Subaru Outback Vs Toyota RAV4 Comparison

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Welcome to the new Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Outback comparison for 2019. After an extended period with the 2019 Subaru Outback it’s time for a new set of reviews. The next comparison is with the latest generation of the Toyota RAV4.  The original Outback like the RAV4 were one of the first models called soft roaders which gave way to the new and much wider SUV description. The Outback stayed true to it’s original wagon concept hence it can’t really recalled an SUV. The RAV4 is largely the template for modern SUVs aka mostly a unique design in the brand’s model range with a high-rise van style body, minimal AWD or 4WD technology.

Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Outback exterior comparison: In hindsight RAV4 is not a traditionally good looking SUV and a ultimately   conservative design in line with the Tacoma and 4runner in the North American market.  Nonetheless it looks modern thanks to the hard edges and more ‘aggressive’ front end.  The Outback still has last generation’s curves so looks OK but conservative, older and not particularly good looking.

Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Outback interior comparison: The interior of both models are best described as nice. They differ in terms of design the RAV4 definitely SUV style and the Outback definitely wagon style with the seat lower to the floor. A brief test in the RAV4 reveals a typical firms comfortable seat more upright. The Outback is very car like and not as comfortable although there is plenty of space. In there end the more modern RAV4 is the preference despite the tablet style stereo screen. The RAV4 looks and appears smaller than the Outback, it that is consideration. Either are perfectly good to be in, overall.

Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Outback engines and technology: There are 3 engine choices in the Outback which are all a little old but modern enough for 2019. It is the state of the art safety systems which are the only standout. The RAV4 has a top range safety systems too but has 2 engine choices and one is a state of the art Hybrid. The Outback has an AWD system as standard which technically gives it an advantage but in most situations it is not necessary and a fuel drag. The RAV4 has a AWD system but it is  dependent on model grade. The Outback’s 6 cylinder is still the best engine choice but the fuel economy is the main problem. The 4 Cylinder engine is good for a 4 cylinder with a CVT, but it is not fast.

Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Outback street Cred : One of the most important factors in choosing between the two is branding. It is especially crucial in the buyer market the two are in. Aka middle class usually with young children for the RAV4 and older ones for the Outback. Regardless the family budget is the most important factor for these buyers and with high fuel prices the proven fuel economy and reliability in Toyota’s Hybrid engines will give the buyer more driveway street.

In conclusion and winner to the Toyota RAV4 Vs Subaru Outback comparison is the RAV4. The RAV4 has the engine advantage and this factor alone resonates with buyers – based on the long wait list for Hybrid RAV4 model grades. Up to date safety, better sounding stereo probably helps too. Since the Outback has CVT, which is very good at mimicking a normal automatic gearbox and clearly has good fuel consumption but it’s still not quite right. The non-turbo Outback petrol in stop start traffic still use more petrol than a Hybrid. For example 10 litres in a petrol @ $1.85 high octane Vs $1.70 regular Octane unleaded in November 2019 is ($18.50-17) $1.50 saving alone combine that with less fuel use – say the RAV4 only uses 7 litres for the same distance costs only $11.90 which is a $6.60 saving. Based on these prices, if travelling 500km between fuel stops you are saving $33 on average every time. The savings with a Hybrid engine are real and over 12 months are thousands of dollars.

Toyota RAV4	Subaru Outback
Engines
4 Cylinder Petrol 2 Litre (1987cc) 91 Octane DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 127Kw @ 6600RPM Claimed 203Nm @ 4400RPM	IL4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC 16 Valve VVT 2.5 Litre (2459cc) Claimed 129Kw @ 5800 RPM Claimed 235Nm @ 4000 RPM
4 Cylinder Petrol 2.5 Litre (2487cc) DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 152Kw @ 6600RPM Claimed 243Nm @ 4000RPM	IL4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo DI CR 2.0 Litre (1990cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 3600 RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 1600 RPM
4 Cylinder Petrol Hybrid 2.5 Litre (2487cc) DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 163Kw @ 4000RPM Claimed 221Nm @ 3600RPM	F6 Cylinder Petrol DOHC 16 Valve 3.6 Litre (3590cc) Claimed 191Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 4400 RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1515Kg Towing capacity up to 1500kg *Dependimg on engine type	Kerb weight FROM 1639Kg Towing capacity up to 1700Kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 55 litres IL4 2.0 litre Petrol 6.8 litres per 100km IL4 2.5 litre Petrol 7.3 litres per 100km IL4 2.5 litre Hybrid 4.8 litres per 100km	Up to 60 litres IL4 Diesel 5.7 litres per 100km (Auto) F4 Petrol 7.3 litres per 100km (Auto) F6 Petrol 9.9 litres per 100km (Auto)
Other specifications
6 speed Auto/manual or CVT Auto Overall height/width 1685/1865 Overall length/wheelbase 4615/2690 4WD system: 2WD or AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5	CVT Auto Overall height/width 1675/1840 Overall length/wheelbase 4820/2745 NCAP safety rating 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max	Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Min ground clearance xxx mm Water Fording depth xxxmm Max 4WD system: AWD
Performance
Pricing
2019 FROM $30,640 – 47,140 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!	2019 $37,440 – 50,440 AUD 2016 $35,990 – 48,490 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
*Specs change due to model grade and configuration. Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!