2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a surprisingly appealing aesthetic. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully done. Wheel designs differed across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims featured larger, machine-finished wheels. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its luxurious Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a step above the standard leather and synthetic options in lower trims.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a tough appearance, with aggressive angular cladding and dual exhaust outlets. The TRD Off-Road model, tested in Army Green, featured off-road enhancements like a robust roof rack and skid plates. Despite its rugged look, the RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with SofTex artificial leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The cabin was designed for utility, with ample storage and easy-clean surfaces. The TRD Off-Road model included options like a digital rearview mirror and advanced technology packages, enhancing its appeal for adventurous drivers.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a choice between a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower. The turbo engine, standard on the Wilderness trim, improved towing capacity to 3,500 lbs and provided a more robust driving experience. The Lineartronic CVT mimicked an eight-speed transmission, enhancing driving dynamics. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback was ready for off-road adventures, especially in the Wilderness trim, which offered 9.2 inches of clearance and all-terrain tires.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower. The TRD Off-Road model came with standard AWD, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. Multi-Terrain Select offered various driving modes, but the ground clearance remained at 8.6 inches. The RAV4's engine required high revs for maximum power, and while the eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth, the engine sounded unrefined. The TRD Off-Road model averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating, but the RAV4 Hybrid offered better fuel efficiency.

The Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering more front-row headroom and legroom than its competitors. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats down. Features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate were available on higher trims. The Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The Toyota RAV4 prioritized utility with ample storage and oversized controls. The TRD Off-Road model included SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated seats. The rear seat offered good legroom, and the cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The RAV4's interior was practical, though not luxurious.

The Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto starting from the Premium trim. The system included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on most trims, while the base model had fewer speakers. The Outback offered a mix of USB-C and USB-A ports, and Wi-Fi capability was standard on all but the base trim.

The Toyota RAV4 boasted the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various connected services. The system offered cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. However, the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and some usability issues were noted. A JBL premium audio system was available, but not on the test vehicle.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Reverse automatic braking and a wide-angle camera were added to higher trims, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, but the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring. The system performed adequately, though some features were less effective on curvy roads. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award due to lower ratings in recent crash tests, highlighting the need for an update.