2023 Subaru Outback vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4

2022 Subaru Forester vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4
2023 Subaru Outback

vs.

2022 Toyota RAV4
$28,395 MSRP

Starting Price

$26,975 MSRP
9

Number of Trims

6
2.5L DOHC

Base Engine

2.5L DOHC
182 hp

Base Output

203 hp
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Standard Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

When it comes time to switch up your Bellaire travels, Serra Traverse City is the only name you can trust. Our expert team is here to help you find the right vehicle for your budget and wishlist. If you’re considering a new SUV, comparing the Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 is a natural place to start. Is the RAV4 better than the Outback? Is Subaru better than Toyota? These are questions that might be on your mind, and we’re here to offer our insight. Kick off your automotive research below and take a closer look at these impressive SUV options with Serra Traverse City!

 

 

Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4: Trim Levels

When it comes to car shopping, variety is huge. With the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4, you have a large number of trims to choose from to ensure you find a model that suits your needs. The Outback is offered in nine different trims, while the RAV4 isn’t far behind with six. So, is Subaru better than Toyota? Not necessarily! But you will have more options when browsing the Outback trims. Take a closer look here:

2023 Subaru Outback Trim Levels:

  • 2023 Subaru Outback Base: $28,395 MSRP
  • 2023 Subaru Outback Premium: $30,695 MSRP
  • 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition: $33,495 MSRP
  • 2023 Subaru Outback Limited: $35,295 MSRP
  • 2023 Subaru Outback Touring: $39,845 MSRP
  • 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT: $38,595 MSRP
  • 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness: $38,445 MSRP
  • 2023 Subaru Outback Limited XT: $39,695 MSRP
  • 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT: $42,295 MSRP

2022 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels:

  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 LE: $26,975 MSRP
  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE: $28,445 MSRP
  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium: $31,335 MSRP
  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure: $33,230 MSRP
  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road: $36,915 MSRP
  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 Limited: $35,475 MSRP

Along with the gas-powered trims, you can opt for a hybrid RAV4 if you want to save fuel on the Kalkaska streets. In that case, is the RAV4 better than the Outback? Perhaps if you’re looking to maximize your efficiency, but the Outback has plenty of strong qualities itself!

Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4: Performance

Performance is key when it comes to SUVs. The Toyota RAV4 has more standard horsepower, but the Subaru Outback offers all-wheel drive at the base trim. Review the entry-level output of these two SUVs below:

2023 Subaru Outback:

  • Engine: 2.5L DOHC engine
  • Power: 182 hp
  • Torque: 176 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
  • Drivetrain: Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

2022 Toyota RAV4:

  • Engine: 2.5L DOHC engine
  • Power: 203 hp
  • Torque: 184 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic with intelligence (ECT-i)
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4: Dimensions

Another important attribute of any SUV is spaciousness. The Outback offers more room for storage and gear, which may come in handy when packing up for a road trip. Explore the dimensions of the 2023 Subaru Outback vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4 here:

2023 Subaru Outback:

  • Headroom (front/rear):40.1 inches / 39.1 inches
  • Legroom (front/rear): 42.8 inches / 39.5 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 109 cubic feet
  • Maximum Cargo Volume: 75.6 cubic feet

2022 Toyota RAV4:

  • Headroom (front/rear):37.7 inches / 39.5 inches
  • Legroom (front/rear): 41.0 inches / 37.8 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 98.9 cubic feet
  • Maximum Cargo Volume: 69.8 cubic feet

Find Your Favorite SUV at Serra Traverse City!

So, is the RAV4 better than the Outback? Is Subaru better than Toyota? It’s hard to say if either SUV is “better” than the other. In reality, these models are both incredible options. However, they do suit the needs of different drivers. If you’re looking for more options and standard all-wheel drive, the Outback is a great choice. If you prefer a hybrid or a more powerful standard engine, then the RAV4 is worthy of the vacant spot in your driveway.

Maybe you simply can’t decide between the two. Don’t fret! You can visit your nearest Serra Traverse City dealership for an in-person consultation. Our team can get you pointed in the right direction with a couple of test drives! From there, we’ll be sure to study your needs to make a great recommendation. You can even use our payment calculator to get your shopping started from the comfort of your home!

 

More from Serra Traverse City

  • Serra Subaru of Traverse City & Great Lakes Humane Society Pet Adoption Event

    🐾🧡 What a Pawsome Day! 🧡 🐾 Serra Subaru of Traverse City was thrilled to team up with the Great Lakes Humane Society for Saturday’s pet adoption event right here in our Subaru showroom! 💕 🐶🐱 💕 Thanks to our amazing community, several furry friends found their forever homes today, and our hearts couldn’t be fuller….

  • Serra Subaru Loves Pets! Adopt your furry friend Oct. 11, 2025!

    Join us on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Serra Subaru of Traverse City Showroom to adopt your forever furry friend. We are also filling a Subaru Outback with pet supply donations for the Great Lakes Humane Society all month long. We are accepting donations in our Subaru Showroom….

  • Serra Traverse City has Body Shop Locations on Garfield and on Barlow

    If you need an estimate on your car for body work, Serra Traverse City has two body shops for your convenience.  One is located at 1780 Barlow St and the other is located at 1747 S. Garfield Ave behind Subaru.  As you can imagine, both shops stay busy this time of year.  Both shops have…

Serra Traverse City 44.735181, -85.594550.