Comparison - Subaru Outback 2017 - vs - Toyota RAV4 SUV 2015

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

Vanguard

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RAV4 Hybrid vs CR-V Hybrid
Model: 
Average Price: 
28,298
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
25,699
Updated: 
16 Nov 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2015
Total Seating: 
5
5
Transmission: 
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
6-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
no
Navigation: 
yes
no
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.50gals
15.90gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Carbide Gray Metallic
#505666
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Ice Silver Metallic
#B7B8C5
Lapis Blue Pearl
#294989
Tungsten Metallic
#BAB690
Twilight Blue Metallic
#566B99
Venetian Red Pearl
#8D1111
Wilderness Green Metallic
#97A497
Color: 
Barcelona Red Metallic
#630C17
Black
#000000
Blue Crush Metallic
#050347
Classic Silver Metallic
#838383
Hot Lava
#821600
Magnetic Gray Metallic
#141318
Pyrite Mica
#5F5B5A
Super White
#D7D7D7

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

There are vehicles roughly in the same ballpark as the 2017 Subaru Outback, but nothing plays the same position. The Outback is a midsize wagon with standard all-wheel drive and about the same ground clearance as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's definitely an alternative choice but also checks so many practical boxes that it's a must-drive for anyone looking for a reasonably priced crossover SUV.

The Outback has the interior space of midsize models such as the Ford Edge and Kia Sorento, but its lower roof makes it easier to load gear, and its higher ground clearance gets it over rocks and through deep snow without a snag. The Outback holds similar advantages over smaller SUVs including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru's own Forester, with the further benefit of greater comfort and refinement. And with fuel economy rated at 28 mpg combined (with the four-cylinder) and 22 mpg combined (six-cylinder), the Outback offers good efficiency for its size and purpose. If you like wagons, the 2017 Outback offers a just-right mix of attributes that could make your vehicle search a one-stop affair.

For 2017, the Subaru Outback gets a new, snazzier Touring model that trades some utility for added style. The Outback's excellent safety credentials are further burnished with the addition of reverse automatic braking and automatic high beams to the well-regarded Eyesight suite of accident avoidance tech.

Pros
More spacious and comfortable cabin than many of its competitors
Roof and cargo loading heights are lower than those of most SUVs
Excellent visibility in all directions
Off-road ability is above average

Cons
Acceleration is lackluster, especially with four-cylinder engine
Gas and brake pedal feel make it hard to drive four-cylinder smoothly

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback two-row midsize crossover features exclusive all-wheel drive, two engine options, and six trim levels.

The 2017 Subaru Outback features a new, top-of-the-line trim Touring Trim model, adding exterior and interior enhancements, as well as an updated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite.

The Subaru Outback crossover adds a new range-topping model to the lineup, featuring a dark gray grille, 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish with dark gray accents, along with silver-finish roof rails, lower body side cladding, and Outback badges in a chrome finish. Subaru has also adds Brilliant Brown to its list of exterior color options.

Inside, the new Touring model adds a new Java Brown perforated leather trim with contrasting ivory stitching on the seats, door panels, and armrests. It also features a unique woodgrain trim with piano-black panel accents. Standard features on the newest edition to the Outback lineup include a heated steering wheel and the automaker’s StarLink infotainment system on a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation.

Power for all 2017 Subaru Outback models comes from a 175-hp 2.5-liter flat-four that delivers 174 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder that pumps out 256 hp and 247 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a CVT with a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Pros
New Touring trim level
Comfortable, high-quality interior
Good fuel economy

Cons
Engine computer takes time to shift from using paddle shifters to Drive
Navigation screen subject to glare
2.5 models could be quicker

By: 
motortrend.com

Subaru enjoys a reputation for off road-capable cars, but I still managed to get the 2017 Outback stuck in the snow. Although its crossover SUVs still come standard with all-wheel-drive, Subaru made some changes to its drivetrains over the past couple of years, such as replacing gearboxes with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and adding what it calls X-Mode, a traction control and throttle program designed for slippery surfaces.

Amongst five-passenger crossover SUVs, the 2017 Subaru Outback stands out for its standard all-wheel drive and unique culture around the brand. Advanced safety is on par with competitors, but dashboard electronics lag the market a little. The new Touring trim gives the Outback premium style.

The Outback vies with the Forester for the top sales spot in Subaru's line-up, achieving success with its crossover functionality, giving it a high riding position, seating for five and useful cargo space. Subaru reliability and standard all-wheel drive are points in its favor. This practical car serves well as a family vehicle.

Pros
Standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance make the 2017 Subaru Outback more capable than the typical crossover SUV, and its EyeSight system adds collision prevention. The new Touring trim brings premium cabin appointments.

Cons
Buyers will have to wait another model year or two for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The adaptive cruise control feature, enabled by the EyeSight system, brakes a little too abruptly when approaching stopped traffic.

By: 
cnet.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback ranking is based on its score within the Wagons category. Currently the Subaru Outback has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 33 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

The 2017 Subaru Outback has class-leading cargo capacity, excellent passenger space, and a well-built, durable cabin that makes it a good fit for families on the go

The Outback’s intuitive standard features, like an easy-to-use infotainment system and a rearview camera, make it an attractive choice. You can also opt for all the latest advanced safety technologies so you can feel confident and protected every time you go for a drive.

