Does the Toyota RAV4 Stand Up to the Legendary Subaru Outback?

You probably wouldn't be that surprised to learn that the Subaru Outback is by far one of the most popular models here at Don Miller Subaru East. The Outback is known around the world for its durable, safe, spacious, and rugged design, but a lot of the time the same drivers thinking about buying an Outback have another vehicle on their mind as well: the Toyota RAV4.

Hey don't get us wrong, the Toyota RAV4 is a great little crossover that tons of families around the country swear by, but when you boil both cars down, the Outback will still offer you more.

When it comes to size, the Outback is actually nine inches longer and half an inch taller than the RAV4. With the seats up, both vehicles boast 73 cubic feet of cargo space. The RAV4's cabin boasts 101 cubic feet of passenger space while the Outback has 108.

When it comes to powertrains we should mention that the Subaru Outback was built from the ground up with AWD and boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine good for 175 horsepower (2,700 lbs. of towing capacity). The RAV4 features a 2.5-liter in-line four cylinder engine with 176 horsepower (1,500 lbs. of towing capacity). The Outback can also be purchased with a larger 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine.

Thanks to its continuously variable transmission, the engine in the Outback can achieve 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The RAV4 is limited to 22 in the city and 29 on the highway. When it comes to starting price we won't lie. The Outback starts about $1,500 more than the RAV4 but you will certainly get a better-equipped vehicle that includes the All Weather Package, heated seats, mirrors, and wipers.

If that still isn't enough reason to abandon your dreams of RAV4 living in favor of life in the Outback, then you should probably know that the Outback has consistently earned "TOP SAFETY PICK+" awards from the IIHS while the RAV4 never even got an award from the organization. When you are ready to take a test drive and learn about our auto loan and lease opportunities, please just stop in to the Don Miller Subaru East showroom and speak with our staff. We hope to see you soon!