Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota RAV4 starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $50,589 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota RAV4 by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Toyota RAV4 and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota RAV4 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Subaru Outback.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota RAV4 and 9 in the Subaru Outback.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota RAV4 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that the Toyota RAV4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a cvt (e-cvt) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota RAV4 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,600mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 270mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 580L in the Toyota RAV4 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 395L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Toyota RAV4) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Toyota RAV4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback?
The Toyota RAV4 is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Toyota RAV4 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.4s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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