Comparing the Subaru Crosstrek vs. Toyota Rav4: Which is the Best SUV for You?

The Subaru Crosstrek and the Toyota Rav4 feature similar off-road capabilities and fuel efficiency, but the Crosstrek is more affordable and has more cargo space.

Compare Subaru Crosstrek And Toyota Rav4

The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Rav4 are both sporty crossover SUVs that are mainstays in the automotive industry. But when it comes to choosing between them, which one is right for you? Let’s compare these two vehicles and take a look at their key differences.

The Subaru Crosstrek, unlike its rivals, offers impressive performance. It comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, so you can take it off the beaten path with confidence. The vehicle also features a 148 horsepower engine and is available with either a manual or automatic transmission for better fuel economy or smoother shifting, depending on your preference.

On the other hand, the Toyota Rav4 gets favourable reviews for its excellent fuel economy. While not as powerful as the Crosstrek, it has slightly more ground clearance than its counterpart at 8.4 inches. The combination of front-wheel drive and stop-start technology allows you to enjoy great efficiency on your daily commutes while still being able to tackle off-roading adventures too. This versatile vehicle is also equipped with a 203 horsepower engine which allows it to be both practical & dynamic at the same time.

All in all, both crossovers provide an array of different specs and features that appeal to different types of drivers – making it hard to pick just one! If you need a capable off-roader that excels in power yet retains respectable fuel efficiency, then the Crosstrek is likely your answer. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a more economical SUV with good performance capabilities, then go with the Rav4 likely best suits your needs! Whichever option you choose in the end, you won’t run out of features or flexibility when exploring either model!

Design Comparisons- Exterior

The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Rav4 both have attractive exterior designs that are sure to turn heads. The Subaru Crosstrek is a bit more rugged and has bolder lines, while the Toyota Rav4 is sleeker and more aerodynamic. The Crosstrek offers a variety of colors, as well as several optional features like roof rails and a power moonroof. The Rav4 also offers an array of colors, plus LED headlights and taillights. Both vehicles offer alloy wheels in various sizes and styles.

Design Comparisons- Interior

The interior of the Subaru Crosstrek is stylish and modern, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike. It features comfortable seating for five, plus ample storage spaces throughout the cabin. The Toyota Rav4 also has an attractive interior design, with an intuitively laid out dashboard, plus plenty of high-tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Both vehicles offer ample legroom in the front seats, as well as plenty of headroom in the rear seats.

Performance Capabilities- Acceleration

The Subaru Crosstrek offers impressive acceleration thanks to its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to provide smooth shifting between gears while keeping fuel economy in check. The Toyota Rav4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy.

Performance Capabilities – Fuel Economy

In terms of fuel economy, the Subaru Crosstrek offers an EPA estimated 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway/30 mpg combined** when equipped with its CVT transmission*. The Toyota Rav4 offers slightly better EPA estimated ratings at 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined** when equipped with its 8-speed automatic transmission*.

Safety Ratings – Crash Tests Ratings

Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Rav4 offer excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Crosstrek earned five stars overall in crash tests conducted by NHTSA while the Rav4 earned four stars overall in crash tests conducted by NHTSA*. In addition to crash test ratings both vehicles offer a variety of standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist systems, blind spot monitoring systems, pre-collision warning systems and rear cross traffic alert systems*.

Safety Ratings – Safety Features

In addition to their impressive crash test ratings both vehicles come standard with a variety of advanced safety features designed to help keep you safe on the road such as adaptive cruise control*, lane keep assist*, blind spot monitoring*, pre collision warning* systems*and rear cross traffic alert* systems*. Both models also offer optional safety features such as automated emergency braking*with pedestrian detection*, lane departure warning*and lane centering assist.*

Interior Comfort And Technology – Seating Capacity

The Subaru Crosstrek is capable of seating up to five passengers comfortably thanks to its spacious cabin design which includes generous headroom front and back along with ample legroom front and back making it great for long trips or family outings.* The Toyota Rav4 can also seat up to five passengers but due to its slightly smaller cabin design it may not be quite as comfortable on long trips or family outings.*

