2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with a price tag of $42,083, presented a blend of rugged and refined aesthetics. Despite its fully-loaded status, it maintained a modest appearance, akin to a rental car. The vehicle's design could have benefited from larger wheels or an Adventure trim level, similar to its non-hybrid counterpart, to enhance its tough exterior. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was a mix of style and practicality, though the quality varied with some impressive materials alongside less appealing glossy hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was functional and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. Its interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, featuring a bright 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, added a touch of flair. The Outback's exterior was practical, with high gray cladding and smooth styling, maintaining a balanced and stable appearance. The vehicle's standout feature was its lifted wagon design, offering an alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard all-wheel drive and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, offering lively acceleration due to instant electric-motor torque. However, the engine's sound was unpleasant at high revs. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg combined, and it averaged 39.7 mpg in testing. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system contributed to favorable driving dynamics, though the tires lacked grip.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four with 260 horsepower, significantly improving performance. The Outback prioritized comfort over speed, with a focus on safety and capability. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, but the turbocharged engine was more efficient when weighed down. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a comfortable ride and excellent off-road capability thanks to its electronically-variable all-wheel drive and X-Mode driving modes.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with reclining backrests and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance and a spacious interior, with 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. Visibility was excellent, and storage options were plentiful. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its integrated roof rails and crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. Camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The single large screen was more cohesive and useful than the dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping systems. The SUV earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger chassis and additional airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some four-star ratings in specific tests.