Both the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Outback are solid choices for the compact crossover SUV segment. However, the RAV4 has some strengths in its favor. Here are four advantages that the 2023 RAV4 has over the 2023 Outback.

2023 Toyota RAV4 delivers better performance than the 2023 Subaru Outback

The first advantage of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV over the 2023 Subaru Outback is performance. It offers more powerful engine options, with a higher base engine horsepower output and maximum output. This includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). 

For the Outback, the engine options are a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower) and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine (260 horsepower).

The RAV4 also provides quicker acceleration, particularly for the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. It has a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. In comparison, the Outback with the turbo 2.4L engine takes 5.9 seconds to complete the 0-60 mph sprint. 

2023 RAV4 has higher fuel economy than the 2023 Outback

The second advantage of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 over the 2023 Subaru Outback is fuel economy. With the high price of gasoline, an efficient crossover SUV like the RAV4 translates to savings at the fuel pump.

The fully gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 40 combined mpg. And for even greater efficiency, the RAV4 Prime has a rating of 94 combined MPGe in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

However, the Outback is less efficient than all of the RAV4 models. It gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 29 combined mpg. 

Unlike the Subaru Outback, the Toyota RAV4 offers a complimentary maintenance plan

The third advantage of the 2023 RAV4 crossover SUV over the 2023 Outback is, unlike the Outback, the RAV4 offers a complimentary maintenance plan. To ensure that a vehicle runs smoothly and doesn’t have mechanical problems, it’s important to follow its scheduled maintenance. 

With the ToyotaCare free maintenance plan, getting a RAV4 serviced is a more affordable endeavor. ToyotaCare for the RAV4, which is good for two years or 25,000 miles, includes oil and filter changes, multipoint inspections, topping off of the fluids, and tire rotations.

Also, there are more Toyota dealerships than Subaru dealerships, which makes it more convenient to get a RAV4 serviced for the majority of owners.

2023 RAV4 is more affordable than the 2023 Outback

The fourth advantage of the 2023 RAV4 over the 2023 Outback is affordability. The RAV4 has a starting price of $27,575 MSRP, compared to $28,395 MSRP for the 2023 Crosstrek. 

Also, with its wide range of standard features, the RAV4 offers much value. Even the base-level RAV4 LE comes standard with many features. Examples include LED lighting, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has advantages over the 2023 Subaru Outback for performance, fuel economy, a complimentary maintenance plan, and affordability. These are factors to keep in mind when considering which crossover SUV to get.