Subaru Outback vs RAV4: Which One Tops the Other?

Ever wondered which crossover SUV is the best value for your adventurous lifestyle? The fight between the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 has many shoppers confused at dealerships across America.

The Subaru Outback is a wagon-style SUV with standard all-wheel drive on every trim. It's ready for any weather right away. On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 is a traditional SUV with all-wheel drive as an option on most models.

At Della Subaru in Plattsburgh, New York, we've helped many customers choose between these two. Our wide selection of new Outback models shows why it's a favorite among drivers. They love its mix of daily practicality and weekend fun.

In this detailed comparison, we'll look at how these leaders compare in performance, features, and value. Whether you drive daily in the city or go off-road, knowing the differences between these crossovers will help you pick the best one for you.

Outback vs RAV4: Performance Showdown

The Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 face off in a performance showdown. They show how these crossovers handle power and all-terrain capability. At Della Subaru in Plattsburgh, New York, we help customers choose the best crossover for their lifestyle.

Engine Options and Horsepower

The Subaru Outback offers two engine options for different needs. This gives buyers flexibility in their driving preferences.

The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 horsepower. For more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine boosts horsepower to 260 and torque to 277 lb-ft.

The Toyota RAV4 has a simpler setup. All non-hybrid models have a 2.5-liter engine that makes 203 horsepower. This is enough for daily driving but doesn't offer an upgrade for more performance.

Outback's Boxer Engine Advantage

The Subaru Outback's Boxer engine design has several benefits. It's placed lower in the chassis, improving stability and handling on winding roads.

This design also reduces vibration, making the ride smoother. Customers often comment on the Outback's balanced feel, even on curves.

The turbocharged option is great for high elevations. It provides better performance in mountain driving or high-altitude adventures.

RAV4's Power Delivery

The Toyota RAV4's engine delivers consistent power. Its 203-horsepower engine is reliable for everyday driving.

The RAV4's hybrid models offer more variety. They have two electric motors, boosting power to 219 horsepower and improving fuel efficiency. The electric motors make the hybrid RAV4 responsive, perfect for city driving.

All-Wheel Drive Capabilities

The Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 differ in their all-wheel drive systems. The Outback has Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on every trim. This system ensures maximum traction in all weather and terrain.

The RAV4 offers all-wheel drive as an option on most trims. Its system operates mainly in front-wheel drive until it detects slippage. Then, it sends power to the rear wheels. While good for occasional slippery conditions, it doesn't match the Outback's constant all-wheel engagement.

The Outback's X-MODE system with hill descent control adds more capability for off-road enthusiasts. It optimizes the engine, transmission, and braking for traction on challenging surfaces.

Towing Capacity and Utility

The turbocharged Outback models can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This makes them suitable for pulling small trailers, boats, or campers. It opens up more recreational possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Most RAV4 models can only tow 1,500 pounds. This limits their utility for hauling larger items. But, the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims can tow 3,500 pounds, though at a higher price.

The Outback's longer wheelbase and roof rails with integrated crossbars offer more utility. They allow carrying bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes without aftermarket accessories. This makes the Outback appealing for active lifestyles.

City and Highway MPG Ratings

The Subaru Outback with its 2.5-liter engine gets 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. This is impressive, given it comes with all-wheel drive. Most cars lose fuel efficiency with all-wheel drive.

The turbocharged Outback models still offer good efficiency. They get 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. This balance of power and economy makes the Outback a smart choice for many.

The Toyota RAV4 has slightly better numbers from its 2.5-liter engine. It gets 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway in front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive to the RAV4 brings its numbers closer to the Outback's.

Vehicle Model	Engine Type	City MPG	Highway MPG	Drive Type
Subaru Outback	2.5L Standard	26	32	AWD (Standard)
Subaru Outback	2.4L Turbo	23	30	AWD (Standard)
Toyota RAV4	2.5L Standard	27	35	FWD
Toyota RAV4 AWD	2.5L Standard	25	33	AWD
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid	2.5L Hybrid	41	38	AWD (Standard)

Interior Space and Comfort Features

The real test of a crossover SUV is its interior space and comfort. The Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 take different paths here. These choices matter a lot when you're on long drives or packing for a trip.

Passenger Room Measurements

The Subaru Outback has a roomier cabin, thanks to its wagon design. It beats the RAV4 in shoulder and headroom, making daily drives more comfortable.

In the back, the Outback offers 39.5 inches of legroom, 1.7 inches more than the RAV4. This extra space is great for longer trips. The Outback also has more hip room, making it easier for adults to sit comfortably in the middle seat.

Drivers in the Outback get 42.8 inches of legroom, 1.8 inches more than the RAV4. This extra space is perfect for taller drivers.

