Toyota RAV4 VS Subaru Outback
Toyota RAV4
Likes
- Incredibly efficient
- Lots of features and practicality on offer
- Easy to drive and use
Dislikes
- Cabin noise is too loud for grade level
- Simple cabin design won't be for everyone
- About to be replaced by new-gen model
Subaru Outback
Likes
- Well priced for a special-edition model
- Packed with features
- Superb on-road driving experience
Dislikes
- No 360-degree camera despite grade level
- Exclusive blue paintwork will polarise some
- Thirsty
Summary
Toyota RAV4
Even though it’s expected to be superseded by a sixth-generation model next year, we're reviewing the fifth-gen Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser 2WD model to see if its hybrid powertrain and features still secures its position as top-selling medium SUV for families.
Aussies love mid-size SUVs in part because they're a tad more practical than their larger cousins, especially in the city.
Read more about
- 2025 Toyota Prado order system changes, but will it affect how and when your Toyota LandCruiser, Toyota RAV4 or Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid arrives?
- Toyota bZ4X 2024 review: FWD
- 'We never say told you so': Toyota says the market has spoken on electric cars as EV sales flatline in Australia, while petrol-hybrids like the Toyota RAV4, Corolla Cross and Kluger soar
You also have a better chance of fitting one inside your garage (unless you use your garage for storage, like me).
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | — |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | —L/100km |
| Seating | — |
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has long been a fan favourite and this year sees a special-edition model grade ushered into the ranks.
The AWD Sport Touring XT has all of the bells and whistles of the top Touring XT grade but see's a distinct design difference, at least externally.
So it begs the question, do we need this special-edition model? We're family testing it this week to find out.
Read more about
- Brand new hybrid tech from Toyota will deliver 1000km of driving range on 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Crosstrek off-road SUVs
- 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid set to feel the heat from new electrified Subaru e-Outback - but could it be hybrid or all electric?
- Is this the end of the Subaru Outback? Limited Edition celebrates 30 years of Skoda Superb, Volvo V60 Cross Country alternative in Japan but wagon will live on in Australia
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.4L |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Toyota RAV48.4/10
The Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD model reaffirms why the RAV4 is so popular in Australia. It offers families space, convenience and features in a well-priced and handsome package. The cabin noise might be an ick for some but for everything else this model offers it could be overlooked.
Subaru Outback8.5/10
The Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT is what you get when you want a beefed-up station wagon masquerading as an SUV that can handle adventuring and haul the family around in comfort. The limited edition has all of the great features you'd expect from a top model and a reasonable price tag but its fuel thirst will turn some people off.
Design
Toyota RAV4
In anticipation of the next-gen model, there hasn't been any design changes for the RAV4 - it remains a good-looking family SUV despite being a little heavy-handed with its angles.
Some external design highlights include garage friendly dimensions and a host of black accents across the body, including 18-inch alloy wheels that help to create an edgy kerb-side appeal.
Head inside and the RAV4 Cruiser offers a premium cabin-feel with its leather upholstery and large tech screens that headline the dashboard.
As always, there is a sense that design is based on functionality rather than style, which is typical of Toyota, but the simplicity makes the cabin relaxing to be in.
You’re not overwhelmed by touchpads or gadgets as can be the case in other new cars and there is a certain charm about that.
Subaru Outback
The Sport Touring XT model is only available in the exclusive Geyser Blue paintwork (you'll either love it or hate it), has green accents scattered across the body and sports sharply styled and dark 18-inch alloy wheels.
The rear gets black badging and a spoiler but the black plastic moulding that Subaru is well known for is well and truly present.
There are some small design differences between the limited edition and it's siblings but at the end of the day it looks like an Outback.
Head inside and you'll find a solid and well-built cabin. The dashboard features a flashy 11.6-inch tech screen but the instrument cluster is still mostly analogue with a small 4.2-inch screen.
There are heaps of buttons and dials to play with and you also get a proper gear-shifter. The design will make this a winner for folks who want a car to look like a car, with its controls where they expect them to be.
Overall, the cabin feels premium but isn't fussy.
Practicality
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 continues to impress with its practicality.
Access and comfort for both rows is excellent. The heat and cool functions for the front seats are perfect for all seasons and the two-position memory function on the driver’s side is handy if you often share driving duties with your partner. Â
The rear row seating is well-padded and middle seaters will love the legroom the lower transmission tunnel offers. Head- and legroom is good in both rows, even for taller adults.
Amenities and storage are also great throughout the car.
Front rowers enjoy a decently sized middle console which I can squeeze my small handbag into, a glove box, two cupholders, two drink bottle holders, a phone tray and two shelves in the dashboard. You also get a sunglasses holder!
In the rear you get a single map pocket, two cupholders and two drink bottle holders, which is enough for my little family of three.
In terms of technology, you get a bunch and the usability is great.
The 10.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system looks really nice and is now the same system that Lexus uses, which is a big plus as it’s much easier to use than the previous Toyota one. The next-gen model should see this upgraded to a 12.3-inch system, which is more in line with its rivals.