The Subaru Outback combines the comfortable cabin and composed handling of a car with the country-road readiness of an SUV. It will be a great wagon to take you to your next camp site, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and generous cargo room. Still, if you spend most of your time around town, you might be better off with the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. The Honda CR-V is another option worth a look since it has more features and an even larger cargo area than the Outback

Pros
Roomy interior and back seat
Best-in-class cargo capacity
Good capability on slippery roads

Cons
Underpowered base engine

By: 
cars.usnews.com

With their up-for-anything personality, easy-to-park size and sensible appetite for fuel, compact crossovers are some of the most popular vehicles on the road. Versatility is their greatest asset, as you can easily fill them with car seats, groceries, sports equipment or the latest spoils from an antiquing trip and be on your merry way. Among these practical SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 has long been a favorite of savvy shoppers of all ages and tastes.
....
All things considered, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 is not overwhelmingly strong in any one area, but it shines as a solid, well-rounded entry in a very competitive segment. As such, the RAV4 should easily meet the needs of most shoppers.

pros
Roomy interior for people and cargo
Strikes a good balance between ride comfort and sure-footed handling.

cons
No engine upgrade option
Usefulness of available Entune smartphone features is diminished by cumbersome setup process

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is a practical crossover with confident handling. Just know that driving enjoyment is not its strong point
...
The RAV4 has smoothed away all the former SUV cues; now it's pleasant enough if a little inexpensive inside.
...
Mediocre four-cylinder power undercuts the RAV4's solid steering and ride
...
Interior space is fine, but the RAV4's rear seat is flat, and there's an ample supply of rubbery trim in base versions
...
The RAV4's crash scores are now merely par, in a class with some high standards.
...
The RAV4 makes the most sense in value-laden XLE and LE trim levels
...

Pros
Clean styling
Responsive six-speed automatic
Standard rear view camera and Bluetooth
AWD that works well on the road

cons
No higher-output engine option
No third-row seat
Back seat feels flat
Mismatched trims in Limited

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 RAV4 faces stiff competition in the compact SUV class. It trails several rivals in terms of style and performance, but it has impressive safety features in all trims and one of the most spacious cabins in its class
It boasts a generous list of standard features, including more safety features than most in the class
The RAV4 is a reliable family hauler that comes with a generous list of features, with a particular focus on safety to keep your mind at ease when carting your family around
you may find rival SUVs at lower prices with nicer interiors, but they may not have the long list of standard features or near top-of-the-class cargo space that the RAV4 does.

Pros

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 ups the ante in the fiercely competitive compact SUV class by including advanced safety features for every trim level. Once you factor in the RAV4 reputation for reliability this car link crossover is definitely worth your consideration...Edmund

"Despite the sea of competitors swimming in the compact-SUV pool, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 remains the gold medal champ. The RAV4 succeeds on so many levels because it doesn't try to be too many things. so even well-equipped models remain within reach of the average buyer." -- Kelley Blue Book

Cons
There's certainly nothing wrong with the RAV4 as a responsible family vehicle, but there's nothing so right about it that it's an object of desire." -- Consumer Guide (2015)

By: 
usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
25.00mpg
24.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
32.00mpg
31.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
16
Cylinders: 
4
Flat
4
Inline
Engine Size/Displacement: 
2.50L
2.50L
Torque: 
174ft-lbs
at 4 000rpm
172ft-lbs
at 4 100rpm
Horsepower: 
175hp
at 5 800rpm
176hp
at 6 000rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
36.10Feet
34.80Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
no
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
no
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Electric power steering

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
189.60in
179.90in
Width: 
72.40in
72.60in
Height: 
66.50in
65.40in
Ground Clearance: 
8.70in
6.30in
Front Track: 
61.80in
Rear Track: 
61.80in
Wheel Base: 
108.10in
104.70in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.80
39.80
Rear Head Room: 
38.90
38.90
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
42.60in
Rear leg room: 
38.10in
37.20in
Front Hip Room: 
55.50in
54.30in
Front Shoulder Room: 
58.10in
57.30in
Rear Hip Room: 
55.00in
48.90in
Rear Shoulder room: 
57.30in
55.40in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
73.30cu.ft
73.40cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
2700lbs
1500lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
35.50cu.ft
38.40cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
29.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
22.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
3435.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
no

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Heated mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Bucket front seats
Cloth
Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Bucket front seats
Cloth
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats
Reclining rear seats
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
no
no
More Comfort Features: 
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Air conditioning
Air conditioning
Dual vanity mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
no
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
12 total speakers
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
STARLINK Multimedia
7-inch high-resolution touch screen
576-watt-equivalent amplifier
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Intermittent rear wiper
Roof rack
Variable intermittent wipers
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Intermittent wipers
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
17 x 7.0
17 x 6.5
Wheels more: 
All season tires
Full wheel covers
Temporary spare tire
Inside mounted spare tire
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65
Diameter: 
R17

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
no
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Rear height adjustable headrests
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
First Aid Kit
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt

Options

Packages: 
Standard Model - 2.5i
Cargo Management
RAV4 Chrome Package
Protection Package
Preferred Accessory Package
Exterior Options: 
Body SIde Molding
4 Piece Front & Rear Splashguards
Doorsill Protector
Door Edge Guards
Roof Rack Cross Bars and Side Rail
Paint Protection Film
Body Side Molding
Rear Bumper Protector
Clear Paint Protection - Door Package
Mudguards
Roof Rack Cross Bars
Alloy Wheel Locks
Clear Paint Protection - Hood Package
Doorsill Protector
Interior Options: 
10" Overhead DVD System
Cargo Net
Cargo Net Tray
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Trunk Mat
Connectivity Package (4 Piece)
Four Season Floor Mat Package
Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Mat
Electrochromic Mirror
Interior Light Kit
Homelink
SofTech Seating

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Slate Black Cloth, cloth
#29292B
Warm Ivory Cloth, cloth
#8C867E
Color: 
Ash, cloth
#6B6A67
Black, cloth
#151515