Interior Dimension	Subaru Outback	Toyota RAV4	Outback Advantage
Front Legroom	42.8 inches	41.0 inches	+1.8 inches
Rear Legroom	39.5 inches	37.8 inches	+1.7 inches
Maximum Cargo Space	75.6 cubic feet	69.8 cubic feet	+5.8 cubic feet
Cargo Behind Rear Seats	32.6 cubic feet	37.6 cubic feet	RAV4 +5.0 cubic feet

Cargo Capacity and Versatility

The Outback's design gives it a big advantage in cargo space. With the seats folded, it has 75.6 cubic feet of space, 5.8 cubic feet more than the RAV4. This extra room is perfect for bulky items or family trips.

The Outback's lower load floor makes loading heavy items easier. This is great for weekend adventures, whether you're packing camping gear or sports equipment.

But the RAV4 has more space behind the seats, 37.6 cubic feet compared to the Outback's 32.6 cubic feet. This might be important if you often travel with a lot of luggage.

Interior Materials and Build Quality

Both vehicles have high-quality cabins, but they're designed differently. The Subaru Outback focuses on durability and comfort, with soft-touch materials. It's built for adventure and lasts a long time, with water-resistant upholstery for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Outback's Touring trim adds luxury with Nappa leather and wood trim. It feels like a high-end vehicle. Subaru is known for building vehicles that stand the test of time.

The RAV4 has a modern, angular interior with bold colors and textures. Its Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims have unique orange accents and rugged materials. It appeals to those who value style.

Both crossovers offer similar comfort features in their top trims. They have heated and ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Outback's 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen stands out, while the RAV4's layout is more traditional.

Visit Della Subaru in Plattsburgh to see the Outback's spacious interior. Sitting in different trims shows how comfort can vary, even with similar specs.

Technology and Connectivity

Modern cars need to connect well with our digital lives. The Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 are leaders in this area. They offer great tech for entertainment, navigation, and staying in touch on the move. Let's see how they compare in tech.

Infotainment Systems Compared

The heart of a car's tech is its infotainment system. It controls entertainment, navigation, climate, and more. Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 have systems that differ in design and use.

The Subaru Outback has the Starlink system in all models. Base models have dual 7-inch screens for easy use. Higher trims get an 11.6-inch vertical screen, like a tablet.

The Toyota RAV4 has Entune in lower trims with a 7-inch screen. Higher trims get a 10.5-inch screen for better visibility. Both have touch controls, but the RAV4 has more physical buttons.

Subaru Starlink vs Toyota Entune

The Subaru Starlink system has a modern, vertical layout. It's easy to see maps and menus without looking away. The system is customizable and responds quickly.

Toyota's Entune system has a horizontal screen. It's improved with cleaner graphics and touch controls. It also has better voice command.

Both systems offer connected services. Subaru's Starlink lets you start your car remotely and get vehicle health reports. Toyota's Connected Services do the same, with remote access and support.

Feature	Subaru Outback	Toyota RAV4	Advantage
Standard Screen Size	Dual 7-inch screens (Base)	7-inch touchscreen	Outback (more screen space)
Upgraded Screen Size	11.6-inch vertical touchscreen	10.5-inch touchscreen	Outback (larger screen)
Interface Design	Tablet-style vertical layout	Traditional horizontal layout	Preference-based
Audio System Options	Harman Kardon (576 watts)	JBL (800 watts)	RAV4 (more power)
Connected Services	Starlink Connected Services	Toyota Connected Services	Comparable

Which Crossover SUV Is Your Perfect Match?

After looking at this detailed comparison, choosing between the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 depends on your lifestyle. Both cars offer great value but have different strengths for different drivers.

The Outback stands out with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and wagon-like design. It also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This makes it great for outdoor adventures and tough weather. TrueCar users gave it a 4.89 out of 5 stars, showing its strong owner satisfaction.

The RAV4, on the other hand, has a traditional SUV look and better fuel economy. It also has excellent hybrid options. Its high seating and bold style make it appealing for those who want to stand out on the road. TrueCar users gave it a 4.75 out of 5 stars, showing it's a top choice among SUV owners.

Looking at prices, both cars start around the same, but value can vary based on what you need. For Plattsburgh drivers facing snow or outdoor activities, the Outback's all-weather ability is a big plus.

Visit Della Subaru to try out the Outback. Our team can help find the perfect fit for you. With our current inventory and financing options, now is the best time to see why the Subaru Outback is a top choice for many.

The Subaru Outback has several advantages over the Toyota RAV4. If you want a bigger vehicle with more interior space, you should pick the Outback. This vehicle is available at DELLA Subaru of Plattsburgh in Plattsburgh, NY. Call or message us if you want to schedule a test drive.

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