The clash between the Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4 pits two popular SUVs against one another. The RAV4 is not only the top seller in the category but also essentially defines it. The Outback, on the other hand, is a bit of an outlier. It's based on a midsize sedan chassis and is more wagon-like than the typical crossover SUV.
The two models represent different takes on the same basic premise. Subaru and Toyota pioneered the crossover trend with the Outback and RAV4 long before crossovers seemingly took over the U.S. auto market. Both blend SUV capabilities with car-like features that appeal strongly to American buyers. Toyota offers three all-terrain trim levels for the RAV4, while Subaru counters with the Wilderness version of the Outback.
The RAV4—a compact crossover SUV—is 11 inches shorter than the midsize Outback in overall length and one inch taller. Despite differing sizes, both accommodate five passengers and offer practical daily driving dynamics with ample cargo space and versatile personas.
The 2024 Outback midsize crossover SUV offers two 4-cylinder engines, while the RAV4 provides conventional 4-cylinder, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard in the Subaru, while the RAV4 presents front-wheel (FWD) and AWD models. Both Outback and RAV4 AWD systems prioritize on-road traction, providing moderate off-road ability rather than extreme terrain capability.
Safety is a focal point for both brands, with Toyota pioneering advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) through Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and Subaru equipping the Outback with EyeSight driver-assist technology.
This comparison contrasts the car-like Subaru Outback with the SUV-like Toyota RAV4. Which one is right for you? This comparison of the 2024 Subaru Outback and the 2024 Toyota RAV4 will help you decide.
2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Subaru offers the 2024 Outback in six trims. The lineup includes Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, with XT variations available on the Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims. The Wilderness emphasizes off-road capabilities and receives a rugged aesthetic upgrade for 2024. The Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring prioritize luxury and convenience. The Outback Touring XT combines luxurious features with a more robust turbocharged engine. Unlike many competitors offering FWD options, the Outback comes solely with AWD.
Starting at $30,240, including the $1,345 destination charge, the base trim of the 2024 Subaru Outback represents the model's entry point. The Wilderness trim ($41,305) introduces bold styling, all-terrain tires, a potent turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, revised suspension for increased ground clearance, and a full-size spare tire. The Touring ($41,690) adds extra safety features, while the XT versions, starting at $40,705, bring the upgraded turbocharged 2.4-liter engine.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4, a top-selling model nationwide, boasts an extensive lineup catering to diverse preferences. Toyota offers the conventionally powered RAV4 in six trims. At the same time, the RAV4 Hybrid spans seven variants, and the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is available in two trims. The Hybrid and Prime versions are AWD, with FWD standard on select conventional trims but optional on most.
The lineup starts with the FWD RAV4 LE at $30,025, including the $1,350 destination fee. The top of the conventional lineup is the AWD Limited, which begins at $39,730. The Adventure trim emphasizes off-road capabilities with rugged styling and a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $36,220. Hybrid models range between $33,075 for the LE trim and $41,380 for the Limited. The RAV4 Prime starts at $45,040 for the SE and climbs to $48,910 for the XSE variant.
Advantage: Subaru Outback
2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE
The Subaru Outback does not rank among the top three models in the Midsize SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Outback also does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2024 Subaru Outback has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Toyota RAV4 ranks third in the Compact SUV segment in the 2024 VDS but does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2023 IQS.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Toyota RAV4
2024 Subaru Outback
In the 2024 Subaru Outback lineup, buyers choose between two AWD powertrains. The base model features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Meanwhile, the higher-tier engine, standard in the Wilderness and available in other trims with the XT package, is a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder delivering 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, also paired with a CVT.
While the base engine offers satisfactory acceleration, the turbo engine's extra 78 hp significantly enhances overall drivability. Despite its station wagon roots, the Outback Wilderness enjoys commendable off-road capabilities owing to increased ground clearance, higher power output, and all-terrain tires.
Though not preferred by performance enthusiasts, the CVT contributes to the Outback's fuel efficiency. The base engine achieves an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined, while turbo-equipped Outbacks achieve 25 mpg combined for Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT versions. The Wilderness variant receives an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 presents an array of powertrain options: a conventional 4-cylinder engine, a hybrid system, and a plug-in hybrid with the highest horsepower. Most 2024 RAV4s feature a 203-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing power to the front or all four wheels.
The RAV4 Hybrid's setup combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 219 hp. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid merges a 2.5-liter engine with dual electric motors. It boasts a system output of 302 hp. The PHEV RAV4 Prime offers compelling acceleration and about 42 miles of pure-electric range on a full charge.
Performance-wise, the hybrid and conventional RAV4s deliver ample power and reasonably good handling. At the same time, the RAV4 Prime stands out for enthusiasts with nearly 100 more horsepower.
