The 2020 Toyota RAV4 covers more bases this year with smartphone compatibility and tough-looking off-road trims.
Pros Great looks New smartphone compatibility Tough-looking TRD Off-road Good cargo space Standard active safety features
Cons Compromised interior Off-road hardware more about looks Expensive top trims Cheap-feeling plastics
Toyota is introducing the TRD Off-Road model for 2020, which comes with unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a TRD Off-Road suspension kit with red coil springs, and plenty of TRD logos dotting the interior and exterior. Elsewhere in the lineup, Android Auto capability becomes a standard feature as does SiriusXM satellite radio; XLE models now come with a power-adjustable driver's seat but lose the standard moonroof, which becomes part of the optional Convenience package. The mid-range Adventure model gains a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but that model's power liftgate is now optional. Limited trims now come with the premium JBL audio system as standard.
Pros Rugged styling, available hybrid model, plenty of standard safety tech.
Cons Overly spartan base model, rough-edged engine noise, mundane driving dynamics.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.New TRD Off-Road trim,Android Auto added to Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.Power driver's seat now standard on XLE grade.
Pros Quiet interior and comfortable ride quality Abundant cargo and passenger space Controls are easy to use
Cons Lackluster power from base powertrain No other engines available Uncomfortable front passenger seat Vague steering means you'll sometimes misjudge your inputs
The 2020 Subaru Outback is more refined than ever and features the same, remarkable off-road capability.
Pros Outstanding capability Generous 11.6-inch touchscreen Spacious interior 29 mpg combined with base engine Comfortable ride
Cons Styling isn’t a huge leap Base engine isn’t overwhelming Small-item storage lacking
The Outback is fully redesigned for 2020.New 11.6-inch tablet-style interface for the infotainment system.Two available engines, including a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder,Part of the sixth Outback generation introduced for 2020.
Pros Spacious and comfortable cabin Optional turbocharged engine makes excellent power Loading the roof or cargo area is easier compared to most SUVs Above-average off-road ability
Cons Small-item cabin storage is compromised by big center touchscreen Bumpy ride quality with turbocharged XT models Small climate-control touchscreen buttons can be hard to use
The new Outback has more powerful engines, new tech, and, of course, all-wheel drive.
Pros Competent off-road, spacious interior, leading-edge tech features.
Cons Ho-hum powertrains, slow design evolution, occasionally sluggish CVT.
