2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its reputation for durability. The Trail trim, introduced in the previous year, improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The 2020 model continued this trend with the TRD Off-Road package, featuring matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, while the interior boasted TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials.

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula, focusing on incremental improvements. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, with 90% new parts, offered 182 horsepower, while higher trims featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine. Exterior changes were subtle, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen and innovative DriverFocus technology. The Outback was available in seven trims, with the XT versions offering the turbo engine, and featured a range of safety and convenience features across the lineup.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it was not available with the TRD Off-Road package. The eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance, making it adept at handling various terrains. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road excelled in urban environments, though its all-terrain tires were not ideal for fast mountain driving.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-litre engine delivered 182 horsepower, while the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine in XT trims offered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and stability, while its 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance allowed for off-road capability. The Outback's approach, departure, and breakover angles limited its off-road prowess, but the upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control on the Outdoor XT trim enhanced its capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with a sporty driving position and a 4-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel added comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The RAV4 provided ample interior storage, with a dashboard shelf and cargo space of 1,062 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,974 litres with the seats folded. Roof rails and a roof rack with crossbars further extended its utility.

The 2020 Subaru Outback, with its station wagon design, offered 920 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The increase in width between the rear wheels contributed to the larger cargo area. The Outback provided ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers, and its design prioritized visibility. However, the rear quarters presented a blind spot, which could be mitigated with blind-spot monitoring. The Outback's low load height and lower centre of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, and the TRD Off-Road model offered wireless smartphone charging. A 360-degree surround-view camera and a digital rear-view mirror were available on higher trims, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's 11.6-inch touchscreen was visually appealing and easy to navigate, though some climate-control functions were buried. The system suffered from lag across various functions, including navigation and volume control. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the Outback's infotainment system had potential, and improvements could enhance its appeal.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights qualified. Toyota offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, providing additional peace of mind.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety suite included Subaru's EyeSight system, which was standard but had limitations due to its optical nature. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Despite these issues, the Outback's standard AWD system and safety features provided a solid foundation for safety.