2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness vs. Toyota RAV4 | Side-by-Side Comparison Review

[@keithlea6804]

Had a 23 Toyota rav 4 traded for a 24 Honda crv touring hybrid. After 9 months I traded for the 24 Subaru crosstrek wilderness and this is my forever car.

[@gerardhaines8119]

"....but you don't have the little fancy light that lights up to show you that it's excited and it wants to light up your path as you come near the vehicle ..." Thank you, I needed that. Great comparison review as always.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha, I’m glad you appreciated that random thought. Thanks again for watching!!

[@tah6746]

An option to opt out the the Infotainment System is what I am looking for. I do not want this potential complication or distraction in my Vehicle. I work in IT. I spend most of my day looking at a Screen. I do not want to be greeted with a Screen when I get into my Vehicle. I need a Screen Break. Also, A Ignition Key, Physical Parking Break not a electronic button, a Engine Oil Dip Stick, Physical Buttons for the Controls are things I am looking for. Less Complicated, Lighter Weight, Simpler more reliable Vehicle Design is what I want.

[@OrlandoORC]

I own a 2019 Limited 3.5 R. I’m glad I bought the last non turbo Outback.

[@2wheelsgood918]

@@OrlandoORC there are plenty of non-turbo Outbacks. Only the XT and Wilderness have the turbo. All others have the 2.5 naturally aspirated. And you’re overly worried about the turbo; they’re very reliable.

[@WatchTheJoeChannel]

You sold me on the Wilderness. I just have too wait for the superbowl pool next month.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha I figured you’d appreciate this video. That will be fun to look forward to. I still really like the OBW and knew for this Outback to RAV4 comparison I had to find a Wilderness. 😍

[@michelepuluti7807]

Great comparison! I’ve owned 4 RAV4’s and own an older Outback. They are both great vehicles. I’m considering a new Outback and I’m going to Twin Falls next week to drive a new Subaru. Thanks for your input! Good video!😊

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed liked it! That’s awesome, I’d recommend asking for one of the managers behind the big counter, reference the KZbin guy, and ask for the best deal they can offer! Best of luck.

[@Chubbydippin]

A comparison between a Rav4 trd offroad and a Forester Wilderness would be a interesting side by side.

[@george-ng5gj]

Love my outback wilderness

[@2wheelsgood918]

I really don’t think very many people cross-shop a RAV-4 with an Outback Wilderness. Maybe a Forester (non-Wilderness), but certainly not an OBW. The Subaru Wilderness line has a cultish following, whereas a RAV-4 is about the most uninspiring vehicle on the road.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I think you’re probably right. I was actually originally just going to find a similar 38k ish Outback example, but for that price most of them are Limited with leather seats and not a direct comparison. So I had a change of heart last second and grabbed a Blue Wilderness (also incase it’s the last time I drive one of these new and because I owned the Wilderness). Not a direct comparison but still fun and I was an individual who cross shopped from one to the other lol. 😝

[@Clickum]

I cross-shopped a RAV-4 with the OBW... OBW won.

[@2wheelsgood918]

@ So you wanted something that does more than just get groceries? 😉

[@minnybiker4505]

I cross shopped RAV4 and Outback. Wanted RAV4, Bought Outback due to driving position comfort.

[@wildbill23c]

I kind of agree with that, people aren't going to cross-shop a Rav-4 with a Subaru Outback I wouldn't think, especially the Wilderness models. The Wilderness is geared towards the outdoors camping hunting dogs in the car lifestyle. The Rav-4 is a grocery getter hatchback car with a little more ground clearance and optional AWD.

[@TrojanRabbit521]

Bought my wife a Forester Sport last year before they went to big screen. My impression is easy to use and what my brain calls a luxury level ride quality. It’s smooth over worst pavement or washboard dirt roads. Finally got to drive on snow. The Forester didn’t even notice the 6 inches of snow. We’re are very happy with it. Reliable, capable & affordable not much to complain about

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome, I’m glad you’re enjoying it! And very true, these things are a lot of fun in the snow haha.

