2020 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2020 Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 and 2020 Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Toyota RAV4 and the 2020 Subaru Outback.
In comparing the 2020 Toyota RAV4's and the 2020 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2020 Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Toyota RAV4's and the 2020 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the 2020 Subaru Outback.
Pricing: A used 2020 Toyota RAV4 ranges from $19,000 to $31,995 while a used 2020 Subaru Outback is priced between $17,998 to $28,995.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 loses 30.3 percent of its value and the 2020 Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Toyota RAV4 retains 13.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Subaru Outback.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota RAV4 is 8.8 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 1 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 11 out of 67. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 1 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 6.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota RAV4 is 8.2 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Toyota RAV4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Toyota RAV4’s base engine makes 203 horsepower, and the 2020 Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower. The RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 611 miles.This gives the 2020 Toyota RAV4 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2020 Subaru Outback the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2020 Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of rear head room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Toyota RAV4 and the 2020 Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
25950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22995 - 26645
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
26645
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22995 - 26645
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
25192
Price Range:
19000 - 31995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
19977
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
16297 - 25192
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
950
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
74816
# Good or Great Deals:
486
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
23561
Price Range:
17998 - 28995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
19977
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
16297 - 25192
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
888
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
71939
# Good or Great Deals:
523
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Toyota RAV4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
4.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.312
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
4.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.075770955068187
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 19.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
12.762689486766137
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 19.8
Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 56Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium
2020 Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 611 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3370 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3634 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
191.3 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blue Flame
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Super White
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Abyss Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Slate Black
