As the popularity of crossover SUVs continues to rise, two standout models, the 2023 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4, have emerged as top contenders in this competitive segment. Both vehicles offer a fantastic blend of versatility, comfort, and performance, making them ideal choices for a wide range of drivers.
In this in-depth comparison, we will delve into various aspects of both the Outback and RAV4 to help you make an informed decision when choosing between these two exceptional vehicles.
Exterior Design
The Subaru Outback features a rugged, yet refined, exterior design with bold lines and aggressive styling. The iconic hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights give the Outback a distinctive appearance, while the raised roof rails and body cladding emphasize its off-road capabilities. The Outback’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a vehicle that can handle both city and off-road environments.
The Toyota RAV4 sports a chiseled, athletic exterior that exudes confidence and power. The RAV4’s sharp lines, aggressive front fascia, and dynamic wheel arches give it a strong presence on the road. The LED headlights and taillights provide a modern touch, while the integrated rear spoiler adds a hint of sportiness. Overall, the RAV4’s design is bold and dynamic, making it an attractive option for those who value style and road presence.
Interior Design
Inside the Subaru Outback, you’ll find a comfortable and spacious cabin with a focus on practicality and functionality. The Outback’s dashboard is well-organized, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is both easy to use and visually appealing. Premium materials are used throughout the cabin, including soft-touch surfaces and available leather seating. The Outback’s interior design perfectly balances comfort and ruggedness, making it an ideal choice for long road trips and off-road adventures alike.
The Toyota RAV4’s interior boasts a modern and sophisticated design with a focus on user-friendliness and comfort. The RAV4’s dashboard is highlighted by an available 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to operate and integrates seamlessly with smartphone technology. High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin, providing a premium feel. The RAV4’s interior design is both stylish and comfortable, making it a great choice for daily commutes and weekend getaways.
Seating
The Subaru Outback comfortably seats five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives more enjoyable. The Outback’s rear seats offer a 60/40 split, allowing for various configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo. Additionally, the available power-adjustable front seats and heated front and rear seats provide extra comfort and convenience.
The Toyota RAV4 also seats five passengers comfortably, with generous headroom and legroom in both the front and rear rows. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, ensuring a comfortable ride. Like the Outback, the RAV4’s rear seats feature a 60/40 split for versatile seating and cargo configurations. Optional features such as power-adjustable front seats and heated front and rear seats are also available for added comfort.
Storage
The 2023 Subaru Outback offers an impressive 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 75.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The Outback also features a wide cargo opening and a low load floor, making it easy to load and unload items.
Various storage compartments, including door pockets, cup holders, and a center console storage area, provide additional space for smaller items. The Outback’s storage capabilities make it an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 provides 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 69.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The RAV4’s cargo area is easily accessible, thanks to its wide opening and low load floor.
Like the Outback, the RAV4 features multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin for small items. The RAV4’s generous cargo space makes it a suitable option for those with active lifestyles and families who need plenty of storage.
Performance
The Subaru Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For those seeking more power, the Outback XT models feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. All Outback models come with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and handling in various road conditions.
The Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. The RAV4 is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the chosen trim level. Additionally, the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid models offer increased power and fuel efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Outback offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class, with the base 2.5-liter engine achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT models delivers an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The Toyota RAV4 also boasts impressive fuel efficiency numbers, with the standard 2.5-liter engine achieving an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid models offer even greater fuel efficiency, with the Hybrid rated at 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, and the Prime offering an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe combined rating.
Safety
The Subaru Outback comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking.
Additional available safety features include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The Outback has consistently earned top safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Toyota RAV4 is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of advanced safety features, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. Like the Outback, the RAV4 has consistently received high safety ratings
Trim Levels
The Subaru Outback is available in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, and Wilderness. The Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims are equipped with the standard 2.5-liter engine, while the Onyx Edition XT and Wilderness trims come with the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Each trim level offers a range of standard and optional features, allowing buyers to choose the Outback that best suits their needs and budget.
The Toyota RAV4 is offered in six trim levels as well: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid is available in four trims: LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid comes in two trims: SE and XSE. Each trim level provides a unique combination of features and options, ensuring that there is a RAV4 model to suit every buyer’s preferences and budget.
Pricing
Pricing for the Subaru Outback starts at around $27,000 for the Base trim and goes up to around $39,000 for the Wilderness trim. Upgrading to the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the Onyx Edition XT will cost about $36,000. Prices may vary based on additional options and packages selected.