[@gordon3988]

Like others have noted..not quite apple to apples, but both seem like great cars. My Toyotas of the past have always run with little or no issues for at least 10 years (easily). Outback is my favorite of these two however, but the wilderness model looks more like a Lego edition to me. You either like it or not it appears. Nice to have slightly more capability than the other models, though suspect few folks ever really need it as any model is a great soft roadster that surprises many. Quite like the Crosstrek as well…and actually don’t find the Wilderness edition quite as clunky looking. Appreciate the video!

[@danielroberto9183-w8j]

Really good review AA. I was glued to the screen watching your video. The Outback won't be around for much longer and those wanting one, they need to head to a Subie dealer pronto, prontísimo. I love it and not long ago i test drove one. Sure footed, solidly built, ergonomic and loaded with features. I forgot to say powerful. Sn excellent value before turning to pumpkin as the squarish, tall Outback is indeed coming. Rav4 is undisputed leader of the pack and will stay around longer than all mortals.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m really glad you enjoyed this one!! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

[@funnyguy8042]

I’m looking forward to hybrid Subarus.

[@lukeclifton4392]

Haven’t Subaru already done Hybrid and it was horrible?!… maybe they’ll start to use Toyotas hybrid?

[@Doc1855]

Don’t buy it for the first 2 years after Subaru starts putting in the RAV4 Hybrid system.

[@Doc1855]

⁠Yes Subaru will be using the Toyota RAV4 hybrid system, but Subaru is keeping the flat 4 banger.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Word on the street is some dealers have already been able to place orders for them. There’s 3 trim levels of the hybrid and ETA could be April. 🤪

[@jeffer1101]

@@lukeclifton4392 Their previous system was a mild hybrid that didn't really do much in terms of fuel savings. The new systems are a joint venture with Toyota so they will be using Toyota's system but adapter to Subaru's boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD system. The new system will provide additional power (likely around 219hp, same as RAV4 Hybrid) as well as use much less fuel (unlike the previous hybrid system, which didn't save much fuel).

[@donnymac575]

I went with the subaru outback touring xt for my wife. If I buy another car it will be a subaru 😊

[@oldfordman68]

I'm currently driving a 2023 outback XT and its a awesome vehicle however I find the infotainment system to be more distracting than talking on a cell phone

[@deltabravo1257]

Your videos are so much better than other auto channels because you don’t make stuff up as you go and throw words into sentences that don’t belong. When other people doing car videos run out of stuff to say, or lose their train of thought, they throw completely pointless and random words mid sentence, which makes it obvious they are running out of talking points. I had no idea the Outback had a HUD. Is that only on the Wilderness? My brother has a 2023 TRD RAV4. He likes it. I still own a 2013 Crosstrek that I’ve had since 2017. I’d like something different, but the older I get, the more frugal I become with my money…. What that means is I am finding it hard to justify a newer vehicle when my Crosstrek does the job. My gut feeling is that the Camo Subaru that people discovered a few months ago is a new Ascent. It’s due for a redesign it seems. If I bought a new(er) vehicle, I’d probably go for and OBW. The longer wheelbase compared to a Crosstrek would work better in the Spokane snow.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for saying this and I really appreciate you deciding to watch my videos! Unless it’s a dedicated single car review I often think I go off script too much in these side-by-side or driving only impression videos lol. There’s just a lot that I want to share I guess. It would be pretty funny if the camo Subaru really is the Ascent and our speculations on the Outback are all wrong. I can say those who have seen it at the Subaru events say it looks really good but I guess only time will tell. Often we don’t like change, and then the new thing grows on us. I’m hoping Subaru has something really cool in store for the next gen Outback because these are great cars.

[@robertrousseaux1059]

Crosstrek to Rav Hybrids ,but the RAV Prime it rock .

