Would you like to get behind the wheel of a high-quality crossover SUV? The Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 are both excellent choices. In a previous article, we highlighted the ways that the RAV4 is better than the Outback. However, now, we showcase one big advantage that the 2023 Subaru Outback has over the 2023 Toyota RAV4.

Unlike the 2023 Toyota RAV4, the 2023 Subaru Outback has standard all-wheel drive

The big advantage that the 2023 Subaru Outback crossover SUV has over the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is its standard all-wheel drive system. Like the rest of the Subaru SUV lineup, the Outback comes standard with a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, for the RAV4, all-wheel drive is an optional feature, so you have to pay extra. 

The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system in the Outback is quite advanced. While some all-wheel drive systems react to slippage after it occurs, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system in the Outback continually routes power to all of the wheels. 

2023 Outback also has a higher ground clearance than the 2023 RAV4

Traction for the 2023 Subaru Outback is further enhanced by its selectable X-MODE. Also, the Outback has protective cladding, as well as a ground clearance of up to 9.5 inches, compared to 8.6 inches for the 2023 Toyota RAV4. 

The standard all-wheel drive, along with the other attributes, makes the Outback a great choice for off-road driving. This is especially the case for the off-road-focused Wilderness trim. Also, even if you never drive off-road, the standard all-wheel drive and other attributes are beneficial for driving in adverse weather conditions, such as snowy and icy roads. 

Other advantages of the Outback over the RAV4

The Outback crossover SUV is better than the RAV4 in other ways. It’s a safer vehicle. This is evidenced by it earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest safety award that IIHS gives for vehicles. In comparison, the RAV4 has the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The safety of the Outback is aided by its many driving assistance features. Examples include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, steering assist, and a blind spot monitoring system.

Also, the interior of the Outback is roomier than the RAV4. The Outback provides a total passenger volume of 109 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. Furthermore, it has more legroom, with 42.8 inches for the front seats and 39.5 inches. In comparison, the RAV4 has 41.0 front/37.8 rear inches of legroom.  

The Outback also offers more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 75.7 cu-ft, while the RAV4 has 69.8 cu-ft.

With its standard all-wheel drive system, the 2023 Subaru Outback has a big advantage over the 2023 Toyota RAV4. This is complemented by the Outback’s high ground clearance, X-MODE feature, and protective cladding. If you aim to drive off-road or want confident traction in adverse weather conditions, then the Outback is a great choice for a crossover SUV.