2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered Canadian consumers a variety of trim levels, ranging from the RAV4 LE priced just over $35,000 to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, which exceeded $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in the U.S., showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional black cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents, contrast stitching, and a frameless rearview mirror, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The RAV4's interior offered a mix of fabric and synthetic leather upholstery, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, while similar in appearance to its predecessor, introduced new sheet metal, a new chassis, and fresh colour options like Sun Blaze and Offshore Blue. The Crosstrek maintained its compact dimensions, with a slightly steeper departure angle and reduced cargo space. The base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels and 22 centimetres of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The Crosstrek's front fascia sported a unique design with LED headlights and a wing bar, giving it a distinctive look. The Wilderness trim added hexagonal elements, increased ground clearance, and a ladder-style roof rack, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness featured StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents, with a focus on practicality and durability.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with all-wheel drive across all trims, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which, while preferable to a CVT, did not excel in acceleration. The RAV4 Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension system consistent with other RAV4 models, offering a balanced ride.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, and a smaller 2.0-litre engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The latter, tested in the Touring trim, was paired with a CVT, which Subaru had refined to minimize droning and improve shift points. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim featured different gearing for off-road capability and increased towing capacity. The Crosstrek's steering was improved with a new dual-pinion rack, and its X-Mode traction management system provided enhanced off-road performance. Fuel economy for the 2.0-litre engine was estimated at 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 on the highway.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered seating for five, with front-row headroom of 958 mm and rear headroom of 1,001 mm. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the rear, providing ample space for passengers. The RAV4's cargo capacity was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured convenient storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, provided competitive cargo space for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, with 564 litres of trunk space and 1,549 litres of total cargo space with the seats folded. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring robust materials and a protective cargo tray. The Crosstrek accommodated large water bottles in its centre console, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system, while the Trail trim included a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek boasted an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all but the Convenience trim. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charger available on higher trims. The Limited trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Starlink system was impressive, it suffered from glare in bright sunlight and required navigation through multiple menus.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, thanks to its strong crash-test performance.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, offering automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The system included a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering. While the 2024 model had not yet been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, previous models received high safety ratings.