2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that mimicked the traditional SUV style, with boxy fender flares and chiseled taillights that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Its aggressive look was designed to appeal to those seeking more than just an ordinary vehicle. However, beneath its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, which meant its mechanical components were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Adventure model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road with matte black wheels and rugged interior accents, but the interior materials did not elevate with higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the Outback's station wagon roots, offering a higher ride height and more aggressive all-terrain tires. It featured unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents, along with a robust roof rack system. Inside, the Outback Wilderness had a dark gray and black cabin with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which was practical but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior included heated seats and a dual-zone climate control system, with ample rear seat space and a generous cargo area. The Outback Wilderness stood out with its purposeful styling and off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. While the engine boasted impressive thermal efficiency and a high revving nature, the transmission's sluggishness and lack of steering feel detracted from the driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but its on-road dynamics remained ordinary.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters. While the engine was strong, the CVT's droning and soft gear changes were less satisfying. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system. It handled challenging terrain with ease, though its on-road performance was limited by the tires. The Outback Wilderness offered a balanced mix of off-road prowess and on-road comfort.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided ample headroom and good visibility, but rear legroom was slightly lacking. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were less so for long trips. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet, though not class-leading. The interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space was limited, and the cargo area lip was higher than some competitors.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating, while the rear seats provided generous space and amenities like air vents and USB ports. Cargo space was substantial, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack for rooftop camping, adding to its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The RAV4 provided a straightforward interface for in-car technology.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical controls for basic functions. The voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, but its PIN code entry technology was a practical feature for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and more. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.