In the past decade, SUVs have seen a dramatic increase in sales, while passenger car sales have slowly dropped off, which makes a lot of sense. Today’s SUVs offer great gas mileage, extra cargo space, and the added security of all-wheel traction. One of the most popular SUVs in the past few years is Toyota RAV4. With over 448,000 sold in 2019 alone, it is undoubtedly the best-selling vehicle in its class.
But there is another car that has all the perks of an SUV in a smaller package, the Subaru Outback. First released in 1995, the All-Wheel-Drive Outback has earned a reputation as a rugged station wagon for outdoorsy people.
But does the Outback really compare to an SUV like the RAV4? Read on to find out.
RAV4: By The Numbers
For decades, Toyota has garnered a reputation for building long-running, inexpensive vehicles, and the RAV4 is no exception. While many car companies have hopped on the crossover bandwagon, the 1994 RAV4 is the original compact SUV. While in America it's usually referred to as a crossover/compact SUV, RAV4 is actually an acronym for “Robust Accurate Vehicle, 4 Wheel Drive”.
With a starting price of $25,900, the RAV4 is one of many budget-friendly alternatives to larger SUVs like the Highlander or 4Runner. In terms of fuel economy, the RAV4’s combined 30 mpg makes it one of the most fuel-efficient all-gas SUVs on the market. If you want even better mileage, the RAV4 has as a hybrid model that delivers 40mpg, but it costs $8400 more than the gas model.
RAV4: Speed & Performance
In terms of driving performance, the 2020 RAV4 is towards the back of the pack for a compact SUV. The fastest RAV4, the Hybrid XSE can go from 0 to 60mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. While you might expect a lightweight compact SUV to have reasonable acceleration, there are plenty of larger SUVs that are faster than the RAV4. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo for example can reach 60mph in 3.9 seconds. And it's not just luxury brands, there are many examples of common premium trim level production SUVs that can outpace a RAV4.
The Subaru Outback Origin Story
Although Subarus have been in the U.S since the late 1960s, it wasn’t until the 1990s when Subaru developed the Outback and Forester that Subaru evolved into the brand we know today. Developed from the platform of the Legacy station wagon in 1995, the Outback provided car buyers with a smaller AWD alternative to larger, gas-guzzling SUVs. While the Subaru Outback is one of the few remaining station wagons in the U.S car market, it is without a doubt an integral part of the Subaru line-up and has created its own niche outside of the SUV market.
A group of car buyers who are environmentally conscious, active people who want a reliable, inexpensive car that can handle its own in tough road conditions. But while the base model of the Outback is only $26,000, the wrong combination of trim level and accessories could set you back up to $48,000.
The Outback: Speed And Performance
While Outback owners shouldn’t expect to break any records at the track, they can take pride in the fact that Outbacks with the turbocharged 2.4 liter engine can accelerate 0.2 seconds quicker and go 9mph faster than the RAV4. Furthermore, station wagons like the Outback tend to be more aerodynamic and have a lower center of gravity, which means better handling around corners. But no matter what engine you chose, the Outback has slightly worse gas mileage than the standard RAV4. An Outback with the base level engine can expect a combined 29 miles per gallon.
So Which Car Should You Buy?
Ultimately, both the Outback and the RAV4 are very similar cars in terms of form and functionality, and both brands have strong reputations for safety and reliability. But while there are plenty of things the two cars have in common there are also some clear differences. For example, the Toyota RAV4 clearly wins out on cost-to-own. It's less expensive and uses less gas whether you buy a standard or hybrid model.
But, the Outback still has some advantages over the RAV4. One of the biggest advantages is the Outback’s trunk space. Trunk space is one of the most important reasons why people choose to buy a larger car in the first place. If this is your top priority, you should go with the Outback, which has 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the RAV4’s 69.8 cubic feet. And while the RAV4 can be upgraded with a TRD off-road package, the Outback comes with all-wheel drive standard and has the undeniable Subaru reputation for holding its own in all kinds of driving conditions.