2024 Subaru Outback Performance: The 2024 Subaru Outback Performance and the Toyota RAV4 are two well-liked SUVs that go up against each other. Not only is the RAV4 the best-selling vehicle in the class, but it also pretty well defines it. Conversely, the Outback is a bit of an anomaly. Rather than being more like a crossover SUV, it is more like a wagon and is built on a midsize sedan chassis.
The two models are alternative interpretations of the same fundamental idea. Long before crossovers appeared to take over the U.S. auto industry, 2024 Subaru Outback performance and Toyota, with the Outback and RAV4, were the pioneers of the crossover craze. Both combine SUV functionality with features seen in cars, making them very appealing to American consumers. Subaru replies with the Outback Wilderness model, while Toyota offers three all-terrain trim levels for the RAV4.
The RAV4, a tiny crossover SUV, is one inch taller and has an overall length of eleven inches less than the midsize Outback. Both can fit five passengers and provide useful daily driving dynamics with plenty of cargo space and adaptable identities, even if their sizes vary.
While the RAV4 has conventional 4-cylinder, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, the 2024 Outback midsize crossover SUV offers two 4-cylinder engines. The Subaru has front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, while the RAV4 offers both FWD and AWD versions. The AWD systems of the Outback and RAV4 put more emphasis on on-road traction than extreme terrain capability, offering just limited off-road capability.
Both brands place a high priority on safety. Subaru outfitted the Outback with EyeSight driver assistance technology, while Toyota introduced advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).
This comparison pits the SUV-like Toyota RAV4 against the car-like 2024 Subaru Outback performance. Which one fits you the best? You can make up your mind by comparing the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and the 2024 Subaru Outback performance.
Price and Value
2024 Subaru Outback performance has six model levels for the 2024 Subaru Outback performance. Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring are the possible trim levels; the Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims are also offered in XT variants. For the 2024 Subaru Outback performance, the Wilderness gets a tough cosmetic makeover with an emphasis on off-road skills. Convenience and luxury are given priority in the Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring models. The Outback Touring XT boasts a more powerful turbocharged engine along with opulent extras. The Outback is available only with AWD, in contrast to several competitors who offer FWD options.
The base trim level of the 2024 Subaru Outback performance is $30,240, which includes the $1,345 destination price. This is the model’s entry-level. Bold bodywork, all-terrain tires, a powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, a redesigned suspension for better ground clearance and a full-size spare tire are features of the Wilderness trim ($41,305). Additional safety measures are added to the Touring ($41,690), while the XT models (which start at $40,705) get an improved 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4, a best-selling vehicle in the country, has a wide range of models to suit a variety of tastes. Toyota provides six model levels for the RAV4 with a conventional engine. Simultaneously, there are two trim levels for the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid and seven variations for the RAV4 Hybrid. While AWD is standard on the Hybrid and Prime models, FWD is optional on the majority of conventional grades.
The FWD RAV4 LE, which costs $30,025 including the $1,350 destination fee, is the first model in the series. The AWD Limited, which starts at $39,730, is the top model in the traditional lineup. The Adventure variant has a $36,220 manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) with a rugged appearance that highlights off-road capability. The price range of hybrid cars is $33,075 for the LE trim level and $41,380 for the Limited. Starting at $45,040 for the SE model, the RAV4 Prime goes up to $48,910 for the XSE version.
Reliability and Quality
The warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage for the 2024 Subaru Outback performance are as follows:
- Standard warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Roadside assistance: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Scheduled maintenance: Not complimentary
In the 2024 VDS, the Toyota RAV4 is ranked third in the Compact SUV class; but, in the 2023 IQS, it is not listed among the top three cars in the same class.
The following roadside assistance, scheduled maintenance, and warranty coverage are available for the 2024 Toyota RAV4:
- Standard warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Warranty for hybrid/electric system: 10 years or 150,000 miles
- Roadside assistance: 2 years and unlimited miles
- Scheduled maintenance: 2 years or 25,000 miles
Performance and Efficiency
Customers of the 2024 Subaru Outback performance can select between two AWD drivetrain options. The base model has a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT) and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The higher-tier engine, on the other hand, is a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 277 pound-feet of torque and 260 horsepower. It comes standard with the Wilderness and is available in other trims with the XT package. It is likewise mated to a CVT.
Although the standard engine provides adequate acceleration, the additional 78 horsepower of the turbo engine greatly improves overall driveability. The Outback Wilderness has excellent off-road capabilities despite its station wagon heritage thanks to its all-terrain tires, higher power output, and greater ground clearance.
Performance fans may not like it, but the CVT helps the Outback get better gas mileage. The standard engine’s combined EPA rating is 28 mpg, but the Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT models with turbocharged 2024 Subaru Outback performance get 25 mpg combined. The EPA rates the Wilderness version’s combined fuel economy at 23 mpg.
A variety of powertrain options are available for the 2024 Toyota RAV4, including a plug-in hybrid with maximum horsepower, a hybrid system, and a traditional 4-cylinder engine. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and an 8-speed automated gearbox that can power any or all four wheels powers the majority of 2024 RAV4s.
A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor are combined in the RAV4 Hybrid’s configuration to provide 219 horsepower overall. A 2.5-liter engine and two electric motors are combined in the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. It has a 302 horsepower system output. After a full charge, the PHEV RAV4 Prime boasts impressive acceleration and a range of roughly 42 miles while using only electricity.
