2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 presented a bold and aggressive exterior design, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Its chunky build and sharp edges gave it a futuristic and robust appearance, with taillights reminiscent of Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus. The design included a character line on the rear C-pillar, which, while common in new vehicles, was not universally appealing. The RAV4 offered both monotone and two-tone colour options, with the latter featuring a contrasting roof that complemented the black strip across the rear pillar. Inside, the RAV4's cabin was surprisingly simple and elegant, with a floating touchscreen and a well-organized control pod.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula with incremental improvements. Built on Subaru's Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The exterior changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims, except the base Convenience trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus technology aimed to enhance safety by detecting driver fatigue and distraction, although it faced some functionality issues. The Outback's interior was spacious, with ample cargo space and comfortable seating, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power directed to either the front wheels or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The RAV4 offered two AWD options: a base version for lower trims and a more advanced torque-vectoring AWD for the Trail and Limited trims. The XLE test model had the base AWD setup, providing various drive modes for different terrains. While the engine performed well on highways, it lacked low-end power, making it feel sluggish in stop-and-go traffic. The RAV4's ride quality was generally good, but it exhibited some body roll and twitchy steering.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque for the XT trims. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced stability. With 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance, the Outback was capable of handling various terrains, although it wasn't designed for extreme off-roading. The upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control further improved its off-road capabilities.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4's cabin was designed for practicality and style, offering ample cargo space and comfortable seating. The centre stack pod housed climate controls, a large tray for small items, drive-mode controls, and a compact shifter. With the rear seats up, the RAV4 provided 1,064 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,976 litres with the seats folded. The front row featured deep centre-console trays and bins, while the rear included a fold-out armrest with cupholders.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 920 litres of cargo space, which expanded to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The increase in cargo space was attributed to a wider rear wheel area. The Outback's interior was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Its design prioritized visibility, although the rear quarters had a noticeable blind spot. The Outback's low load height and lower centre of gravity contributed to better handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE came with a 7-inch touchscreen running Entune 3.0, offering Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The XLE trim added multiple USB ports, while the Trail and Limited trims featured larger screens and optional premium audio systems. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a combination of touchscreen functions and physical dials for essential controls.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, except for the base trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. While the screen was visually appealing and easy to navigate, it suffered from lag, affecting various functions. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the system had potential, and improvements were anticipated.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a backup camera, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 added advanced technologies like forward-collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a robust safety suite, including the standard AWD system. However, the DriverFocus technology faced issues with false alerts, detracting from its effectiveness. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, had limitations due to its optical nature, occasionally turning off in adverse conditions. Despite these challenges, the Outback maintained a strong commitment to safety.