[@charlesharnois3684]

I like them both, on my 2nd Subaru outback, will be replacing it at some point, a friend just got a new rav. Going to be a tough choice i really like the Toyota! Never had a problem with the cvt in either of my subies change the fluid every 50 thousand miles thanks for your excellent video!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That is a tough choice, but honestly unless someone gets a lemon I don’t think they can go wrong either way! Thanks for watching!!

[@WCTubeful]

Nice for the rugged roomy and top mount oil filter as well as a full size spare for the Outback. I can do oil change myself. On the other hand, a good Toyota hybrid system on the RAV4 is a plus. Only if the price for the Outback goes down a little bit more then I would take it.

[@ivandragomiloff2356]

Bought an Outback Wilderness today…traded in Forester Wilderness. Outback more refined, less bumpy and noisy. Both cars are great, family just preferred the larger Outback.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Congrats on the new ride!!

[@bobknight6394]

You never talk about the wheel base length of the vehicles... makes a big difference !!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

9’ in the Outback and 8.83’ in the RAV4. Haha there was also a lot of other information I meant to share but I ended up just winging a lot of this video and not staying on point like I set out to do. 🤪

[@BlueySubie]

Hey thanks for this comparison! I would get the Subaru OBW over the Rav4. I just love Subaru and the ones I have owned were always good vehicles.

[@fwood1231]

Traded my’21 RAV4 Hybrid for the ‘25 Subaru Touring XT. Only have about 2k miles on the XT so far vs 40k for the RAV4. My opinion is the Subaru is more comfortable, quieter and more stable than the RAV4. And while the Subaru gas mileage isn’t terrible, I do appreciate the mileage that the RAV4 H gave me (25.7 mpg over 2k miles vs 43.5 mpg over 43k miles). Both are good vehicles but the Subaru just feels (very subjective) better and more secure. The adaptive cruise control is better on the Subaru and is easier to use. The infotainment system of the Subaru is distracting at times, especially with the climate controls. And the Eye Sight system on the Subaru is a bit buggy. No vehicle is perfect but the Subaru has more pluses the Rav4 in my opinion.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you for sharing this summary of your ownership experience and how a few of those systems work in your opinion!! Best of luck with your sweet new Touring XT!

[@Doc1855]

My wife and I are going to go test drive a Crown Signia today. The sales manager at Toyota goes to the same church as us, so I had to get his permission for us to drive it to our house so my wife can see how well the AWD system is coming up our very snowy and compacted snow road. At times my wife has to put her Outback into X mode just to get up our road and into our garage. Likewise, I have to put my Tacoma TRD into 4WD to get up our road when turning off the county road during this time of the year. After we’re finished with the test drive, I’ll be installing Leather seat covers in my wife’s Outback that I bought for her car for Christmas. … Can you guess what color they are NOT 🤪 And yes they’re a 2 tone Leather.

[@27Zangle]

My local Subaru dealer will let you take any car home for the weekend before buying. They have a ton of cars for every model and trim for this reason. They use them as loaners when cars are in shops in addition to this purpose. I think its a great idea to throw a couple hundered miles on a car for the cost of fuel. Some times a small test drive or two is not enough.

[@Doc1855]

@ That’s awesome. Our local Subaru Stealership won’t even let you test drive one of their Subie’s unless you plan on buying it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha, that sounds like it’s going to be a fun test drive. If you don’t mind report back how well it did (on factory tires) compared to your Outback!! Also, which one does better getting up the driveway the Tacoma or Subaru? When I had my 3rd Gen Tacoma even on severe weather ATs it did not do as well as my first Subaru.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Good for them (and their customers) I absolutely agree the longer you have with a car to not be so distracted by the newness of it the better you’ll be when making such a big decision.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s crazy, they’re Subarus lol. Not supercars. 🤦‍♂️

[@Melvin-belvin]

I have a ‘22 Outback wilderness. I love it. Would I buy it again? Probably not. The one thing i absolutely hate is the CVT. It’s constantly “hunting for gears” even if there are none.

