2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Toyota RAV4
Comparison Overview
The primary performance disparity between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is the 21 horsepower gap, with the RAV4 producing 203 hp compared to the Outback's 182 hp, alongside a slight torque advantage (184 lb-ft vs. 176 lb-ft). Fuel efficiency favors the RAV4, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Outback’s 28 combined MPG, with the RAV4 also offering superior highway ratings at 35 MPG compared to 32 MPG. Conversely, the Outback provides a longer body at 191.1 inches, contrasting with the RAV4's 180.9 inches. In utility, the RAV4 leads substantially in cargo space, offering 37.6 cu ft versus the Outback's 32.6 cu ft. Price parity is almost exact, with the RAV4 holding a marginal $100 advantage at $29,800 compared to the Outback's $29,995 MSRP, making the output and efficiency gains of the RAV4 particularly notable for its slightly lower cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 offers superior efficiency with 30 combined MPG versus the Outback's 28 combined MPG.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 provides a measurable advantage in utility with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outback's 32.6 cubic feet.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 RAV4 delivers 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Outback's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is priced $100 lower ($29,800 vs $29,995) while offering better fuel economy and more power.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive capability over Front-Wheel Drive standard in the competitor.
- You require a longer overall vehicle length for perceived road presence, measuring 191.1 inches.
- You prefer the smooth power delivery associated with a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...
- Maximizing usable cargo space is a priority, as the RAV4 offers 37.6 cu ft versus 32.6 cu ft.
- Higher highway fuel economy is essential, delivering 35 MPG versus the Outback's 32 MPG.
- You seek higher performance metrics, benefiting from 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 180.9" |
| Width | 73.0" | 73.0" |
| Height | 66.1" | 67.0" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/32 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 391.5/507.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 47.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Toyota RAV4.
How does the standard drivetrain compare between the 2025 Outback and RAV4?
The 2025 Subaru Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction in varied conditions. In contrast, the base 2025 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive.
Which crossover offers more interior storage capacity?
The Toyota RAV4 provides a clear advantage in pure cargo metrics, boasting 37.6 cubic feet of storage space. The Subaru Outback trails slightly, offering 32.6 cubic feet behind the second row.
What is the measurable difference in powertrain output?
The RAV4 produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 21 horsepower and 8 lb-ft advantage over the Outback's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft.
Is there a significant difference in fuel economy between the two models?
Yes, the RAV4 achieves better overall efficiency, rated at 30 combined MPG (27 city/35 highway). The Outback is rated lower at 28 combined MPG (26 city/32 highway).
How do the dimensions of the two crossovers compare?
The Outback is the physically longer vehicle at 191.1 inches compared to the RAV4's 180.9 inches. However, the RAV4 is slightly taller, measuring 67.0 inches versus the Outback's 66.1 inches.
Are the base MSRP figures competitive for these 2025 models?
The pricing is extremely close; the Toyota RAV4 starts at $29,800, making it $100 less expensive than the Subaru Outback, which is listed at $29,995.
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