It usually costs about $607 a year for repairs. The Outback is known for its average repair frequency and severity.
There have been 781 problems and 161 recalls for the Outback. The Toyota RAV4, however, has a better reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.
This puts it in 3rd place out of 26 compact SUVs. It costs less to maintain than the Outback, with an average annual repair cost of $429.
The RAV4 is known for its fewer problems, totaling 901, and has 116 recalls. It stands out for its low repair frequency and severity, marking it as very reliable.
Both the Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4 are low-maintenance. Owners of these SUVs will find them durable and dependable.
When comparing the Outback and RAV4, the RAV4 is slightly ahead. It wins in maintenance costs and has higher reliability scores. This shows why it’s a top pick in the compact SUV category.
Long-Term Reliability Ratings and Maintenance Considerations
The Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4 both show strong long-term performance. Yet, they each have different needs when it comes to maintenance.
The RAV4 has a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, placing it 3rd among 26 compact SUVs. It has an average yearly repair cost of $429.
This cost comes from repairs that are both rare and not too serious. On the other hand, the Subaru Outback has a score of 3.5 out of 5.0.
It ranks 10th among 26 midsize SUVs. The Outback’s yearly repair cost is higher, at $607.
Looking closer at the Subaru Outback’s maintenance, we see it needs repairs more often than the RAV4. The Outback might need unscheduled repairs about 0.4 times a year.
The RAV4 only needs them about 0.3 times. Also, the chance of a serious repair for the Outback is 12%. For the RAV4, it’s a bit lower at 10%.
| Model | Reliability Rating | Rank | Average Annual Repair Cost | Unscheduled Repairs Per Year | Major Repair Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | 4.0 out of 5.0 | 3rd out of 26 | $429 | 0.3 times | 10% |
| Subaru Outback | 3.5 out of 5.0 | 10th out of 26 | $607 | 0.4 times | 12% |
If you want a car with less maintenance trouble, the Toyota RAV4 is a good choice. Even though the Subaru Outback is tough and reliable, it does have more complex maintenance needs.
By comparing their reliability and maintenance, you can figure out which car fits your lifestyle better.
Conclusion
In wrapping up the comparison of Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4, the decision largely rests on what you value most.
The Subaru Outback shines for those who crave adventures off the beaten path. It’s built tough for exploring different terrains and has plenty of room for gear.
The Toyota RAV4, however, is perfect for city dwellers. It offers better fuel efficiency and is packed with features that make riding around town more enjoyable.
If you care about saving fuel and having a comfortable ride, the RAV4’s hybrid options might appeal to you.
No matter if you prefer the robust Subaru Outback or the sleek Toyota RAV4, you’ll get a dependable and capable vehicle.
Think about what’s important to you in an SUV. This way, you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
FAQs
What are the main differences in performance between the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4?
The Subaru Outback has a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, and a 2.4-liter turbo engine with 260 horsepower for off-road adventures. The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, has a 2.5-liter engine with 203 horsepower. It focuses on saving fuel.
How do the cargo capacities compare between the two SUVs?
The Subaru Outback has a bigger cargo space of 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The Toyota RAV4 has 69.8 cubic feet in the same setup. This makes the Outback better for carrying stuff.
Which SUV is better for all-weather driving conditions?
The Subaru Outback uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for good performance in different weather conditions. The RAV4 also has all-wheel drive but is better suited for city driving.
What interior dimensions should I consider for long drives?
The Subaru Outback offers 42.8 inches of front legroom. The RAV4 provides 41 inches. So, the Outback is a bit more comfy for long trips.
How do the reliability ratings of Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 compare?
Both the Outback and RAV4 are known for being reliable. However, the Outback might need more expert care because of its CVT.
What safety features are standard in the Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback comes with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This tech improves safety for drivers and passengers.
Are there significant differences in fuel economy between the two models?
Yes, the Subaru Outback gets up to 32 MPG on the highway. The RAV4 has 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. This makes the RAV4 more fuel-efficient in the city.
