2025 Subaru Outback vs. 2025 Toyota RAV4

The 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Toyota RAV4 are two of the most popular vehicles in the crossover and SUV market. Both are stylish models that offer versatility, performance, and comfort, but the Subaru Outback stands out as the superior choice for drivers seeking a rugged and feature-rich adventure companion. The best way to know the right vehicle for you is to take a test drive of each and compare them in person. However, here's a closer look at what they have to offer to help you begin your research:

Exterior Styling

The 2025 Subaru Outback features a bold design that blends a rugged attitude with sophisticated styling, emphasizing its off-road capability and adventurous spirit. It has smooth lines and an aerodynamic profile that makes it suitable for everyday drives and business use when you're not on those outdoor adventures. But the tough exterior cladding adds an interesting design touch while also protecting the body from debris.

The Outback has many adventure-ready features, including standard roof rails and optional integrated crossbars. Plus it offers an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, perfect for tackling rough terrain and outdoor adventures.

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 also features a modern design but lacks the rugged flair of the Outback. The RAV4 leans into a more urban-focused look, with a blocky facade that may appeal to city drivers. It also has fewer adventure features, and it has a lower ground clearance. With only 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the RAV4 is less suited for rugged trails compared to the Outback.

The Subaru Outback, with its adventure-ready design and higher ground clearance, is the superior option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Interior Styling and Capacity

The Outback's interior is designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, and it offers a spacious and refined cabin. The Outback comfortably seats five passengers, just like the RAV4, but it has generous legroom and headroom in both rows. All passengers will have a little more room to stretch in the Outback.

Likewise, the 2025 Outback offers a little more room for your cargo. With up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space (with rear seats folded), the Outback offers superior capacity for gear and groceries compared to the RAV4 (which offers up to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded).

Subaru's noise-insulated cabin ensures a serene driving experience, even on rough roads. The Outback also features a more thoughtfully designed cabin that includes a less-cluttered dash, graceful styling, and interesting accents. The Outback has high-quality materials that not only look great but are also durable.

Overall, the Subaru Outback provides a more spacious and premium interior, making it better suited for families and adventurers who value comfort and capacity.

Power and Performance

The Outback delivers versatile performance with two robust engine options and Subaru's legendary all-wheel-drive system. The base model comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It provides smooth and efficient performance for daily driving. There is an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 260 horsepower and gives the Outback an edge in power and capability. It is perfect for towing and off-road adventures. The turbocharged Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds, outperforming the RAV4's maximum towing capacity of 3,300 pounds.

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on all trims, offering superior traction in various conditions, from snow to gravel.

The RAV4 provides reliable performance but doesn't match the Outback's versatility. The base model comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 delivers decent performance but lacks the option of a turbocharged upgrade. While AWD is available on select trims, it's not standard across the lineup, limiting its capability in challenging conditions.

The Subaru Outback, with its standard AWD, turbocharged option, and higher towing capacity, outshines the Toyota RAV4 in power and performance.

Technology and Convenience Features

The 2025 Subaru Outback is packed with advanced technology and convenience features to make every journey more enjoyable and connected. The infotainment system is displayed on an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen that offers crisp graphics and intuitive controls. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you connected without the hassle of cables. Higher trims feature a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality. The system includes built-in navigation and dual USB ports on each row.

Additional technology and convenience features include keyless entry, push-button start, and a hands-free power liftgate make accessing and operating the Outback effortless.

The RAV4 offers modern tech but falls short of the Outback's user-friendly interface and premium features. Its infotainment system is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen, though a larger 10.5-inch screen is available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available but not standard on base models.

Features like keyless entry and a power liftgate are available but limited to higher trims.

Overall, the Subaru Outback offers more advanced and intuitive technology, making it the clear choice for tech-savvy drivers.

Safety Features

Subaru is known for its commitment to safety, and the 2025 Outback is no exception. Standard and available safety features include the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist. Available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a driver distraction mitigation system. Safety is also built into the body, with high-strength steel construction and advanced airbag systems that provide superior protection in the event of a collision.

The RAV4 also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, but its advanced systems are not as refined as Subaru's. It includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which has features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring is available only on mid-range and higher trims.

Shop the 2025 Subaru Outback at Granite Subaru

The 2025 Subaru Outback outshines the Toyota RAV4 with its rugged design, superior technology, advanced safety features, and versatile performance. Whether you're an urban commuter or an outdoor enthusiast, the Outback is ready for any adventure.

At Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH, we proudly offer the full lineup of 2025 Subaru Outback trims, each equipped to meet your unique needs. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the options, schedule a test drive, and help you find the perfect Outback for your lifestyle. Visit Granite Subaru today or schedule your test drive online to experience why the 2025 Subaru Outback is the ultimate SUV for any journey!