Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V & Mazda CX-5

Subaru Outback vs. the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5

See Why the Adventure-Ready Subaru Outback is a Great Choice for  Your Worcester Drives

A midsize SUV that holds on to its wagon roots, the Subaru Outback is one of the most well-rounded two-row SUVs on the market. It offers comfortable accommodations, flexible utility, and excellent ride quality. All Outback models come with Subaru EyeSight® advanced driver aids and an intuitive STARLINK® Multimedia system. And thanks to standard attributes like Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, X-MODE traction management, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback delivers confident capability for all Massachusetts seasons.

But crossovers represent the most popular segment in the industry, and Shrewsbury drivers have an extensive selection to choose from in the search for a versatile daily driver. Still, the Subaru Outback offers a complete package that's tough to top. Here's a quick look at how the Outback measures up in a few key areas to three of its prominent mainstream competitors: the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5

Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4

Accommodations and Versatility: The Subaru Outback is impressively spacious and offers much more personal space for your passengers. In the front seats, Outback offers 0.6 inches more headroom and 1.8 inches more legroom compared to RAV4. And in the back, occupants will enjoy an additional 1.7 inches more legroom.

Outback provides more cargo options as well, with 75.7 cubic feet of max cargo capacity and standard raised roof rails with crossbars. RAV4's max cargo capacity measures 69.8 cubic feet, and raised roof rails are only offered on two of its specialty trims.

Capability: With standard features like Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and X-MODE traction control, Outback offers impressive capability for rough terrain and inclement weather regardless of trim level. Plus, XT and Wilderness models get enhanced performance from a 2.4-liter turbo-four engine (260 hp, 277 lb-ft). RAV4 only offers standard AWD on its two specialty trims.

Safety and Technology: Outback and RAV4 both offer standard driver-assist technologies like collision mitigation, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control. However, Outback also comes standard with steering-adaptive LED headlights-a feature the RAV4 doesn't offer. Additionally, while both models have 7-inch touchscreens on their base trims, Outback equips an 11.6-inch display on all other models. RAV4's optional display is only 8 inches.

Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V

Space and Utility: While passenger and cargo measurements are similar between the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V, Outback offers 1.5 inches more legroom for front-seat passengers. Second-row passengers will enjoy 1.8 inches more shoulder room and 5.3 inches more hip room. Outback also offers standard raised roof rails, an available ladder-type roof rack (700lb static load limit), and a 3,500 max towing capacity when properly equipped. CR-V only offers basic roof rails on its top tier and a 1,500lb max towing limit.

Capability: Standard features like Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, X-MODE traction management, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance give Outback superior capability on and off the road. The CR-V only offers standard AWD on its top tier and isn't well-suited for leaving the asphalt.

Infotainment: Outback's base tier comes with dual 7-inch touchscreens and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. All other trims get an 11.6-inch touchscreen. The CR-V's base model has a plain five-inch display and no advanced smartphone integration. Other models get a 7-inch touchscreen, but there's no option for a larger display.

Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5

Capability: While both Outback and CX-5 come standard with AWD, Subaru's symmetrical system and X-MODE traction control give the Outback better capability on every road surface. The CX-5 isn't suited to venturing beyond paved roadways.

Space and Utility: While passenger accommodations are similar between these crossovers, the Outback provides appreciably more front legroom and front and rear shoulder room. Outback comes standard with raised roof rails (an optional package on CX-5), and its max cargo capacity (75.7) dwarfs the CX-5's (59.6). Plus, Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the CX-5 tops out at 2,000.

Feature Availability: Outback offers several amenities at lower price points than the Mazda CX-5, and many that aren't available anywhere in the CX-5 lineup. Notable examples include a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, adaptive headlights, navigation, a hands-free liftgate, heated rear seats, heated mirrors, and rear automatic braking.

Test-Drive a New Subaru Outback near Marlborough and Worcester

Reach out to Patrick Subaru today to learn more about the Subaru Outback's options, financing offers, and reservation opportunities. And if you'd like to see for yourself what elevates the Outback over the competition, we welcome you to visit us here in Shrewsbury for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.