The RAV4 Prime garners impressive fuel efficiency, rated at 38 mpg combined and 94 MPGe. The RAV4 Hybrid achieves a mark of 40 mpg combined and delivers an expansive 580-mile range. The FWD conventional RAV4 receives an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined, and that dips a minor amount with AWD.
Advantage: Toyota RAV4
2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE
The 2024 Subaru Outback comes equipped with the Subaru EyeSight driver-assist system, integrating various ADAS and electronic safety features. Subaru has enhanced its overall performance for the 2024 model year with equipment that improves its accuracy. While blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning aren't standard, they are optional on the Premium trim and come standard on the Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, which also feature automatic emergency steering.
The 2024 Outback earned the highest-possible 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2024 Outback a Top Safety Pick for the 2024 calendar year.
Through the past decade, Toyota has taken a lead role in integrating electronic safety and driver-assistance features through its proprietary TSS array of systems. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 continues this commitment by offering standard safety systems that are often add-ons for luxury brands. The RAV4's TSS 2.5 suite of ADAS includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic emergency steering with pedestrian detection.
Beyond the now near-standard array of systems, the RAV4 offers traffic-sign recognition, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. While not officially part of TSS 2.5, Toyota's rear-seat reminder system is standard in the RAV4. Optional features on some trims include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS recognized it as a Top Safety Pick for the 2023 calendar year.
Advantage: Toyota RAV4
2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness
The 2024 Subaru Outback incorporates the automaker's Starlink infotainment systems. The base model offers a dual 7-inch screen setup, where the upper unit manages audio controls. At the same time, the lower screen handles climate, EyeSight, X-Mode driving modes, and other vehicle systems. It integrates AM/FM/HD Radio, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and audio streaming, a rearview camera mirror, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Travel Link. While the systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, they need a wired connection.
Stepping up, the Outback Premium boasts a larger 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Onyx Edition enhances this with a Harman Kardon audio system and a 576-watt amplifier, also available on other trims. The top-tier option is the 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system with TomTom-enabled navigation. Though not the most feature-packed, Subaru's infotainment systems have progressed in recent years, offering user-friendly interfaces, good audio quality, and minimal learning curves.
In response to criticism of its earlier infotainment options, Toyota revamped the RAV4's systems, recently introducing its in-house-developed Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The new system boasts significant improvements in features and usability.
Most 2024 Toyota RAV4 trims now come with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, while select versions like the TRD Off-Road, Hybrid XSE, Limited, Hybrid Limited, and Prime XSE feature a larger 10.5-inch display. Irrespective of screen size, the system integrates wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and dual-phone Bluetooth capability. An optional 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier is also widely available.
The 2024 RAV4's system impresses with its speed and clarity. It features easily visible icons for both the driver and front-seat passenger and a more streamlined menu and page layout than previous Toyota systems. While it may not quite match some competing systems from U.S. automakers, the new system marks a significant improvement over previous Toyota infotainment offerings.
Advantage: Toyota RAV4
2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE
In terms of comfort and practicality, many might find the 2024 Subaru Outback holds a significant edge over the 2024 RAV4 due to its greater length. With an extra 11 inches overall, the Outback offers plenty of room and car-like comfort. Its wagon-style construction facilitates easier access compared to many crossover SUVs.
Ample front and rear-seat legroom, shoulder room, hip room, and headroom create a spacious feel for its five passengers. Inside the cabin, the Outback resembles a sedan more than a typical SUV. Most trims include a power tilt-and-slide moonroof.
The base model offers manually adjusted cloth-covered seats. Higher trim levels feature genuine leather seats with multi-way power adjustment, while the Wilderness trim uses Subaru's StarTex water-repellent upholstery.
The 2024 Subaru Outback boasts 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seatback folded.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 adheres to the classic crossover SUV design, boasting a roof height of 67 inches—an inch taller than the 2024 Subaru Outback. This stature offers advantages in entry-exit convenience and cargo capacity. The elevated roof and raised seat cushions give RAV4 drivers an advantageous driving position with exceptional visibility. While front- and rear-seat dimensions align closely with the Outback, the RAV4 has a larger cargo area than its Subaru counterpart.
Toyota equips lower RAV4 trims with manually adjusted cloth-covered seats. At the same time, mid-level versions feature synthetic leather seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Top trims boast faux leather seats with unique detailing like the orange stitching in the off-road Adventure variant. Higher trims such as XLE and XSE offer dual-zone automatic climate control.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 boasts an accommodating 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seatback folded. Select trims feature a power-operated liftgate, providing convenient access to the RAV4's substantial cargo area.
Advantage: Subaru Outback
If you'd like to learn more about these popular SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Subaru Outback, Subaru Outback Wilderness, Toyota RAV4, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Prime. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on December 21, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, which is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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