The crossover SUV segment is immensely popular. Two of the top choices for the segment are the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback. See how they measure up in this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Outback crossover SUV competition.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Outback: What are the differences?

In this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Outback head-to-head comparison, we evaluated several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

RAV4 vs. Outback: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 offers three powertrain options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). In comparison, the 2022 Subaru Outback has two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine (182 hp) and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine (260 hp).

For efficiency, the RAV4 has the advantage. The gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the Outback has a fuel economy of up to 29 combined mpg.

RAV4 vs. Outback: Off-road capabilities and towing

The Outback has the edge for off-road capabilities. While a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system is an optional feature for the RAV4, it’s standard for all Outback models. Also, the Outback provides slightly higher ground clearance than the RAV4 (up to 8.7 inches vs. 8.6 inches). Both crossover SUVs offer off-road-focused models, with the Wilderness trim for the Outback and the TRD Off-Road trim for the RAV4. 

Do you have towing needs? The Crosstrek has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. In comparison, the maximum towing capacity of the RAV4 is 1,500 pounds for the standard gas-powered model, 1,750 pounds for the RAV4 Hybrid, 2,500 pounds for the RAV4 Prime, and 3,500 pounds for the TRD Off-Road.

RAV4 vs. Outback: Safety

Both crossover SUVs are strong on the safety front, but the Outback has the advantage. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the RAV4 received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

RAV4 vs. Outback: Passenger and cargo space

The Outback provides more space for both people and storage. It has a total passenger volume of 109.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 75.7 cu-ft. In comparison, the RAV4 has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft for the RAV4. 

RAV4 vs. Outback: Interior features and technologies

The RAV4 and Outback offer a similar roster of interior features and technologies. This includes heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a multi-zone climate control system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a sunroof/moonroof. However, unlike the Outback, the RAV4 offers a Wi-Fi hotspot.

RAV4 vs. Outback: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 and Outback have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both crossover SUVs also provide a free maintenance plan, with 2-years/25,000-miles for the RAV4 and 2-years/24,000 miles for the Outback.

For reliability, the RAV4 has the advantage. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81/100, compared to 71/100 for the Outback. 

RAV4 vs. Outback: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 RAV4 or the 2022 Outback? The starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 range from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Outback range from $26,945 MSRP for the Base trim up to $39,945 MSRP for the Touring XT trim.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Outback: Which crossover SUV is better?

In our 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Subaru Outback comparison, each crossover SUV has a different set of advantages. For the RAV4, advantages include performance, efficiency, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and reliability. Advantages for the Outback include off-road capabilities, safety, and passenger and cargo space.