If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, you may be trying to decide between the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Outback. Choosing between these two crossovers can be challenging, as they’re both top-quality vehicles with a lot to offer. Read our in-depth Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Outback comparison to help you select the best vehicle for driving in Prosper, Texas.
A Comprehensive Comparison of the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback often appear on the shortlists of drivers looking for crossovers. These SUVs offer an impressive blend of reliability, fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology. They also punch above their price points with their extensive feature content. Whether you choose the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Outback, you’ll get your money’s worth.
Pricing and Value for Money
Let’s start the Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison by looking at their prices. The MSRP of the Toyota RAV4 ranges from $28,850 for the entry-level trim to $40,205 for the range-topping hybrid model. The base Subaru Outback starts at $29,010, while the most expensive model costs $42,910. The RAV4 wins by a small margin in this Subaru vs. Toyota price comparison.
When it comes to Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Outback value, the RAV4 comes out on top. Despite its lower MSRP, its entry-level SE trim offers more features than the base Outback. On the other end of the spectrum, the Toyota’s top trim has a hybrid powertrain but costs less than the Subaru’s corresponding variant.
Available Models and Trims
If you decide to get the Toyota RAV4, you have a whopping 11 variants to choose from. The gas model trim levels include the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited. If you want a hybrid for a more fuel efficient commute in Prosper, you can choose from the Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid XLE Premium, Hybrid Woodland Edition, Hybrid SE, Hybrid XSE, and Hybrid Limited. The Subaru Outback is also highly customizable with its nine-trim lineup, which comprises the base Outback, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT.
Exterior Aesthetics and Style
The Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback are markedly different in exterior styling. The RAV4 looks bold and aggressive with its imposing stance, upright front end, and dominant grille. A tapered nose and angular headlights give the Outback a sleek appearance, while black body claddings add a touch of ruggedness.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Cargo Space
The Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback feature a simple cabin with solid construction, quality materials, and comfortable seats. They also offer ample legroom and headroom for adults in both rows of seats. The Outback boasts a larger cargo capacity, providing an impressive 75.6 cubic feet of storage space with the back row folded, while the RAV4 has only 69.8 cubic feet.
Technology and Infotainment Systems
When comparing the infotainment features of the Subaru Outback vs. RAV4, the Toyota SUV has a slight advantage. Its entry-level model has an 8-inch touch-screen display, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, three USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio. In contrast, the Subaru comes standard with a dual 7-inch display, one USB port, a four-speaker sound system, wired smartphone connectivity, satellite radio, and HD radio.
Performance and Driving Experience
The engine is an important consideration when reviewing the Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Outback specs. The gasoline-powered RAV4 models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 hp; the hybrid version adds two electric motors for a total output of 219 hp. The Outback’s standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 hp, making it less potent than the Toyota’s. However, there’s an optional 2.4-liter turbo-four that serves up 260 hp.
Handling and Ride Comfort
Whether you buy the RAV4 or Subaru Outback, you’ll have a vehicle that delivers a smooth and composed ride. Both SUVs are easy to maneuver in tight spaces and feel surefooted around turns. They also easily soak up bumps, potholes, and other uneven surfaces. Overall, they deliver a pleasant driving experience in most situations.
Fuel Economy
If you’re wondering which vehicle provides better gas mileage, the answer is the Toyota. According to EPA estimates, last year’s RAV4 returned 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the gas engine and 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the hybrid powertrain. The 2025 Outback gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Comparing the RAV4 hybrid vs. Subaru Outback efficiency shows the Toyota is far ahead of its rival.
Safety Features and Ratings
When it comes to safety, there isn’t a clear winner in this department, as both SUVs have numerous driver-assistance technologies. However, the RAV4’s standard driver aids are more comprehensive and advanced. They include pedestrian monitoring, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assistance, lane departure alert with steering assistance, automated high beams, brake assistance, hill-start assistance, and smart stop technology. In contrast, the entry-level Outback comes with automated emergency braking, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, automated high beams, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, lane departure alert, and pedestrian detection.
Crash Test Ratings
For 2025, the RAV4 and Outback earned the highest possible score of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn’t tested the latest Outback but gave the new Toyota the top rating of “Good.”
Which SUV Is Right for You?
When choosing between the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback, you need to consider your personal needs and preferences. However, if you want to get the most out of your money, the RAV4 is the better option. Despite its more competitive pricing, the Toyota SUV outperforms its Subaru rival in almost every department. If you reside in Prosper, Texas, and want to know whether the RAV4 can meet your expectations, experience it firsthand at Longo Toyota of Prosper. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive.
Connect with us