Interior Comfort And Technology – Entertainment Options


Both vehicles offer plenty of entertainment options for you and your passengers including SiriusXM Satellite Radio*, HD Radio*, Apple CarPlay*, Android Auto*and Amazon Alexa integration*. Music lovers will enjoy listening to their favorite tunes through either vehicles high quality audio system which can be controlled through either vehicles intuitive infotainment system display screen or via voice command using either vehicles integrated voice recognition software.*

Warranties And Maintenance Costs – Length Of Warranty Coverage


Both vehicle models come standard with comprehensive warranties that offer coverage for three years or 36000 miles whichever comes first.* Additionally both models come standard with powertrain warranties that provide coverage for five years or 60000 miles whichever comes first.*

Warranties And Maintenance Costs – Service And Parts Cost

. Service costs vary from dealer to dealer so its important to do your research before committing to any particular dealership or repair shop for maintenance services on either model.* Additionally both models require regular oil changes every 5000 miles which can add up over time if youre not careful about scheduling regular maintenance visits*.

Cargo Space Versatility

The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Rav4 both offer impressive cargo space versatility. The Crosstrek comes with a standard 60/40 split folding rear seat, allowing drivers to create additional cargo space when needed. The Rav4 also has a standard 60/40 split folding rear seat, but also offers an optional power-folding rear seat that allows drivers to easily fold the rear seats down with the push of a button. Both vehicles also come with plenty of cargo storage options, including an underfloor storage area and tie-down hooks in the cargo area to keep items secure while driving. Optional upgrades for both vehicles include roof racks and crossbars, allowing drivers to use their vehicles for recreational activities such as kayaking or camping.

Reliability Ratings

Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Rav4 have excellent reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and other sources. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from Consumer Reports, while the 2021 Toyota Rav4 earned an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars from Consumer Reports. Both vehicles have strong engine designs and well-made interiors that help them stand up to daily wear and tear. The best way to maintain reliability over time is to follow a regular preventive maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer. This will help ensure that your vehicle stays in peak condition for years to come.

Cost of Ownership

When it comes to cost of ownership, the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Rav4 both offer similar value for money. The initial purchase price for both vehicles is relatively affordable, with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek starting at around $22,000 and the 2021 Toyota Rav4 starting at around $25,000. However, long term operating costs can vary significantly between these two models because they use different engines and transmissions systems that require different types of maintenance over time.

Driving Experiences

The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Rav4 are both great vehicles when it comes to driving experiences. Both cars offer good road noise levels that make them more comfortable during long trips or city driving alike. When it comes to handling responsiveness, the Subaru Crosstrek has an edge due its lower center of gravity which gives it better handling in tight corners or winding roads compared to its competitors like the Toyota Rav4

FAQ & Answers

Q: How does the Subaru Crosstrek compare to the Toyota Rav4 in terms of design?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a more modern and rugged look than the Toyota Rav4, with its distinctive hexagonal grille and flared wheel arches. The interior of the Crosstrek is also designed to be more comfortable, with supportive seating and an intuitive dashboard layout.

Q: What are the performance capabilities of these two vehicles?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek is equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower, while the Toyota Rav4 comes with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower. Both vehicles offer good fuel economy, with the Crosstrek offering an estimated 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving and the Rav4 offering an estimated 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Q: What kind of safety ratings do these vehicles have?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has earned a 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Toyota Rav4 has earned a 4-star rating from NHTSA. Both vehicles offer advanced safety features such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Q: What kind of interior comfort and technology do these vehicles offer?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek offers comfortable seating for five passengers, as well as a variety of entertainment options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth phone connectivity, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio capability. The Toyota Rav4 also offers comfortable seating for five passengers as well as similar entertainment options including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth phone connectivity, HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio capability.

Q: What kind of warranties do these two vehicles come with?
A: Both vehicles come with a three-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, both vehicles offer extended warranties for up to seven years or 100,000 miles depending on your individual needs.

The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Rav4 are two of the most popular small SUV’s on the market. Both offer great value, excellent fuel economy and reliable performance. The Crosstrek has a slightly more rugged design and is better suited for off-roading, while the Rav4 offers more interior space and a smoother ride. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget as to which one is best for you.

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