Both the hybrid and regular RAV4s perform admirably, with plenty of power and decent handling. With almost 100 more horsepower, the RAV4 Prime distinguishes itself for enthusiasts at the same time.
Impressive fuel efficiency is achieved by the RAV4 Prime, which is rated at 38 combined mpg and 94 MPGe. With a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg, the RAV4 Hybrid offers a substantial 580-mile range. The EPA-rated combined fuel economy of the FWD regular RAV4 is 30 mpg, which slightly decreases with AWD.
Safety and Driving Assistance
The 2024 Subaru Outback performance EyeSight driver-assist system, which integrates multiple ADAS and electronic safety elements, is standard on the 2024 Subaru Outback performance. For the 2024 model year, Subaru has improved its overall performance by adding equipment that increases accuracy. While not standard on the Premium trim, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning are standard on the Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, which also come with automated emergency steering.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2024 Subaru Outback performance the highest possible 5-star overall rating (NHTSA). For the 2024 calendar year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has designated the 2024 Outback as a Top Safety Pick.
With its exclusive TSS array of systems, Toyota has led the way in the past ten years in the integration of electronic safety and driver-assistance technologies. In keeping with this promise, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with standard safety features—features that are typically extras for high-end cars. The automatic emergency braking system, automated emergency steering system with pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning system with cyclist and pedestrian detection are all part of the RAV4’s TSS 2.5 package of ADAS features.
In addition to the currently nearly standard array of features, the RAV4 has automated high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and traffic sign recognition. Although it isn’t formally included in TSS 2.5, Toyota’s rear-seat reminder system comes equipped with the RAV4. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automated braking are optional technologies available on select trim levels.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was awarded a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for the 2023 model year.
Infotainment and Technology
The 2024 Subaru Outback performance Starlink infotainment system is integrated into the 2024 Subaru Outback performance. The entry-level model has two 7-inch screens arranged so that the upper unit controls the music. The lower screen controls many vehicle systems, including the climate, EyeSight, and X-Mode driving modes, simultaneously. It incorporates SiriusXM satellite radio, AM/FM/HD radio, Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming, a rearview camera mirror, and SiriusXM Travel Link. The systems require a cable connection even though they support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The 2024 Subaru Outback performance Premium is a step forward, including an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus screen that is wirelessly compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This is improved by the Onyx Edition, which is also offered in other trims, with a 576-watt amplifier and a Harman Kardon audio system. The 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system with TomTom-enabled navigation is the best choice. Subaru’s infotainment systems have improved recently, despite not having the greatest features; they now have good audio quality, easy-to-use interfaces, and short learning curves.
Toyota updated the RAV4’s systems and unveiled its in-house-developed Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system recently in response to criticism of its previous infotainment options. The features and usability of the new system are much improved.
While some 2024 Toyota RAV4 variants, including the TRD Off-Road, Hybrid XSE, Limited, Hybrid Limited, and Prime XSE, have a larger 10.5-inch display as standard, the majority of RAV4 trims now have an 8-inch touchscreen. The system incorporates dual-phone Bluetooth functionality, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, regardless of the screen size. There is also a widely accessible optional 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with an amplifier and subwoofer.
The speed and clarity of the 2024 RAV4’s system are impressive. Compared to earlier Toyota systems, it has a more streamlined menu and page structure with plainly visible icons for the driver and front-seat passenger. Although it might not be as good as some rival systems from American automakers, the new system is a major step forward from earlier Toyota infotainment systems.
Comfort and Utility
Because of its longer length, many people may find that the 2024 Subaru Outback performance is more comfortable and useful than the 2024 RAV4. Overall, the Outback gains 11 inches, giving it ample space and a comfortable driving position. Compared to many crossover SUVs, it is easy to reach because of its wagon-style construction.
Its five occupants feel roomy thanks to the ample headroom, shoulder, hip, and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The Outback’s interior is more like that of a sedan than a conventional SUV. A power tilt-and-slide moonroof is standard on most models.
The manual seat covers of the base model are available. Real leather seats with multiple power adjustment settings are standard on higher trim levels, while Subaru’s StarTex water-repellent upholstery is used on the Wilderness trim.
With the rear seatback folded, the 2024 Subaru Outback performance cargo capacity expands to 75.6 cubic feet, from 32.6 cubic feet behind the second row.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 maintains the traditional crossover SUV silhouette, with a 67-inch roof height, making it one inch higher than the 2024 Subaru Outback performance. This size has advantages in cargo volume and ease of entry/exit. RAV4 drivers benefit from excellent visibility and a comfortable driving position thanks to the higher seat cushions and elevated canopy. Although the RAV4’s front and rear seat proportions are nearly identical to those of the Outback, the RAV4’s cargo room is bigger than that of the 2024 Subaru Outback performance.
Toyota includes manually adjustable cloth-covered seats with lower RAV4 model levels. Mid-level models have an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and synthetic leather seats at the same time. The off-road Adventure variant’s orange stitching is one of the distinctive details found on the top trims, which have imitation leather seats. Dual-zone automated climate control is available on higher trim levels like the XLE and XSE.
With the rear seatback folded, the 2024 Toyota RAV4’s load capacity expands to 69.8 cubic feet, making it a very roomy 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Some trim levels come equipped with a liftgate that runs on electricity, making it easy to access the RAV4’s roomy cargo compartment.