Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 Comparison

Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4: Compare Crossover SUVs in Yakima, WA

The Subaru Outback combines comfort and practicality with the all-weather capability that has long defined the brand's SUV lineup. Its spacious accommodations, flexible cargo space, and abundant amenities make it an excellent choice for everything from daily commutes to family travel. Plus, thanks to standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ample ground clearance, and Subaru X-MODE® traction management, it's better-suited to outdoor adventures than many rivals, especially in Wilderness form.

Drivers from Ellensburg to Sunnyside can explore the Subaru Outback at McCurley Subaru of Yakima. Here's a quick look at how it compares in a few key areas to another popular competitor, the Toyota RAV4.

Passenger and Cargo Space

Both models provide two-row seating for five, but the Outback offers more room for passengers to stretch out. Its 39.5 inches of rear legroom exceeds the 37.8 inches available in the RAV4, giving adults and growing kids some extra personal space in the second row.

The difference becomes even more noticeable if you regularly carry cargo. The recently redesigned Outback now offers up to 80.5 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded, compared to the RAV4's maximum capacity of 70.4 cubic feet. That advantage of more than 10 cubic feet can be useful when packing for a trip, transporting recreational equipment, or bringing home larger purchases around Union Gap.

The latest Subaru Outback generation also comes standard with reinforced raised roof rails. Previously offered only on the Wilderness trim, these rails can support up to 220 pounds while driving and up to 800 pounds when parked. The RAV4 only comes standard with side rails on select trims.

Ground Clearance and Capability

Every Outback comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE® traction management, and at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance, compared with 8.1 inches for most RAV4 trims. The RAV4 comes standard with front-wheel drive, while AWD is an option.

For outdoor enthusiasts in Moses Lake seeking even more capability beyond the asphalt, the Outback Wilderness increases ground clearance to 9.5 inches. It also adds all-terrain tires, dual-function X-MODE®, Low Speed / Low Ratio Gradient Control, revised approach and departure angles, and additional drivetrain and chassis upgrades for traveling over uneven terrain.

The RAV4 Woodland adds all-terrain tires and increases ground clearance to 8.5 inches, but it doesn't match the Wilderness model's clearance or extensive collection of specialized off-road features.

Performance and Towing

While the RAV4 hybrid has the advantage when comparing standard horsepower, shoppers seeking more potent performance can turn to the XT and Wilderness trims available for the Subaru Outback. These models use a turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.

Both SUVs can tow up to 3,500 pounds in select configurations. However, the Outback provides greater towing capacity lower in the lineup. Models with the standard 2.5-liter engine can tow up to 2,700 pounds when properly equipped, compared to the RAV4's base tow rating of 1,750 pounds.

Safety

The Outback complements its versatility with a strong showing in independent safety testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the redesigned Outback its highest rating, TOP SAFETY PICK+, in recognition of its crash test performance and the functionality of its collision prevention system. The RAV4 has yet to be rated by the IIHS.

Test-Drive a Subaru Outback in Yakima, WA

Contact McCurley Subaru of Yakima to learn more about the Subaru Outback, including its available configuration options, financing opportunities, and current special offers. If you'd like to experience the accommodations and drivability firsthand, we welcome you to schedule a test drive or stop by at your convenience. We'll be happy to show you around.