Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4
Deciding which compact crossover to buy may pose some challenges as you wrangle with considerations such as space, style, capability, and fuel economy, plus of course, affordability.
Well, first off, you can't go wrong with a crossover SUV, as American buyers are very much besotted with the compact SUV as the go-to vehicle choice.
Our article takes a look at two five-seater contenders from the land of the rising sun, Japan, who are worthy of your dollars.
Continue with us as we share what these two Japanese compact SUVs have to offer as pre-owned buys.
Subaru Outback Background
The original Outback station wagon was born out of the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy back in 1994 when Subaru decided to add body cladding and a suspension lift to their Legacy wagon.
Fast forward to the latest and current sixth generation, first seen in 2019, and the Subaru Outback remains a solid pre-owned purchase that's built a reputation for itself, offering reliable, no-nonsense, versatile family transport with some seriously good off-road capability thrown in.
Toyota RAV4
Acknowledged as the original compact crossover SUV, Toyota's extremely popular RAV4 made its appearance on the North American stage in 1995.
The RAV4 offered vehicle buyers a vehicle combining the benefits of large SUVs, like cargo room, higher visibility, and off-road capability, plus the maneuverability and fuel economy of a compact car.
The RAV4 derives its nameplate from the abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive"
Toyota's RAV4 is now in its fifth generation, first seen in 2018 and refreshed in 2021, and remains one of the most shopped compact crossover SUVs in the US.
Exterior Comparisons
The Subaru Outback sports a distinct wagon body exterior silhouette. Buyers should consider the latest models that are fitted with aggressive and angular front fascias that see a wide grille with new LED headlights and new-look LED front fog lights.
The Outback offers standard exterior features, including a rear spoiler and 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-season tires and roof rails.
The Subaru measures 191.9 inches long and uses a four-wheel independent raised suspension with a standard ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while buyers seeking enhanced off-road capability should shop for the off-road-oriented Wilderness trim that offers 9.5 inches.
The latest Toyota RAV4’s exterior features angular fenders on all four corners. Equipment includes LED projectors with low and high-beam headlights with chrome accents and automatic high beams with auto on/off, a rear spoiler, and modern LED tail lights.
Other standard key exterior features include privacy glass, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, steel wheels with covers and alloy wheels fitted depending on trim level, and a color-keyed roof-mounted shark-fin antenna.
The latest RAV4 measures 180.9 inches in length along with useful ground clearance of 8.1 or 8.6 inches trim, dependent.
Interior Differences
The Subaru Outback is comfortable and makes use of quality materials in its functional cabin design.
High seating provides great views out, and dual-zone climate control features on all trims besides the Base model. Standard features include heated front seats, steering wheel-mounted controls, a trip computer, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a useful number of USB ports.
For more money, buyers get ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated rear seats.
A modern dashboard offers dual 7.0-inch touchscreens, with upper trims fitted with an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with a rotary knob for volume and tuning.
Options include built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless device charging. Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto integration, is standard, and buyers with deeper pockets can opt for a 12-speaker, 576-watt Harman/Kardon audio system.
The Subaru Outback accommodates just under 33 cubic feet in its rear cargo area.
The RAV4's modern and stylish interior offers a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display with a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display option on the upper trim levels.
Cloth upholstery is seen in base trims and single-zone manual climate control.
Top trims spoil owners with luxury-oriented trim items such as a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob, faux-leather upholstery, plus a stitched and padded dashboard and center-console armrest.
The RAV4 offers an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with upper Limited and TRD Off-Road trims getting a larger 10.5-inch display. The infotainment system includes a 4G LTE mobile hotspot with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A premium JBL premium audio system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad are options.
The RAV4's rear seats fold to a nearly flat position to offer generous cargo volume, while primary trunk space measures 37.6 cubic feet.
Drivetrain Comparison
All Outback trims aside from XT utilize a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder engine, making 182 horsepower coupled to a constantly variable transmission (CVT) with overdrive and standard Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive.
A turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque is available on the Onyx trim.
The Subaru is able to tow up to 2700 pounds.
Buyers of any pre-owned examples of the latest Toyota RAV4 will enjoy a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 203 horsepower @ 6600 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive sends drive to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive being trim-dependent.
The Toyota RAV 4 can tow up to 3500 pounds, trim-dependent.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Outback is equipped with a full suite of airbags, anti-skid braking, and electronic stability control.
The trims lineup offers as standard Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology with standout safety features such as automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear
cross-traffic alert.
Buyers of any pre-owned RAV4 can rest assured that their safety is taken care of with an extensive list of standard driver assists, including lane-departure warning with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist system, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
A standard traction control system helps drivers out in slippery conditions, and ABS braking helps bring the RAV4 to a safe stop.
Options include extra cost items like blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert.
Find Your Next Compact Crossover Purchase at Tim’s Trucks
Visit our trusted sales team at Tims Trucks located in Epsom, New Hampshire, to view and test drive our selection of quality used trucks, SUVs, and cars.
The team at Tims Trucks is ready to serve you, regardless of what your motoring needs may be.
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