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Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4 comparison

Compare performance (169 HP vs 306 HP), boot space and price (40,000 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4?

Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4: Key differences

Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally lighter

Toyota RAV4

4.8 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly more trunk space

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Outback

A Detailed Comparison: Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4

The automotive market is teeming with versatile vehicles tailored for different lifestyles; among them, the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 stand out as popular choices for those seeking practicality, reliability, and adventure. Both models offer unique features and innovations, making this a comparison worth exploring for prospective buyers.

RAV4

Technical Specifications Overview

When examining the technical specifications of the Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4, several key differences emerge. The Subaru Outback is a wagon that relies on a petrol engine with a capacity of 2498 cm3. It harnesses the power of 169 HP and produces a torque of 252 Nm. Its all-wheel-drive system enhances its handling in diverse terrains, catering to adventurous drivers. The Outback's CVT transmission provides a smooth driving experience, with a fuel consumption of 8.6 L/100 km.

On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 is classified as an SUV and offers a wider array of powertrains, including full hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The RAV4 boasts a more powerful engine lineup, yielding between 218 and 306 HP, depending on the specific variant. With a fuel consumption as low as 5.6 L/100 km, the RAV4 is significantly more economical than its Subaru counterpart, especially in its hybrid forms.

Performance & Acceleration

Performance metrics reveal intriguing differences between the two models. The Subaru Outback achieves acceleration from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 10.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 193 km/h. The RAV4, however, boasts quicker acceleration with variants achieving 0-100 km/h in as little as 6 seconds, depending on the engine choice. Despite this, the RAV4’s top speed is capped at 180 km/h, slightly lower than the Outback.

Interior Space and Comfort

Space and comfort are critical factors for families and travelers. The Subaru Outback offers a trunk capacity of 561 liters, making it suitable for carrying gear and luggage. Its overall dimensions (4870 mm in length, 1875 mm in width, and 1675 mm in height) contribute to a roomy interior for five passengers.

Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 provides a slightly larger trunk capacity of 580 liters. Its dimensions (4600 mm in length, 1855 mm in width, and 1685 mm in height) offer a cozy, secure cabin space, making it family-friendly while still compact enough for city driving.

Innovation and Technology

Both Subaru and Toyota have integrated advanced technology into their vehicles. The Outback features the Subaru EyeSight suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. These innovations emphasize safety and enhance the driver’s experience during long hauls or daily commutes.

The RAV4, in contrast, has implemented Toyota’s innovative hybrid technology, offering an impressive electric range of 75 km in its hybrid variants. It is designed with an eye on sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, the RAV4 integrates the Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes features like pre-collision systems, lane tracing assist, and adaptive high beams.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4 ultimately boils down to preference and priorities. If you seek a reliable and adventurous vehicle with traditional petrol power, the Outback may be the right choice for you. However, if fuel efficiency and innovative hybrid technology are your main focus, the RAV4 stands out as a compelling option. Both vehicles boast remarkable qualities that cater to different lifestyles and driving needs, ensuring they remain at the forefront of today’s automotive landscape.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Outback

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Toyota RAV4 is moderately cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the Subaru Outback costs 40,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,886 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Toyota RAV4 uses 1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.6 L/100km. The difference is about 7.6 L/100km.

RAV4

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Toyota RAV4 offers clearly more power – delivering 306 HP compared to 169 HP. That’s roughly 137 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Toyota RAV4 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 6 s, while the Subaru Outback takes 10.2 s. That’s about 4.2 s quicker.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Outback is marginally lighter – 1,643 kg compared to 1,745 kg. The difference is around 102 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Toyota RAV4 offers very slightly more boot space – 580 L compared to 561 L. That’s a difference of about 19 L.

When it comes to payload, the Toyota RAV4 carries marginally more – 600 kg compared to 557 kg. That’s a difference of about 43 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota RAV4 stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £35,100
RAV4

Toyota RAV4

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 218 - 306 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1 - 5.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 75 km
Subaru Outback
Toyota RAV4

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the do-it-all wagon for buyers who want SUV capability without the SUV bulk, blending rugged confidence with everyday civility. It's practical, dependable, and built to shrug off rough gravel tracks or rainy commutes with a grin — ideal for buyers who actually use their vehicles, not just park them for show.

details

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 feels like a sensible friend on the road, marrying dependable practicality with a dash of SUV personality that keeps daily driving from turning dull. Comfortable and easy to live with, it looks tough without shouting and quietly gets the job done — a sensible pick for buyers who want versatility without drama.

details
Subaru Outback
Toyota RAV4

Costs and Consumption

Price
40,000 - 44,400 £
Price
35,100 - 55,700 £
Consumption L/100km
8.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
75 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
193 g/km
co2
22 - 128 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Estate
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,643 - 1,676 kg
Curb weight
1,745 - 1,910 kg
Trunk capacity
561 L
Trunk capacity
520 - 580 L
Length
-
Length
4,600 mm
Width
1,875 mm
Width
1,855 mm
Height
-
Height
1,685 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,604 - 1,690 L
Payload
524 - 557 kg
Payload
390 - 600 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
169 HP
Power HP
218 - 306 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6 - 8.4 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
252 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
124 kW
Power kW
160 - 225 kW
Engine capacity
2,498 cm3
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Toyota
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.