2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Looking back, the 2022 Subaru Outback, specifically in its Wilderness trim, emerged as a notably rugged alternative within the car's lineup. This version heightened the Outback’s stance considerably, boasting a ground clearance of 9.5 inches, a notable increase that further blurred the lines between a traditional station wagon and a more robust Jeep-like vehicle. The Outback Wilderness also featured a more assertive tire set and fender protection, paired with a restyled bumper to improve its approach and departure angles, making it visibly more formidable and trail-ready.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 maintained the quintessential crossover look with its angular and crisp design lines that distinguished it subtly from the competition. The RAV4’s design evolution continued to embody the sleek, modern crossover, with playful yet aggressive front facial features and quality finishes that suggested a vehicle fitting seamlessly into both urban and rural settings.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Not only was it powerful, but it also included a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a lifted suspension tailored for off-road adventures, offering substantial clearance and improved angles for tackling challenging terrains. Despite its ruggedness, it retained a composed demeanor on paved roads, although the standard CVT transmission drew mixed reviews regarding its simulation of gear changes.

The Toyota RAV4 offered variety through its powertrains, with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine providing a decent 203 horsepower. It also came in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, the latter delivering a robust 302 horsepower combined output, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to performance diversity and fuel efficiency. Its conventional eight-speed automatic transmission was praised for its responsiveness and smoothness, contributing positively to a driving experience that balanced power and efficiency neatly.

Inside, the 2022 Outback Wilderness utilized dark gray StarTex water-repellant materials, practical for off-road outings but less comforting in extremely hot or cold weather circumstances due to their lack of breathability. It offered significant space, with up to 75.7 cubic feet of cargo area with the seats down, and additionally, a robust roof rack system capable of supporting substantial loads for adventure gear.

Alternatively, the RAV4 presented a slightly smaller cargo capacity at 69.8 cubic feet but compensated with a comfortable and spacious interior that was versatile for both passenger comfort and utility. Its towing capacity, particularly in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, matched that of the Outback, solidifying its role as a capable utility vehicle.

Subaru’s EyeSight technology package in the Outback offered an advanced suite of driver-assist features, maintaining high safety standards that the Outback lineup is known for. While complete crash-test results were unknown for the Wilderness specifically, other standard Outbacks had historically performed well in safety ratings.

The RAV4 also came fully equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, providing comprehensive active safety technologies to prevent accidents. It consistently earned high marks from safety rating agencies, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.