2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a significant facelift that included a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper featuring dark gray cladding that appeared to create large air intakes at each corner. This facelift gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with features like the jutting simulated skid plate, oversized fog light housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The aesthetic update could be divisive, but opting for a dark paint color or the Onyx Edition, which featured black wheels and trim, could make the appearance more cohesive.

Subaru offered the Outback in six trims, including the newly more accessible Onyx Edition with a base powertrain option. The Touring trim, like the one we tested, came fully loaded with options including Java Brown Nappa leather and a Cosmic Blue exterior. Inside, the high-quality materials and cohesive color scheme added a touch of sophistication.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 largely retained the design established in 2019, particularly with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims featuring a two-part face and aggressive styling. We tested the Adventure trim that sported blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and heavier black cladding around the wheel arches. However, this trim was more aesthetic than functional for off-roading. The Adventure trim also added orange interior accents and a few premium touches like a frameless rearview mirror, lending a sense of rugged elegance.

Overall, while the Subaru Outback emphasized a rugged yet upscale look, Toyota’s RAV4 maintained a balanced approach between adventurous styling and practical utility.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), struggled especially with acceleration, making highway driving and overtaking challenging. The standard engine also fell short of its EPA fuel economy estimates, achieving only 25.6 mpg in real-world conditions. However, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in the Outback XT trim significantly improved performance, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While less fuel-efficient, especially in the Wilderness trim, the added power gave the Outback necessary pep, particularly beneficial for mountain driving or towing up to 3,500 pounds.

The Outback excelled off-road with its standard Active Torque Split AWD system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 inches for the Wilderness trim). It tackled rougher terrains thanks to its X-Mode traction system and hill descent control. In the city, its high stance and excellent visibility made navigating urban environments easier, despite the lackluster standard powertrain.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup, while not particularly thrilling in terms of acceleration, was deemed reliable and preferable over a CVT. The RAV4 Adventure trim featured AWD by default with Snow Mode, although it was less capable off-road than the TRD Off-Road trim, which had all-terrain tires and TRD-tuned suspension.

Though not as powerful as the turbocharged Outback XT, the RAV4’s engine struck a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Its quiet operation added to the pleasant driving experience, even if it didn’t exude excitement.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, with a primary focus on utility, offered a comfortable and versatile interior. The Touring trim came with premium Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear outboard seats. The vehicle provided ample legroom and headroom, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. Our test vehicle handled a family road trip with ease, though wind noise and the engine’s lack of power were occasional detractors.

Access was convenient with the SUV’s higher ground clearance, and the cargo space was generous, measuring 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seats and expanding to 75.6 cubic feet when folded down. The roof rack and flat door sills were practical for additional cargo needs, although more interior storage cubbies could improve utility.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 also offered seating for five, with more headroom in the rear seats but less in the front compared to its competitors. Legroom was comparable to the Outback in the front but fell short in the rear. The Adventure trim’s storage areas included a length-of-dash shelf and roomy door pockets. Cargo space was slightly more spacious than the Outback, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Both vehicles prioritized practical storage solutions and comfortable seating, but the Outback narrowly edged out the RAV4 with its additional cargo capacity and interior accessibility features.

For 2023, Subaru equipped all Outback trims except the Base with an updated Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Harman Kardon premium audio system depending on the trim, and a subscription-based Starlink connected services package that included a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. While Subaru enhanced the system's usability, the interface graphics and subpar voice recognition were less impressive.

Toyota’s 2023 RAV4 received a new infotainment system featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch on the Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The new system supported OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and included voice command capabilities. Our Adventure trim tester had the premium JBL audio system, adding to the high-tech experience. A standard 7-inch driver information display, expandable to 12.3 inches on higher trims, helped keep the driver informed.

Overall, while both vehicles boasted updated technology, the RAV4's more user-friendly and modern infotainment system provided a slightly better experience.

Subaru’s commitment to safety was evident in the 2023 Outback. The EyeSight driver-assistance suite included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and centering assist, and optional features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. New to 2023 were enhancements like updated EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, which contributed to top safety marks from the IIHS, including in the new, stringent side-impact crash test.

The 2023 RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which bundled adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 also achieved top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for 2023.

Both vehicles provided comprehensive safety features, ensuring a secure driving experience for their passengers.