Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4

Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4: Comparing Popular New SUVs in Lunenburg

Completely redesigned for 2026, the Subaru Outback resets the bar for confident capability, advanced safety, and tough style in an SUV. But the beloved Outback isn't the only redesigned SUV making waves. The Toyota RAV4 also enters a new era as a next-gen model. At North End Subaru, we compare new SUVs, so your family doesn't have to.

The Outback is a popular all-wheel drive mid-size SUV showcased at our Subaru dealership in Lunenburg. From new standard technology to legendary capability on the trail, the Subaru Outback proves to be the cream of the crop. Dive into our SUV comparison to see how the Subaru Outback stacks up against the RAV4 and the competition.

Interior and Utility

Both of these class leaders are five-passenger SUVs, but the Subaru Outback offers more interior space - by a considerable margin. The Outback has 112 cubic feet of passenger volume, topping the RAV4 at 99 cubic feet. Enjoy an extra two inches of legroom on a family road trip or a ride to school activities in Fitchburg with the Subaru Outback. The spacious Subaru SUV offers 43 inches of front-row legroom, along with 40 inches in the back row. The RAV4 has 41 inches in the front and under 38 inches in the back. RAV4 cargo space figures range from 37 to 70 cubic feet. The Subaru Outback has 35 cubic feet of storage and a max cargo volume of 81 cubic feet.

Outback owners have access to an additional 11 cubic feet of cargo space when the back row is folded. When families from Gardner, MA, load up for a weekend road trip, the Subaru Outback assures that no essentials are left behind. Standard dual-zone climate control is a shared feature for these SUVs. A RAV4 can feature fabric-trimmed seats or SofTex® upholstery. The Subaru Outback offers leather-trimmed upholstery. Outback Wilderness models have StarTex® upholstery. This eco-friendly, water-repellent upholstery is a superior option for avid explorers. Subaru Outback Wilderness models have heated rear outboard seats to keep the crew warm on a winter exploration. The RAV4 does not have heated seats in the back row.

Design

New Subaru Outback Wilderness SUVs are equipped with trail-ready features and rugged style, which the RAV4 attempts to carbon copy with its Woodland model. The Outback Wilderness is an off-road SUV that opens up a new range of adventures for Leominster explorers ready to explore the great outdoors.

The 2026 Outback Wilderness sports a new upright design, and its raised suspension contributes to 9.5 inches of ground clearance that the competition can't counter. Outback Wilderness SUVs ride on 17-inch matte black-finish wheels paired with Bridgestone Dueler™ all-terrain tires, delivering improved performance in the toughest New England trail conditions you may encounter around Lancaster, MA. This Outback variant has heavy-duty raised roof rails - in an Anodized Copper finish - that can support a roof tent or a static load of 800 pounds.

The Toyota RAV4 Woodland has all-terrain tires and raised black roof rails, but the model is less of an off-road specialist, as it maxes out at 8.5 inches of ground clearance. Both SUVs offer LED fog lights. The Outback has LED Steering Responsive Headlights, while the RAV4 has LED projector headlights. Subaru Outback Wilderness models also stand out for their anti-glare hood design.

Performance

The Subaru Outback seizes the performance crown through victory points in engine outputs and all-wheel drive capability. The new Subaru Outback models for sale in Lunenburg are all equipped with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Subaru Outback also features X-MODE® to enhance traction and provide better AWD torque distribution. The RAV4 offers AWD and FWD configurations, but all-wheel drive is not standard.

New Subaru Outback SUVs produce 260 max horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque through a turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine. The hybrid engine powering the Toyota RAV4 generates 236 max horsepower. While the RAV4 is a hybrid with higher fuel economy ratings, those are nullified by the considerably smaller 14-gallon fuel tank. Subaru Outback models still return 31 highway mpg and provide a large 18-gallon fuel tank to take you the distance. Both the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 are capable of towing 3,500 pounds.

Technology - Driver Assists & Multimedia

The 2026 Subaru Outback benefits from upgraded standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and now offers Highway Hands-Free Assist. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 also benefits from the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0 suite, but hands-free driving is not part of the equation. Outback models now feature the Subaru DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. This unique, state-of-the-art system is designed to reduce distracted driving for both new and experienced explorers.

The 2026 Subaru Outback models welcome new standard technology, headlined by a 12.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen. This large display is part of the Subaru Multimedia System, which features navigation. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the Outback mirrors the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in the RAV4, which has a smaller 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. Both SUVs offer premium audio systems. RAV4 models have a JBL® setup. The Harman Kardon® system in the Subaru Outback features Clari-Fi™ Technology to restore audio fidelity, resulting in musical reproduction that sounds clearer, crisper, and more dynamic.

Test Drive the Redesigned Subaru Outback Today at North End Subaru

Get seated in the redesigned Outback today at North End Subaru. The rugged Wilderness is one of the most popular new Subaru Outback SUVs for sale in Lunenburg. As an award-winning new Subaru SUV dealer serving Fitchburg, our team is committed to the satisfaction of outdoors enthusiasts and Outback loyalists. Contact us to schedule a test drive in the new Subaru Outback. Led by bold new style and enhanced safety, the Subaru Outback will take you anywhere.

How Can We Help?

* Indicates a required field

Privacy Policy