2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a blend of rugged styling and practicality. Despite its fully loaded status, it resembled a typical rental car, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The electronic AWD system was not suited for off-road adventures, unlike the non-hybrid Trail trim. The RAV4's tough exterior was complemented by a stylish and functional interior, though the quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a practical and comfortable cabin experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, with its elevated stance and rugged design, pushed the boundaries of a traditional station wagon. It featured 23 cm of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. Unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents set it apart. Inside, the dark grey StarTex upholstery was water-repellant but lacked ventilation, making it less comfortable in hot weather. The cabin offered ample space and practical features like a waterproof cargo tray and robust roof rack, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The AWD system, powered by the rear electric motor, provided a lively driving experience, though the engine's sound was less pleasant at high revs. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 L/100 km. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. However, the all-season tires lacked grip, affecting cornering performance. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled as a daily driver, offering a comfortable ride and decent off-road capability with its 20.6 cm ground clearance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and averaged 11.0 L/100 km on a challenging route. The CVT, with eight programmed ratios, was less satisfying during hard acceleration. The Wilderness trim's standout features included its lifted stance, 23 cm ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road prowess. The dual-function X-Mode traction system and skid plating made it the most capable Outback, though on-road handling was limited by the tires.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The cargo area provided 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured water-repellant StarTex upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and dual-zone climate control. The driver's seat had 10-way power adjustment, while the rear seat offered generous space for passengers. The cargo area measured 920 litres, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats down. The robust roof rack supported rooftop camping, adding to its adventurous appeal.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The JBL premium audio system provided satisfactory sound, while the dynamic voice recognition technology was mostly effective. Camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for its target demographic.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was generally effective, though lane-tracing and adaptive cruise control had some quirks. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and top marks from IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was effective and unobtrusive, maintaining safe distances and lane centring. The Wilderness lacked Subaru's DriverFocus technology but included steering-responsive LED headlights and blind-spot warning. The standard Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.