You also get built-in satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. CarPlay maintains a strong connection.
There's a multitude of charging options throughout, including a USB-A port, four USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket and a wireless charging pad.
Rounding out the cabin is a boot that offers plenty of space with its 580L capacity and you get a temporary spare tyre, as well as, a retractable cargo cover.
However, the quality of the cargo cover isn't the best and it would be easier to use if it had a handle to grip onto.
The Cruiser model comes with a powered tailgate, which is always handy but the 'warning' alert as it opens or descends is very loud. Truck-reversing-beeping loud. Everyone will know when you open the boot!
Subaru Outback
The cabin of the Outback has always been practical but the premium features this grade comes with ensures proper comfort for all occupants.
Seat comfort is high with the powered front seats that have heat and ventilation functions but the driver benefits the most with the extendable lumbar- and under-thigh supports.
The rear row is almost as comfortable as the front where passengers feel secured by the padded side bolsters, while taller occupants will love the head and legroom on offer. The heat function for the outboards is appreciated and the directional air vents are easy to position.
The 213mm ground clearance means it's easy getting in and out of the model but access to the back row is a little annoying. The footwell lip sits high and catches unsuspecting feet but it's the doors that made my eight-year-old grumble this week because they're heavy to operate.
Storage up front isn't class-leading but you get a glovebox that fits a manual, a dual-opening middle console, two cupholders and drink bottle holders, as well as a sunglasses holder and small cubby in front of the gear-shifter (which is annoying to access).
Storage is much better in the rear with four map pockets, storage bins in each door, two cupholders and two drink bottle holders to choose from.
The boot has 522 litres of capacity available, which is plenty of room for a road trip or a big grocery haul and the level loading space makes it easy to slide things in and out. You get a proper full-size spare tyre, which is rare nowadays and the powered tailgate is always a handy feature.
Technology feels well rounded and the touchscreen multimedia system is responsive and easy to use. However, the portrait position makes the icons and text on the wireless Apple CarPlay look small and I may have made a few accidental calls this week because of it.
The satellite navigation is easy to use and there's also wireless Android Auto. Charging options are decent with each row getting a single USB-A and C port but the front misses out on a wireless charging pad.
{{nid:}}
Price and features
Toyota RAV4
The model line-up for the RAV4 consists of five variants with each available in front- or all-wheel drive.
The model on test for this review is the Hybrid Cruiser 2WD, which sits second-from-the-top in the line-up and is priced from $51,410 MSRP.
This price tag nudges it to the top of its rivals, the GWM Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid ($45,990 MSRP) and Nissan X-Trail e-Power ST-L ($50,490 MSRP) but the standard equipment for the Cruiser highlights its overall good value.
Premium features include leather-appointed upholstery, electric front seats with heat and ventilation functions, two-position memory function for the driver's seat, a sunroof and carpet mats.
Technology has had a good look in recently with the 10.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system now powered by the Lexus system (much easier to use) and a customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Other tech includes built-in satellite navigation, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, USB-A port, four USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket, a wireless charging pad, digital radio, digital rear view mirror, and a 'Toyota Connect' app with over-the-air updates.
Practical items include keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and directional air-vents in the rear.
For the grade level and compared to its rivals, the Cruiser more than holds its own.
Subaru Outback
There are usually five variants available for the Subaru Outback but the model on test for this review is a special edition that blends the qualities and features of the top Touring XT but with some exclusive design changes.
Did we need it? Probably not but Subaru has wisely kept the price increase to a minimum, so the AWD Sport Touring XT is $57,490 before on-road costs, just $500 dearer than the usual top grade.
Despite looking more like a station wagon, the Outback sits in the large SUV segment and when it comes to an 'apples to apple' comparison, there's nothing really to compare it to.
With that in mind, the Skoda Superb Sportline wagon costs $74,990 drive-away, and a more traditional SUV like the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI R-Line is priced from $60,590 MSRP.
The standard premium equipment for the Sport Touring XT model includes Nappa leather upholstery, eight-way powered front seats with the driver enjoying additional lumbar and under-thigh support, as well as two-position memory function.
Also included are heating and ventilation functions for the front seats, heat function for the rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel and sunroof with manual blind.
Technology is well-rounded with an 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system with satellite navigation, dual climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, AM/FM radio, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, two 12-volt sockets, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Practical features include dusk-sensing LED headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, keyless entry/ start, a full-size spare tyre and hands-free powered tailgate.
The limited-edition model is well-specified and while it lacks the extra two-seats that its rivals have, it still offers solid value.
Under the bonnet
Toyota RAV4
All RAV4 models have a continuously variable automatic transmission and the same hybrid combination of a 2.5L four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor which combine to produce up to 160kW of power and 221Nm of torque for front-wheel-drive models.Â
The combo delivers decent power for an SUV of this size.
Subaru Outback
The Sport Touring XT gets a 2.4L four-cylinder turbo-petrol boxer engine that produces a hefty 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
The re-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) system feels like it is changing gears but it's smooth and punctual, no matter the speed.