[@coryricci301]

What about wind noise? A very common complaint with the rav4 is the noise inside the cabin

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

The wind noise is probably noticeably worse in the RAV4. I’ll likely share a driving comparison of these two cars soon and it will include wind noise, windows down, and basic decibel measurements. Thanks for watching!!

[@billmcmeekin7909]

We bought a Rav Limited as I didn't like the hybrid all wheel drive set up. We had a CRV, but had to go hybrid if we went touring in new model. So we got one of the last Toyota ICE machines, lol. Looking to have the reliability and traction.

[@ZzmaerD]

Don't really understand the hate around Subaru's CVT. My 2012 Impreza with 260k miles still with the original CVT running excellent as it did day 1. It all comes to doing regular maintenance and following Subaru's book on when to do the CVT maintenance on it. I now have a 23 OBW and plan on handing over my Impreza keys to my parents. This will be their first ever awd vehicle and a good one. Maybe I'm the lucky few with the CVT?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for sharing this!! 260k miles on the stock CVT is a great to hear. I think a lot of Subaru owners just don’t put that many miles on them so they’re unsure how the powertrain components will age. 🤷‍♂️🧐

[@wildbill23c]

Most of the hate I think comes from people who never property maintain their vehicles in general. So the CVT was an issue because they never bothered to have it serviced as required...and it don't help that dealership like to claim their fluids never need changed in the transmissions...Toyota loves to play this game too. If you read the service manual you'll find the manufacturer actually recommends service intervals of around 30-60 thousand miles depending on driving style, vehicle, transmission, etc. I think Subaru says around the 30-40 thousand mile range for their CVT services.

[@keystonedaytrip238]

The hate is from people who are just regurgitating 2nd hand information they’re hearing or seeing on the internet - not people with actual real world experience.

[@wildbill23c]

@@keystonedaytrip238 Most of it is also people that have never actually driven anything with a CVT so they just think they're all bad because a few CVT's had issues, but the issues were never really fully addressed as in the issues were caused by people neglecting maintenance not really an issue with the CVT itself rather just people skipping the maintenance.

[@lukeclifton4392]

These were both on the top of my list when I bought a vehicle a month ago… however I quickly settled with the RAV4. The Subaru having a traditional CVT was a negative for me, but the absolute killer for the Subaru was just the fit and finish quality EVERYWHERE!! From the switch gear, seat upholstery and spare wheel well… into the engine bay trim, it’s all done to a “bare minimum” cost. The rav4 is much better. It almost feels as though Toyota took a Lexus NH and “downgraded” it to Toyota spec. I get that the rav4 probably isn’t as capable AWD wise as the Subaru, but it absolutely runs rings around it in every other aspect.

[@vadimbenes]

Funny enough I have totally contradictory experience. While Outback has some of the best interior quality I have ever seen (both build and materials) everything I have experienced from Toyota within last,say, 10 years was a huge disappointment-cost cutting absolutely everywhere, super poor build quality, absolutely no sound proofing...worth notice thought that im driving Japan made Outback and most of the Toyotas i have experience with were made in UK.

[@angrybeavers1175]

Well with that cvt subaru ranked more reliable than honda and toyota this year.

[@tails300]

@@angrybeavers1175it’s not because Subaru’s drive trains allowed it to gain and advantage in Consumer Reports ratings. It’s because of the Tundra’s and Tacoma’s recent drive train issues lowering Toyota’s overall rating (Subaru hasn’t updated there power trains in over a decade and were problematic in the beginning too), if that hadn’t happened Subaru wouldn’t be where it is now. The the CVT it’s not as reliable as an eCVT from Toyota or Honda, if we’re comparing mechanical simplicity eCVTs have many less moving parts (and aren’t even transmissions in the traditional sense) that’s just a fact based how they work.

[@jeffweier4824]

Agree 100%

[@rodrigoroaduterte9415]

@@vadimbenes, UK is on the edge of death. No wonder their build quality reflects the overall state of the country. If you want a good quality Japanese vehicle - buy a Japan made one.

