2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Subaru Outback was redesigned for the 2020 model year, yet it retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous generations. However, the interior saw significant improvements, especially in trims above the base model. The Premium trim and higher featured an 11.6-inch portrait display that was bright, sharp, and integrated seamlessly with polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT, in particular, stood out with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, giving it a unique and durable interior. The exterior maintained a smooth and plain styling with high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, emphasizing its lifted wagon design.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a continuation of the 2019 redesign, fit well within the modern crossover vehicle design. Its exterior featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines, complemented by expressive headlights and a snub-nosed grille. The RAV4's design was both playful and aggressive, with a Kabuki-like anthropomorphic face. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for minimal driver distraction, and the interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin elements together. The Adventure-trim test vehicle featured 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to its distinctive look.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled with the Outback's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims, however, came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm. This engine provided a significant performance boost, making the Outback more capable of keeping up with traffic. The turbo XT's fuel economy was slightly lower, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it proficient off-road. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system and X-Mode driving modes further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city and 32-34 mpg highway. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined net horsepower and achieving 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone. The Adventure AWD model tested provided smooth and immediate power delivery, with a conventional transmission offering familiar sensations. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear, along with AWD models featuring Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, higher than many trucks, allowing it to tackle various terrains without being oversized. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. The Outback's visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and a low shoulder height. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had grown over the years, offering 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. Towing capacity varied, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four adults, with plenty of legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the front row. The second-row middle seat was less comfortable but still usable. Storage options included cupholders, bottle holders, a roomy glove compartment, and covered storage beneath the center armrest.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly lacking. However, the system included modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on forward-looking cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to systems that also use radar.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a robust set of standard technology features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured additional tech, such as five USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, blue ambient illumination, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for the rollover test.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, with features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. It also had LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all models, included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.