The 2017 Subaru Outback is an extremely versatile, rugged, compact SUV that's relatively efficient compared to other crossovers.The types of people who have Tevas and "dress Tevas" already know, but for the rest of us, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is the automaker's smallest crossover SUV—a Swiss Army approach to automaking.
Pros Go anywhere... Go everywhere... Go whenever... And with whomever you want.
Cons But you won't get there quickly... And it might be loud inside... Without a whole lot to look at.
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 8 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek delivers what subcompact SUV shoppers want – all-wheel drive, lots of cargo space, high-tech features, and good fuel economy. However, its underpowered engine lessens its overall appeal.
Pros Generous cargo space Roomy seats Athletic handling Standard all-wheel drive
Cons Underpowered engine
For 2017, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a new trim level, the 2.0i Premium Special Edition. Highlights include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and ambient cabin lighting. The Crosstrek Hybrid has been discontinued.
Pros All-wheel drive and tall profile combine for strong off-road ability Offers adult-sized front and rear legroom and headroom Achieves good fuel economy for a rugged all-wheel-drive car Big hatchback utility means room for loads of lifestyle gear
Cons Underperforming engine makes Crosstrek one of slowest in class CVT exacerbates the engine's droning sounds Infotainment interface isn't as user-friendly as many competitors'
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ranks 9 out of 18 Compact SUVs. Starting at $29,030, the RAV4 Hybrid is one of the priciest SUVs in the class, but its abundance of standard features and excellent fuel economy help justify its cost. It comes standard with all-wheel drive plus a host of safety features that cost extra in most rivals, including pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. Competing SUVs equipped with similar features plus all-wheel drive quickly meet – or exceed – the cost of the RAV4 Hybrid.
Pros Good cargo space More standard features than rivals Exceptional fuel economy
Cons Lackluster cabin styling and materials
New for 2017 is a standard suite of safety systems that Toyota calls Safety Sense. Included are a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic high-beam control and adaptive cruise control.
Pros Fuel economy far surpasses that of traditional compact crossovers Small price premium over non-hybrid RAV4 Ample room in both rows and generous cargo capacity Delivers a composed, comfortable ride
Cons Synthetic brake feel isn't very reassuring Some interior controls feel a little flimsy You can't get real leather upholstery
As with many other Toyota models, the 2017 RAV4 now has a long list of active-safety equipment as standard on every model. What the company calls Toyota Safety Sense-P consists of forward-collision warning, lane-departure alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Pros Practicality reigns supreme in the RAV4, as this crossover has a spacious and versatile interior that’s well packaged for carrying people and stuff. The rear seat boasts plentiful legroom and headroom, and it also reclines. The RAV4’s cargo area also has a low lift-over height, making it easy to hoist heavy or bulky items into the capacious 38-cubic-foot hold that grows to 73 cubic feet with the back seats folded flat into the floor. Those interested in the more efficient RAV4 hybrid won’t have to give up much room, since its battery pack takes up only two cubic feet of cargo space.
Cons With lifeless, vague steering and a soft suspension, the RAV4 isn’t much fun to drive, even for a small crossover. Neither the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder nor the hybrid powertrain provides responsive acceleration, with the hybrid crawling from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and the RAV4 SE AWD taking 8.4 seconds. While the hybrid at least makes up for its relative sluggishness with an EPA-rated 32 mpg combined, the standard four-cylinder’s highest combined rating of 26 mpg falls short of quicker, better-to-drive competitors such as the 2016 Mazda CX-5 and its 29-mpg number.