[@TJDawgs72]

I bought the 24 Crosstrek Wilderness and was looking at the Rav4 as well, mainly because of the Hybrid option. Fell in love with CTW as soon as I drove it. I just wish they would get rid of that terrible Gold trim on the roof rack and bumbers...lol

[@justinvansoest7557]

I’m curious if you considered RAV4 Prime (or plug in), and why you chose hybrid over it? And between RAV4 hybrid and OBW, which is quieter at highway cruise? Thanks so much for a great series of videos!!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I didn’t consider that PHEV just because they’re expensive, very hard to find, and less relevant to more people than the Hybrid and I wanted to experience a basic hybrid before getting deeper into the electric world. I think they’re similar, I’ve heard from viewers that some people think one is more quiet and others have disagreed so idk, lol. I’ve never done decibel testing but I think they’re pretty similar. I’m not sensitive enough (yet) to road noise to think there’s a big difference or that one isn’t livable. Also I use to own a soft top Miata so these cars are quite compared to that haha. Best of luck and thanks for watching!! I have a few more videos like this that will be made public soon!

[@neilquinn]

Cablegate still makes me nervous on any hybrid rav4. I kind of want to see what they do in 2026.

[@scottyd3138]

Yeah cablegate is stressing me out, since I live in a heavy salt area of Canada

[@rockymountainjazzfan1822]

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid "CVT" is not really a conventional CVT--it is a planetary gear transmission and, yes, it is super-reliable. Other than the name, the Subaru CVT and the Toyota hybrid e-CVT transmissions have nothing in common mechanically. The RAV4 Hybrid is not really an AWD vehicle. It is a front-wheel-drive hybrid vehicle with an electric motor powering the rear wheels on demand--that electric motor is only useful for getting the vehicle moving in slick conditions. If one is using the vehicle is arduous winter driving conditions or in mild off-road conditions, the Subaru is the only real choice here. I can't speak for the Subaru, but the RAV4 Hybrid is a noisy vehicle inside. I like Toyotas and have a Toyota hybrid which has been completely economical and reliable for over a decade. That said, I would buy the Subaru Outback Wilderness for its expanded winter driving and mild off-road abilities.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for summarizing this all so well! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the hybrid and I think you’ll also really like the Outback!

[@williamstevenson8518]

I'd like to see an Outback Base vs Rav4 LE comparison.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That would be a fun comparison! I think I filmed a 2023 Base a couple years ago, but I don’t often see LE Toyotas.

[@dondilley5075]

Any problem with oil consumption with your Subarus.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Nope, none of our have had that issue. I don’t think it’s any more commons on the forums than any other car platform these days. Best of luck!

[@Wedgetail96]

Thanks for this, these are the exact two vehicles I’m considering at the moment. We don’t get the Wilderness in Australia 🇦🇺, so it would be the Touring XT, or Sport XT. With your Subaru knowledge, do any have the USB socket on the ceiling console for a dash cam? Some car makers now have this, but car reviewers ( in general) never reference it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Those are exciting options you’re looking at!! And about the USBs, not that I know of, but the Australian version may have features that ours do not. Thanks for watching from across the planet!!

[@paulweylandgolf]

I understand the Rave 4 Outback is no longer making the off road they replaced it with the Woodland Is that true ? The Woodland has a lot less ground clearance than the Subaru wilderness.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I think that’s true, at least for the U.S. market.

[@DanielAcostaAZ]

For the price of the OBW you can get an Ascent, same drivetrain and mileage, much larger and more comfortable car. We currently have an Outback 2.5 and an Ascent.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Which one do you prefer to drive? Thanks for watching!!

[@johnnyrocket6588]

I hate the ascent, sold mine as quick as I could after a few years to get an outback.

[@DanielAcostaAZ]

@ they're both great, but if we could only have one it would be the Ascent for sure.

