This is an exciting year for mid-size SUVs. Two of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the road got a makeover for a fresher look and feel, plus lots of new tech, features and conveniences. The Toyota RAV4 now has a more truck-like look and feel and it comes in a new sport edition, an adventure trim and elegantly appointed core models. All are hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
The remade Subaru Outback also has a bold new look that brings it much more into the SUV realm from its former wagon-like style. Inside the Outback was completely rethought, with more headroom, a still-huge rear seat and more cargo space.
Both feature all wheel drive, new multimedia systems and premium details inside and out. Both have adventure models for trail riding and overlanding, and both are known for being reliable and dependable. So how’s a girl to choose between them? This is what you need to know.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Both Toyota RAV 4 and Subaru Outback Are Smarter and Sharper
Probably the thing everyone notices first is that the Subaru Outback, priced from $34,995, now is more angular and upright thanks to a new larger, more square front end and a more angular rear end. The same can be said about the Toyota RAV4, priced from $31,900: the front end now features sleeker headlights and a flat front grille while the rear end is also sharper and more modern. Both boast a similar silhouette with classic SUV proportions.
Both have a nice ground clearance and are capable for light trail riding, snow, mud and messy weather, though it’s notable that the RAV4 can be optioned in front wheel drive which is less capable in those conditions, while the Subaru comes with AWD standard.
And, both feature a great multimedia system. Subaru now has Google Built-in with “hey Google” voice assistance and Google Maps. Toyota has a proprietary system that was updated for the 2026 model year; its now more responsive and has “hey Toyota” voice assistance. Both allow the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Toyota RAV4 Is All Hybrid, While the Subaru Outback is Not—Yet
This is the biggest difference between the two: The RAV4 is sold a gas-powered hybrid and a battery-electric plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, version (though not all models are available in PHEV). Subaru has a hybrid in the works but for now only offers a choice of two gas-powered engines. A 4-cylinder that generates 180 HP and averages 28 MPG, and a 4-cylinder turbo that produces 260 HP and an average of 25 MPG.
Toyota only offers hybrid powertrains, and there are two: a 4-cylinder hybrid that produces 226 HP in front wheel drive models, 236 HP in all wheel drive models and 302 HP in the PHEV model; they are estimated to get about 43 MPG and the PHEV should have a range of 50 miles of all-electric driving.
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RAV4 Woodland Vs Outback Wilderness: How They Differ
Both the Toyota RAV4 Woodland edition and the Subaru Wilderness are nicely outfitted for off-road advernturing. Both have higher ground clearance, all wheel drive, all terrain tires, a surround view camera for slow-speed ground monitoring and more off-road capability. The Outback has true skid plates while the RAV4 has a front plate that’s really designed to deflect debris rather than provide rugged protection against rocks and roots.
The Subaru Outback’s roof is rated to hold up to 800 lbs. to accommodate a tent or heavy roof-top box, and its side rails can bear up to a 200 lb. load to attach a hammock or awning. And while the Subaru is powered by a standard 4-cylinder engine that delivers 260 HP, the Toyota comes standard as a hybrid delivering 236 HP and will soon be available as a plug-in hybrid that generates 324 HP.
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Both Have Premium Trims, But They’re Not the Same
A major difference is that if you want true leather upholstery, the Subaru Outback is the only one that offers it—with leather in all but the entry level model and Woodland, and the top Touring trim features Nappa leather. Toyota offers cloth or leatherette, a practical and philosophical move that allows the company to deliver a more sustainable product that weighs less for better fuel economy and costs less, impacting the final price.
However, Toyota offers some luxuries that Subaru doesn’t, including the option of head up display, a panoramic sunroof, dual Qi phone charge pads and a premium JBL sound system.
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Toyota Gets My Vote For Best Center Console
Whether or not you go for the top trim with dual phone chargers, there’s room for two to sit side by side in the Toyota RAV4, a feature I really loved from both the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat. To not have to put your phone away or worse, in the cup holder on a drive is priceless.
While Subaru made the cup holders larger and reorganized the center console for better ergonomics, making everything easier to see and reach, the minimalist design of the RAV4 gets my vote as the most pleasant space to be in.
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Subaru Gets My Vote for Best Rear Seat
While the Subaru has only about 2” more rear seat legroom, the design of the space makes it look and feel much larger. So if you’re installing kids in car seats, your mother-in-law or big dogs, the Subaru Outback wins, hands down. The large rear seat and large rear footwells are ideal for your dog to nestle down and nap. And there’s plenty of room for kids car seats, as well as a lower anchor in the center seat for a car seat and new fixed seat belt receptacles that are designed to be easier to find when installing a car seat.
That’s not to say that the rear seat of the Toyota RAV4 is small; its large enough for rear facing child car seats even behind tall passengers, and it has a fully flat rear floor thanks to the hybrid and PHEV powertrains.
How to Decide Which Is For You?
Both the Subaru Outback and the Toyota RAV4 have reputations for being reliable and dependable; they are known to go the distance, both over the years and for all the things its owners ask it to do. So it really boils down to what best fits your lifestyle.
Toyota’s three RAV4 types—Core, Woodland and Sport—allow buyers to choose the car that best fits their life. Subaru lets buyers assemble their lifestyle choices in terms of colors and finishes in the seven Outback trims.
If hybrid fuel economy is more important to you, Toyota is the way to go; you might want to wait until the PHEVs are available, though; with 50 miles of range, a daily plug-in at home may mean rarely buying gas. And if the GR Sport edition is alluring, it’ll be worth waiting for and Subaru doesn’t have a comparison model.
But if a slightly more rugged SUV with more space and standard AWD is what you need, the Outback delivers quite nicely. Between the leather seating in most models and the new large multimedia screen, the Outback delivers a lot of value for the price.
Either way, with all the design upgrades, new features and new look, you are the one who wins.