Efficiency
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota hybrid powertrain produces the lowest official combined fuel cycle figure compared to its rivals at just 4.7L/100km and the best theoretical driving range of up to 1170km courtesy of its 55L fuel tank.
After covering a mix of open-road and urban driving this week, the on-test figure is 5.5L/100km, which proves Toyota does hybrids well.
Subaru Outback
Unfortunately, the turbo-petrol engine is thirsty and the official combined fuel cycle figure is 9.0L/100km.
With its 63L fuel tank, you have a theoretical driving range of up to 700km, which is best-case scenario but expect less range if you’re a city dweller.
After doing a mix of open road and city driving this week, my real-world usage came out at 9.3L, which is better than I expected.
Driving
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser 2WD is stupidly easy to drive which is one of its best qualities.
The driver is front and centre for design, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to twiddle with climate controls or changing your music. That makes the driving feel… well, cruisy.
Power delivery is mostly smooth and offers decent punch when you need to put your foot down. However, it can be laggy off the mark from a cold-start, so take care when crossing traffic.
Suspension feels well-tuned for our Aussie roads, even the regional ones, but never feels floaty. This is well-grounded but you do get some roll in corners.
A drawback is the cabin is annoyingly loud once you hit the open-road and there is a wind-whistle near the driver that drove me nuts.
There are also a lot of squeaky/rubbing noises when you hit bumpy roads. However, it is a refined experience around town, when engine noise is all but nil. The urban environment is where it shines.Â
The steering is direct with a tight 11.4m turning circle, which makes the RAV4 easy to park. It also helps that the 360-degree view camera set-up is top-notch, which is not always the case for Toyota, and you get front and rear parking sensors too.Â
Subaru Outback
The Sport Touring XT model is nice to drive. The best word to describe the on-road experience is ‘smooth’.
Power delivery is prompt and getting up to speed feels effortless. It's a great open roader but also feels spritely in the city.
The ride comfort is excellent and it’s only when you hit the highway that the wind noise starts to creep up, otherwise, the cabin is quiet and you can chat with back passengers without raising your voice.
The higher ride doesn’t translate to a bumpy suspension and while you’re aware of the road, you’re never bothered by it.
The steering is on the right side of firm for it to feel agile and competent no matter what you’re throwing at it. Visibility is also pretty good but the headrests in the back seat, when up, can hinder your rear-view vision.
The Outback sits at 4870mm long and 1875mm wide, so it fills out a car space but the higher ground clearance means you’re not worried about scraping on ramps and it’s relatively easy to park.
However, it feels cheeky to not have a 360-degree view camera system at this grade level. The reversing camera it comes with is sufficient, but you miss out on front parking sensors.
Safety
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from testing done in 2019 and has seven-airbags but doesn’t have a front-centre airbag yet.Â
It has high individual scores for protection, scoring 93 per cent for adult, 89 per cent for child, 85 per cent for vulnerable road-user, and 83 per cent for its safety assist systems.
The RAV4 has AEB with car, pedestrian and cyclist functions, operational from 10-80km/h (180km/h for car) but it is usual to see the system operational from 5.0km/h.
Standard crash-avoidance safety kit includes blind-spot monitoring, an SOS call button, emergency steering assist, driver attention alert, a rear occupant alert, rear and forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure alert.
There's also lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, an intelligent seatbelt warning, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, a 360-degree view camera system as well as front and rear parking sensors.
You also get a digital rear view mirror, which is great when you have compromised vision out the back window.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top tethers in the rear row. You might be able to get three seats across but two will fit best.
Subaru Outback
The Outback has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2021 and features eight airbags which includes a front centre airbag.
It also scored highly across its individual assessment scores with ANCAP. It got 88 per cent for adult protection, 91 per cent for child protection, 84 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 96 per cent for its safety assist systems.
Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, LED daytime running lights, rear and forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, emergency lane keeping aid, emergency autonomous steering, lead vehicle start alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and front parking sensors.
The driver monitoring system has been improved from previous models and while still sensitive, it no longer chimes at you all the time, which is a welcomed change.
The Outback has two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top-tether anchor points. The rear seat is wide enough to accommodate three child seats if they're not too large.
The auto emergency braking (AEB) has car, pedestrian, cyclist and back-over detection and is operational from 1.0 to 160km/h but it's usual to see this system operate from 5.0km/h, which is excellent.
Ownership
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is offered with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, but you add two more years if you service exclusively with Toyota and on schedule.
There is a five-year capped-priced servicing program and it costs just $260 per service, which is very competitive for the class.
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12-months or 15,000km whichever occurs first.
Subaru Outback
Subaru offers the Sport Touring XT model with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty but it’s becoming more common to see longer warranty periods being offered now.
You can pre-purchase a three- or five-year servicing program and the three-year program costs $1406.57 (average of $469).
The five-year option costs $2646.17 (average $529 per service) which is reasonable for the class.
Servicing intervals are good at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.