2021 Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Outback

2021 Toyota RAV4	2021 Subaru Outback
EPA-Estimated MPG
28 city/35 highway1	26 city/33 highway
Hybrid Option
Yes	No
Safety Connected Services
Standard	Available
Cargo Capacity
37.6 cu ft	32.5 cu ft
Amazon Alexa Compatibility
Standard	No

Fuel Economy & MPG: Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4

When it comes to selecting your next SUV, fuel efficiency and gas mileage likely sit at the top of your considerations. The 2021 Subaru Outback provides an EPA-estimated 26 city and 33 highway MPG to get you around Indiana and beyond. Although this is an impressive fuel economy rating, the gas mileage of the Toyota RAV4 XLE steals the show with an EPA-estimated 28 city and 35 highway MPG.¹
Furthermore, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 offers a hybrid option to maximize efficiency even more. The EPA-estimated 41 city and 38 highway MPG in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gives you more miles to cruise before stopping to fuel up or recharge.¹ In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback does not offer a hybrid option.

Engine Specs

Each SUV offers two engines, so you can customize the kind of performance you’ll get out of your vehicle. In fact, they also both come standard with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, though the similarities between their powertrains end there.
The RAV4 offers incredible levels of engine output, with up to 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque under hood. With that kind of strength, you’ll have no problem tackling the road. The Outback, however, falls short, with only 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine.
Overall, you’ll likely find yourself wanting for more when driving the standard Outback. And since the Outback has a standard CVT (continuously variable transmission) where the RAV4 has an 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, the RAV4 will feel sportier.
Since you lose the sensation of gear shifting when driving with a CVT, you might feel disconnected from the road. However, an automatic transmission can keep you fully engaged as you feel your vehicle changing from one gear to another.

Interior Amenities: 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Subaru Outback

In both the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and 2021 Subaru Outback, you will find a standard 7-inch touchscreen display, along with Apple CarPlay® compatibility and Android Auto™ integration. With these features, you can easily access your favorite apps for navigation, entertainment, and communication directly through the display screen. 
When it comes to music, podcasts, and radio shows, the available JBL® audio system in the RAV4 envelopes you in an immersive soundscape, so you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Comparatively, the Subaru Outback does not offer the JBL® audio system as an upgrade option.
READ MORE ABOUT THE RAV4’S INTERIOR WITH OUR TOYOTA RAV4 INTERIOR REVIEW

Dimensions and Space

Whether you’re just picking up a few friends to carpool to work or you’re loading up for a week-long road trip adventure, you’ll want an SUV that’s comfortable and spacious without feeling oversized. Luckily, both the RAV4 and Outback offer plenty of interior space.
In fact, their dimensions are fairly similar across the board. For example, the RAV4 has 39.5 inches of rear headroom and the Outback has 39.1 inches. While your taller passengers will likely notice a difference, it’s clear that both SUVs have a lot to offer.
There’s a bigger difference in the cargo capacity of each vehicle, though. With all seats in their upright position, you’ll have 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space inside the Toyota RAV4. The Subaru Outback only has 32.5 cubic feet available behind its rear row. Meaning, if you want to bring all your friends along for the ride, you might have to leave a cooler and some gear behind.

¹ EPA-estimated 27 city/35 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 LE FWD and Limited FWD; 27 city/34 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021RAV4 LE AWD; 28 city/35 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 XLE FWD and XLE Premium FWD; 27 city/33 hwy/29 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 XLE AWD and XLE Premium AWD; 25 city/33 hwy/28 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 Adventure and Limited AWD; 25 city/32 hwy/28 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 TRD Off-Road; and 41 city/38 hwy/40 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XLE Premium Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.