Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 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 Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
When we compare the Subaru Outback's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Outback ranges from $28,999 to $40,745 while a used 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is priced between $32,646 to $45,162. For a new model, the Subaru Outback's price is between $32,586 and $46,228, with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid priced between $34,827 and $45,498.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid loses 30.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid retains 13.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid base engine makes 219 horsepower. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The RAV4 Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 39 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 551 miles.This gives the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Subaru Outback the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, 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 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear head room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32586 - 46228
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
34827 - 45498
Starting MSRP:
32600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
35699
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
28495 - 44565
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34524
Price Range:
28999 - 40745
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
38285
Price Range:
32646 - 45162
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
39518
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
33748 - 52824
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9982
Depreciation %:
0.30618901
Resale Value $:
22618
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.36835733
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.30618901 - 0.53124407
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
7.5 - 14.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.328
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.448465751878131
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4671447767379164
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
3.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2.2 - 19.5
Subaru 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 / 67Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 14Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
33 out of / 36Ranking
34 out of / 36Summary 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.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models costing between $28,650-$37,180 and 3-year-old models averaging $27,181.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels
LE, Limited, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
219 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
41 / 38 / 39
Range (city/hwy):
595 / 551 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
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:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 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:
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3690 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Nutmeg