[@laura-ann.0726]

I had a 2014 Outback and now own a 2023 Rav4 Prime. It's not really fair to compare them against each other - in the 9 years separating them, Toyota made huge development strides in the Hybrid powertrain, but here's my takeaway: 1. Ride quality: The Subaru felt stiff and awkward to drive. It had a manual transmission, and the power steering took a lot of effort, as if the pump wasn't delivering enough boost to the steering rack. Even though the Rav4 Prime is 400 pounds heavier, it feels lighter, since the electric power steering is almost effortless, yet very precise. The Rav4's powertrain is quieter too, until the engine revs past 3200 rpm, at which point both the Subaru and Toyota engines get pretty loud. 2. Economy: By today's standards, my Outback got terrible fuel economy, about 25 mpg, compared to 75 mpg-E which I'm getting in my Rav4 (45 mpg on long road trips). The Subaru also burned oil, about 1 quart every 1,000 miles. The Rav4 doesn't burn any oil at all between 5,000 mile oil changes. 3. Utility as a tow vehicle: Neither vehicle has a clear advantage: The Rav4 Prime can tow 2,500 pounds, and my Outback could handle about the same. If you need to tow a trailer, get a Tacoma or 4-Runner; CSUV's with unibody chassis are never the best choice for towing trailers, you need a truck with a ladder frame and rear-wheel drive to tow anything heavier than the very smallest utility trailers. 4. Carrying capacity: Interior volume of both vehicles about the same. Seating for 3 kids or 2 adults in the back seat of both. Maximum length/width/height for bulky cargo items about the same. Neither vehicle was wide enough to carry a full sheet of plywood; you still need a full-size pickup truck or van for that task. 5. Backing up a driveway into a garage: The Rav4 Prime is the clear winner by a huge margin: with it's 180 horsepower primary electric motor drive, the Rav4 Prime can climb steep driveways effortlessly under perfect control, at 1 mph or even less. The Subaru was terrible at this, because the 1st and reverse gears simply didn't have a low enough gearing ratio. To be honest, no gasoline car I've ever owned, in 50 years of having a driver's license, could beat a Toyota Hybrid (or any EV or PHEV, really) for ease of backing into a garage up a steep driveway. Would I ever consider an Outback again? Probably not. The oil consumption problem is generic to the Subaru boxer engine. The company has known about this issue for at least 30 years and they seem unable to fix it. By the time they get 50,000 miles on them, almost all Subaru cars are burning a quart of oil for every 2 or 3 fuel fill-ups.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

This is a great write up of your experiences, thank you for sharing it here!!

[@tuan056585]

The interior of the Outback is much nicer than the RAV4's.

[@niuhuskieguy]

Counter point on the key, the Toyota might fit better in the pocket, but the Subaru feels far more substantial.

[@danrodriguez-1718]

Thanks for the video. I think you’re missing your Subaru. Maybe you should get the new outback hybrid in a couple of years.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha I think you’re right. But it’s still nice to have a change! I’m sure in a couple years I’ll be back in a Subaru as my daily driver. Maybe I’ll start jumping around between CUVs more often to get even more real world testing out of them because it’s been fun to do that with the Toyota.

[@va52pc]

I had rav4 hybrid and crv hybrid, currently 2025 forester and the solterra, now waiting for Subaru PHEV

[@neilquinn]

Do you prefer your rav4 or crv?

[@va52pc]

@neilquinn rav4 over the crv, wife get car sick with Honda.

[@AmboyChamblis]

Both are excellent- I prefer the Subaru...

[@fallguy4209]

The torque figure of the rav4 hybrid is 252lb. And the Toyota ecvt is not a cvt it just operates as one.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for sharing this! Where did you see that 252 is the torque output??

[@gahvno]

Did he say there was a spot for our gun or was it gum? Both, please! 😂

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha 😉

[@speedgtr1958]

Full redesign is coming for Outback for 2026. Anybody buying new one should wait if you care about having upgraded infotainment system and maybe full digital dashboard and electronic shifter and maybe more room inside.

[@thetank14141414]

And likely less reliable. The current model is pretty reliable.

[@topofthegreen]

I’d bet on the Subaru, hybrid battery’s are expensive when they die. The Toyota AWD system can overheat and shutdown.

