2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was meticulously designed to cater to buyers seeking a rugged yet stylish crossover. Its aggressive exterior, characterized by chiseled taillights, boxy fender flares, and a scowling front end, represented a stark departure from its more approachable predecessors and other compact crossovers on the market. While its stylish exterior posed as rugged as a traditional SUV, under the sheet metal, it remained a more conventional vehicle built on the well-engineered Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, akin to that found in the Camry and Sienna minivan. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road variants pushed the aesthetic further with features like the Ice Edge roof, matte black wheels, and rugged interior accents. The TRD Off-Road model especially stood out with its SofTex upholstery and outdoor-ready features, though the lack of real leather even in the highest trims seemed a downside.

Conversely, the 2021 Subaru Outback, although redesigned for 2020, adhered to a familiar and comfortable design ethos. The Outback's interior blended familiarity with modern touches, especially if opting for trims above the base with the 11.6-inch portrait display. This display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, stood out as a significant upgrade. Quality materials were apparent throughout the higher trims, with substantial window switches, padded surfaces, and decent imitations of a luxury car in the Limited and Touring trims. The Onyx Edition XT's use of durable, water-resistant StarTex upholstery added an outdoorsy touch. Externally, the Outback struck a balance between rugged and refined, with high gray cladding and functional design meant to handle rough terrains.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a single gasoline engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Though Toyota claimed the engine achieved racing-level thermal efficiency, the overall driving dynamics were less impressive. The transmission's hesitation and lack of responsive shifting detracted from the engine’s otherwise impressive output. The RAV4 offered some off-road capability, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models providing features like a torque-vectoring rear axle and respectable ground clearance. However, the lack of true off-road mechanicals limited its potential in severe conditions.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback provided a more nuanced performance spread across two engine options. The base 2.5-liter flat-four, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, struggled with weight, making it sluggish and noisy under heavy loads. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT trims was a game-changer, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,000 rpm. This engine brought the Outback alive, making it quieter, smoother, and more capable of handling varied driving conditions. Despite the less precise handling, the Outback excelled as a comfortable cruiser, even off-road, thanks to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and proactive AWD system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered competitive headroom due to its tall, upright roof but fell short in legroom, particularly in the back seats. The rear seats lacked comfort for long trips, and though the cargo area was fairly spacious at 37.6 cubic feet with seats up, it did not surpass the Honda CR-V in capacity. The interior was user-friendly with oversized knobs and straightforward controls, though storage options on the console were slightly compromised by the design.

In terms of interior space, the 2021 Subaru Outback excelled with 76 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded, and a notable 33 cubic feet with the seats up. The interior offered excellent headroom and legroom, comfortable seating, and superior outward visibility due to well-thought-out design considerations. Storage was abundant, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and practical storage solutions like dual center console pockets. However, some desirable features like push-button start and rear climate vents were not standard across lower trims, and the bundled package for the moonroof added significant cost.

In the 2021 Toyota RAV4, technology was straightforward and functional. It came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Screen sizes varied by trim, with options ranging from a 7-inch to a 9-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with well-positioned screens and clear graphics, although it lacked the flashiness that some tech-savvy consumers might prefer. Toyota also provided ample USB ports and an optional JBL premium audio system, but missed out on advanced features like a head-up display in its gasoline models.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, despite having a dated user interface, packed substantial modern technology. All trims included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering an 11.6-inch touchscreen that simplified vehicle settings and stereo controls. Subaru EyeSight, a comprehensive driver-assistance suite, was standard across all trims, demonstrating Subaru's commitment to safety. However, the dual-screen setup in base models was less cohesive and attractive compared to the single large screen available in higher trims.

Safety ratings for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 were commendable. The IIHS awarded it a "Top Safety Pick" rating with top scores in crash tests, and the NHTSA granted it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which offered forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and more. Higher trims added advanced features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback also shone in safety. It retained its "Top Safety Pick+" status from the IIHS with top scores in all crash tests and superior ratings for its forward emergency braking system. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, though with minor demerits in specific tests. Subaru's EyeSight system, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert varied by trim, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage.