2025 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 | Features & Specs Compared

If you’re looking for an SUV designed for fun and functionality, consider either the 2025 Subaru Outback or 2025 Toyota RAV4. Both are outfitted with plush amenities, modern tech systems, and energetic engines. To explore these SUVs in more detail, continue reading this 2025 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 guide put together by the team at McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL.

To explore the new Subaru Outback in person, you can locate your favorite model and color in our inventory and use our online form to schedule a test drive at our Subaru dealership near Bettendorf and Davenport, IA. Check our hours and directions before setting out. Have questions for our team? Give us a call at (309) 797-5654 or send us a message. 

Interior Features Compared

Inside the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Toyota RAV4, you’ll find a roomy two rows of space designed to keep your passengers comfortable. Both SUVs boast available heated front and rear outboard seats, as well as available ventilated seating. For optimal seating, turn to the Outback, which offers up to 12 ways of driver’s seat adjustability and eight ways of front-passenger seat adjustability. Meanwhile, the RAV4 can be equipped with an eight-way power driver’s seat and four-way manual front passenger’s seat. 

When it comes to cargo, both SUVs offer 60/40 split-folding rear bench seats that can be configured as needed. The Outback offers the most cargo space when the rear bench seat is fully folded down — 75.6 cubic feet. The RAV4 offers up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Looking for more detailed information about the Subaru Outback? You can also check out our Outback review.

Shared interior features include:

• Heated front and rear outboard seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power tilt/sliding moonroof

Available Subaru Outback interior features include: 

• 12-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar
• Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
• Cloth, water-repellent StarTex®, leather, or Nappa leather seat upholstery
• Smart auto-dimming rearview compass mirror

Available Toyota RAV4 interior features include: 

• Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Four-way adjustable front passenger’s seat
• Fabric or SofTex® seat upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®

Engine Options Offered

Experience fuel-efficient power whether you opt for a 2025 Subaru Outback or 2025 Toyota RAV4. Both offer two capable engine options, with the Outback available with the more performance-focused engines. The available 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine produces up to 260 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds easily. For top-notch fuel economy, turn to the standard 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, which reaches up to 32 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 is offered with a gas and hybrid version of its 2.5L Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine, with the hybrid engine producing up to 41 MPG in the city. If you opt for the Outback, it comes with a Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the RAV4 can be built with an eight-speed automatic or electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). 

Engine specs are shown in the accompanying table. 

Technology Features Available

Stay connected to keep your drive going smoothly when you opt for the 2025 Subaru Outback or 2025 Toyota RAV4. On top trims, the Outback can be equipped with an 11.6-inch infotainment display, while the RAV4 offers an available 10.8-inch infotainment display. Both infotainment systems can be linked with your smartphone via wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. To fully immerse yourself in your favorite playlists and podcasts, turn to the available Harman Kardon® speakers on the Outback or the JBL® speakers on the RAV4. 

Shared technology features include:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability 
• 4G Wi-Fi® hotspot capability 
• Six-speaker audio system

Available Subaru Outback technology features include: 

• CD player 
• SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia with dual 7-in. displays or SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus or Navigation with an 11.6-in. display
• HD Radio™
• Four-speaker audio system or 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system

Available Toyota RAV4 technology features include: 

• 8- or 10.8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia system

• 11-speaker JBL® premium audio system

Safety Features & Specs Compared

Remain confident and in control with help from the driver assistance and safety features available with the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Toyota RAV4. Both are standard with advanced driver assistance suites — EyeSight® on the Outback and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 on the RAV4. Both suites include cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. To monitor your surroundings, you can also utilize the blind spot monitoring and 360-degree cameras available on either SUV. 

Available Subaru Outback driver assistance features include: 

• 180-degree front-view monitor
• DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system
• Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Automatic collision notification
• Rear vision camera
• EyeSight driver assist technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Automatic emergency steering

Available Toyota RAV4 driver assistance features include: 

• Blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert
• Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking
• Panoramic view monitor with 360-degree overhead view and curb view
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane tracing assist 
• Automatic high beams 
• Road sign assist

2024 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 | McLaughlin Subaru

Sophisticated style and ample cargo space make the 2024 Subaru Outback and 2024 Toyota RAV4 excellent choices. Which of these two five-passenger SUVs is right for you, though? To help answer that question, the team at McLaughlin Subaru has put together this 2024 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 guide to help you compare the key features. 

Interested in learning more about the Subaru Outback? Head over to our review, then pick out your favorite model from our new inventory. We are located in Moline, IL, and you can make an appointment for a test drive through our online scheduling form or by calling us at (309) 726-4684. If you have any questions, feel free to call us or message us online. Find our dealership with our handy directions — we’re located near Bettendorf, IA, and Davenport, IA. 

Interior Features Compared

The interiors of the 2024 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 are filled with comfortable seating and practical accommodations. Turn to the Subaru Outback for up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats when the rear seats are lowered, or take advantage of slightly less cargo space in the Toyota RAV4 — 69.8 cubic feet. Drivers in the Outback can adjust their seat up to 12 ways on higher level trims, while RAV4 drivers have access to up to eight power adjustments for their seat. Both SUVs offer heated and ventilated front seats to keep you and your co-pilot happy no matter the season. Interior features available on the Outback include: 

• Reclining second-row seats
• Heated front and rear outboard seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
• Auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink®
• Power tilt/sliding glass moonroof
• 12-way power adjustable driver's seat with four-way power adjustable lumbar support and two-position memory settings

Engine Options Offered

Both the 2024 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 have two available engine options in their model lineups. Of the engines available, the 2.4L turbo SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder on the Outback has the top performance capabilities — 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both Outback engines are also standard with Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) and symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), while the RAV4 is standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you choose the hybrid RAV4 engine instead, it does come standard with AWD and an electronically controlled CVT. Engine specs include: 

Technology Features Available

Keep everyone in the 2024 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 entertained with help from the various technologies available. On higher level trims, the Outback offers an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen set into the center console, while the RAV4 offers a slightly smaller 10.5-inch touchscreen. You can access your favorite apps with help from the wireless smartphone connectivity on either SUV. New album dropped from your favorite artist? Appreciate it with the available Harman Kardon® speakers on the Outback or JBL® speakers on the RAV4. Available technology features on the Outback include: 

• 11.6-in. display with SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus or Navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• SiriusXM Traffic® and Travel Link®
• AM/FM stereo
• HD Radio™ 
• Bluetooth®
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system

Safety Features & Specs Compared

Protect your loved ones with help from the numerous safety features on the 2024 Subaru Outback or 2024 Toyota RAV4. Both come with advanced driver assistance suites — EyeSight® on the Outback and Toyota Safety Sense™ on the RAV4. Keep an eye on other vehicles in your blind spots with the blind spot detection system with rear cross traffic alert offered on both SUVs. Available driver assist features available on the Outback include: 

• High beam assist
• DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
• Blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Rear vision camera
• EyeSight driver assist technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Automatic emergency steering

2023 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 Comparison | Moline, IL

If you’re seeking an adventurous SUV with a sleek design and innovative tech complemented by rugged capabilities, the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Toyota RAV4 are excellent models to consider. To help you decide which SUV has the features and performance you desire, our team at McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL, has created this 2023 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison for your research. You can also learn more about the Outback with our in-depth Subaru Outback review.

The 2023 Subaru Outback is available in our new inventory — find an Outback you love, then schedule an appointment with our team to take it for a test drive. You can also check our current lease and finance offers for attractive rates on select models. If you have any questions, our team is happy to assist when you contact us online or by phone at (309) 726-4684.

2023 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 Interior Features

The thoughtful interiors of the 2023 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 provide exceptional comfort for every adventure. The Subaru Outback offers cloth, water-repellent StarTex®, leather, and Nappa leather seat trim; the RAV4 is available with fabric or SofTex®. Among the tech features, you’ll find digital information and multimedia displays, and wireless smartphone integration in both SUVs. HD Radio™ is standard on the Outback and unavailable on the RAV4.

Shared available features include:

• Ventilated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink®
• Wireless device charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Bluetooth®
• Keyless access with push-button

Compare other features unique to each model.

Gauge cluster display: 4.2-in. in the Outback; 7- or 12.3-in. in the RAV4

Speakers: Four, six, or 12 in the Outback; six or 11 in the RAV4

Multimedia display: dual 7-in. or single 11.6-in. in the Outback; 8- or 10.5-in. in the RAV4

Heated front seats: included on Outback trims except the Base; select RAV4 trims

Heated rear outboard seats: included on select Outback trims; optional on the RAV4

Heated steering wheel: included on select Outback trims; optional on the RAV4

Cargo Space & Interior Dimensions

The spacious, versatile cabins of the 2023 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 offer two-row seating for up to five people and ample room for your luggage, camping gear, groceries, and more. Both models feature 60/40 split-folding rear seats; expand your cargo space when you need to by folding down one or both sides. Accessing the cargo area is made simple with the hands-free power liftgate, which is standard on select Outback trims and optional on the RAV4.

You’ll receive slightly more cargo space behind the rear seats in the RAV4, however, the Outback offers a higher maximum cargo capacity, and more front and rear legroom. Compare interior dimensions in the following table.

Engine Options & Performance

Two energetic engines are available for the 2023 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4. The Outback is standard with Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). On the RAV4, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and AWD is optional. A Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) is included on the Outback, and the RAV4 offers an eight-speed automatic transmission or an electronically controlled CVT depending on the engine you select.

The Outback provides more power and a higher towing capacity, while the RAV4 offers higher MPGs. Compare engines in the following table.

2023 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 Gas Tank Size

The 2023 Subaru Outback includes an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, while the Toyota RAV offers a 14.5-gallon tank. 

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech

With a multitude of standard and available safety and driver assistance technologies on the 2023 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4, you can embark on every journey with peace of mind. The Outback features EyeSight® driver assist technology and the RAV4 includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5; both driver assistance suites include several similar systems.

Exclusive to the Outback is a 180-degree front view monitor, lane keep assist, lane change assist, and a DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system, which are unavailable on the RAV4.

Shared safety features include:

• Rear view camera
• Pre-collision braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• High beam assist
• LATCH seat system
• Anti-theft system

2023 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 Colors

Show off a bit of your personality with a jewel-tone metallic or subtle neutral paint color of the 2023 Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4.

2023 Subaru Outback colors:

• Cosmic Blue Pearl
• Crystal Black Silica
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Crystal White Pearl
• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Autumn Green Metallic
• Brilliant Bronze Metallic
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Dark Mahogany Pearl
• Geyser Blue

2023 Toyota RAV4 colors:

• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Magnetic Gray Metallic/Ice Edge roof
• Ice Cap
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Ruby Flare Pearl
• Silver Sky Metallic
• Lunar Rock
• Lunar Rock/Ice Edge roof
• Blueprint
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Cavalry Blue

Cavalry Blue/Ice Edge roof