[@billyrock8305]

All new redesigned 2026 Subaru arriving in months. - All new boxer SUV design - Hybrid engines - Massive fuel economy increase - More physical buttons - Improved infotainment/electronics - 3 trim levels - Shipping in May Subaru infotainment is brutal and distracting. It’s dangerous. Worse than texting on a phone while driving. Also, windows lock up and won’t fully close in the cold, the dealer has no idea how to resolve the issue and simply lubricates them. 👮🏿

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for sharing this!! I’ve also heard the Forester Hybrids will start being delivered in April if all goes as planned. And there’s 3 trim levels.

[@JayBD626]

Wonder if dealer will still accept orders for a 2025?

[@billyrock8305]

@ Yes

[@ivandragomiloff2356]

Prefer the 2025 Outback, more discounts already, plus all the bugs are worked out.

[@helios_gt]

Outback - Forester - Ascent for offroad and long trips.... Rav4 hybrid or Mazda CX50 hybrid for city- suburb....

[@chrisb9478]

This is no contest. The Outback Wilderness is faster & larger. Not really same class. RAV4 compares to Forester. Both great companies.

[@bd103dall]

Agreed

[@philipeli1192]

The Toyota does not have a cvt,its just a set of gears,super reliable,best transmission Toyota makes!

[@ssssssss6889]

The main difference to me is that the Subaru is lifted car and the Toyota an SUV from scratch. I prefer the Subaru.

[@dhrtiwalter8670]

I’ll stick with Subaru

[@davekrauser7070]

That's funny he thinks 3 years is a long time to own a car. Folks who don't drive toyotas for 10 years or 200k miles are wasting their money. We just traded our Forester for a rav4 hybrid se. Lost a huge amount on the 2018 subaru. The technology upgrade was huge. 500 mile range on one tank in the total. Rav4 was built of the Camery and that says a lot.

[@OlTrailDog]

I've had three Tacomas that have been very good small trucks to back up my full size diesel trucks. My sister has a Rav 4 that has the proverbial low mileage major oil consumption issue due to poor ring design. She is in her mid 70s on a fixed income and now has to eat a Toyota caused major problem. Make me sick. My wife loved her Subaru Outbacks with manual transmissions; fantastic cars for Montana winters.

[@goni274]

Gas mileage differential, initial cost, less depreciation, win RAV4. In Canada a one year wait for a 25 Rav, 26 Rav a two year wait. Win Subaru if you can find the old model 25 Subbie that is! I’ll stick to my 23 CRV EX-L! I have questions about any oil dillusion though and the turbo long term. G n

[@coastalbeer]

Toyota makes a better product than all the rest.

[@jaycomber4154]

Compare it with rav trd

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good idea. If I can find a TRD before the current gen OBW is out of production I’ll definitely consider it!

[@timflaherty2731]

Have owned both vehicles. Definitely prefer the Outback, but the Outback's backup camera is shockingly bad. But the Rav 4 headlights are the worst I have ever had in a vehicle.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

What year was your Toyota? I think the refreshed headlights on the RAV4 are fairly similar to the Outback I had. I have a night time review of each vehicle.

[@timflaherty2731]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 2019

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

apples and oranges comparison,better comparison rav4,forester

[@jeffweier4824]

Putting aside the comparison for a minute the problem for Subaru is that Toyota benefits financially from every and any Subaru sold. This is a fact because it has a little over 20% ownership of Subaru. If Subaru ends up using Toyota Hybrid technology, this will also come at a cost and it will most likely meanToyota's ownership stake percentage in Subaru will increase yet again. Sad but unfortunately true.

[@damianandriver]

lol are you trading the rav4? ;)

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha no. 😅 I still stand by the decision to experience a change for a while. It’s just refreshing to have a new experience. Especially when I’m sure at some point I’ll buy another Subaru and we have the Forester in the garage for the time being.🤪

[@briandavis8139]

Love our 24 Wilderness and our 6th Subaru

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome, I’m glad you’re enjoying it!