The Toyota RAV4 has a starting price of around $26,000 for the LE trim, with the top-of-the-line Limited trim starting at around $35,000. The RAV4 Hybrid models start at around $29,000 for the LE Hybrid, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid starts at approximately $39,000 for the SE trim. As with the Outback, prices may vary based on additional options and packages chosen.
Key Differences
While both the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 are excellent choices in the crossover SUV segment, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision. In this section, we will highlight the most notable differences in terms of standard drivetrain, off-road capabilities, hybrid options, and design language.
Standard Drivetrain
One significant difference between the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 is their standard drivetrain. The Outback comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing excellent traction and handling in various road conditions.
In contrast, the RAV4 comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option on certain trims. For buyers who prioritize all-wheel drive capability, the Outback may be the more attractive choice.
Off-Road Capabilities
While both vehicles offer rugged features, the Subaru Outback is generally considered more off-road capable, particularly with the Wilderness trim that features increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and off-road-tuned suspension.
The Toyota RAV4 does offer off-road-focused Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims; however, these may not be as capable in challenging off-road conditions as the Outback Wilderness.
Hybrid Options
The Toyota RAV4 has a significant advantage when it comes to hybrid powertrain options. The RAV4 is available in both a traditional hybrid model (RAV4 Hybrid) and a plug-in hybrid model (RAV4 Prime). These models offer increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to their gasoline counterparts. The Subaru Outback, on the other hand, does not currently offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option.
Design Language
The exterior and interior design language of the two vehicles differ significantly. The Subaru Outback features a more rugged and utilitarian design, with a focus on off-road capabilities and practicality. The Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, boasts a more dynamic and athletic design, with sharp lines and a more aggressive stance. Buyers who prioritize a sporty and modern aesthetic may be drawn to the RAV4, while those who prefer a more rugged and functional design may find the Outback more appealing.
Final Thoughts
After thoroughly examining the 2023 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4, it’s clear that both vehicles have a lot to offer in terms of design, performance, and features. The Outback’s standard all-wheel drive system and off-road prowess make it a perfect companion for those who love outdoor adventures, while the RAV4’s sporty design and available hybrid options cater to drivers seeking efficiency and style.
Ultimately, the choice between these two remarkable crossover SUVs will come down to your personal preferences and individual needs. By carefully considering what each vehicle has to offer and taking the time to test drive both models, you can confidently choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Features Breakdown
Subaru Outback
- Exterior Design
- Rugged and refined styling
- Hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights
- Raised roof rails and body cladding for off-road emphasis
- Interior Design
- Comfortable and spacious cabin
- 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Premium materials and soft-touch surfaces
- Seating
- Comfortable seating for five passengers
- Supportive seats with ample headroom and legroom
- 60/40 split rear seats for versatile configurations
- Available power-adjustable and heated front and rear seats
- Storage
- 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space (75.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded)
- Wide cargo opening and low load floor
- Multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin
- Performance
- Standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (182 hp, 176 lb-ft torque)
- Optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine on XT models (260 hp, 277 lb-ft torque)
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Efficiency
- 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine)
- 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway (2.4-liter turbocharged engine)
- Safety
- Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Optional blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking
- Top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
- Trim Levels
- Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, and Wilderness
- Pricing
- Starting at around $27,000 (Base) up to around $39,000 (Wilderness)
Toyota RAV4
- Exterior Design
- Chiseled and athletic styling
- Aggressive front fascia and dynamic wheel arches
- LED headlights, taillights, and integrated rear spoiler
- Interior Design
- Modern and sophisticated cabin
- Available 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- High-quality materials and premium feel
- Seating
- Comfortable seating for five passengers
- Generous headroom and legroom in front and rear rows
- 60/40 split rear seats for versatile configurations
- Optional power-adjustable and heated front and rear seats
- Storage
- 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space (69.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded)
- Wide cargo opening and low load floor
- Multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin
- Performance
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp, 184 lb-ft torque)
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive optional
- Fuel Efficiency
- 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine)
- 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway (RAV4 Hybrid)
- 94 MPGe combined (RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid)
- Safety
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite
- Optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors
- High safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
- Trim Levels
- LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited (Gasoline)
- LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid (Hybrid)
- SE and XSE (RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid
- Pricing
- Starting at around $26,000 (LE) up to around $35,000 (Limited)
- RAV4 Hybrid models starting at around $29,000 (LE Hybrid)
- RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid models starting at around $39,000 (SE)