[@2wheelsgood918]

My ‘25 OBW is my 9th Subaru! Yikes!

[@kevinb2844]

Subaru are already borderline pricey…. I’m afraid when they bring the Hybrids out they’re just gonna be too expensive….that being said…I would absolutely love a true awd hybrid

[@wildbill23c]

I'd take the lower fuel economy for a better AWD system in the Subaru. When you live in an area where you never know from year to year what kind of snow accumulation you are going to have I'd rather have the more dependable competent AWD system from Subaru. I currently have a 2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 with the 3.7L V6..if I get 19mpg on the highway that's about all its got. The 4WD system in my Liberty has both full time and part time 4WD modes does great in the snow but the somewhat dismal fuel economy is the major negative for it. Toyota might have a better power train to a point, but their vehicles in general are very boring and outdated compared to other brands. Their quality control and reliability has suffered in recent years making them less appealing to potential previous Toyota owners. A lot of reliability issues also boil down to how the vehicle was maintained and driven...a lot of complaints are from people who never bothered to service their vehicle like it should have been, and skip every bit of maintenance they can thinking they're saving money....well if they change cars as often as they do clothes sure they don't care because they won't have the vehicle long enough to see what that neglect and abuse does to a vehicle. The Subaru Outback Wilderness looks good and unlike other brands the Wilderness model does add several offroad features, its not just badges like Toyota for example has done with the TRD stickers.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Great summary, and knowing you want an OBW I figured you’d appreciate this video! 😉

[@wildbill23c]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Very much appreciated, thanks. I've had a couple Toyota vehicles and have driven others too they're lineup of vehicles is boring to me LOL. The Subaru is something totally different at least for me.

[@larrycummings7300]

We have an Outback and a RAV4.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That sounds like a fun garage! Which one do you guys usually like to take out more often?

[@davep2945]

I own a Crosstrek, my mom owns an Outback. I rented a RAV4 for a few days over the holidays because I thought I'd see what all the fuss was about because it would be a mix of city and road trip driving and I am in the market for a new car. Well, I may or may not buy another Subaru but there is no way on Earth I would buy the RAV4. It was terrible in pretty much every way. How Toyota sells 500 of them a year much less nearly 500K is beyond me. I guess people just don't cross shop and love Toyota so they blindly go buy one and then another. Of course, the go to alternative for most people in the maybe not Toyota this time mindset is the CR-V and that's pretty bad, too. Anyway, I know Toyota people will chime in about reliability but as the first owner they aren't keeping it for 250,000 miles and almost every car out there will last the 70 or 80 thousand miles most initial buyers keep their cars for. Besides that My Crosstrek has 202,000 miles on it. My mom's Outback has 167,000 miles. My last two Nissans before my Crosstrek had 198,000 and 217,000 miles on them. Heck, even my ex girl friends old Dodge Caravan had 231,000 miles on it. So Toyota isn't the only brand that builds reliable cars. But it does seem like the buyers of Toyotas are more conservative in their driving styles and more diligent about maintenance which helps far more than brand name.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha well said! I’m glad you gave one a try without the long term commitment. I’ve mentioned on a few of my previous videos that this RAV4 is not an upgrade, but that it’s a change I just wanted to make. In part to also experience the fuss. But I like it enough to keep for a while because I’ve to some extent been in the camp of liking Toyota’s because of what they use to be. But also their lack of value is why I sold my last Tacoma and moved over to a Crosstrek back in 2019. 🤪

[@davep2945]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Yeah, it's all opinion and preference so I might have come on a little strong there. People like what they like and a lot of folks like the RAV4. But I do wonder if they cross shopped much of the competition. Heck, if they were honest about how long they were really going to keep the car instead of pretending they will drive it to the wheels fall off then almost every vehicle in the category is reliable enough to be up fro grabs. And renting any car you are thinking about buying is a great way to spend a few unhurried days getting to know if you really like it or if it's just the rush of something new and the pressure of the salesman leading you towards the purchase. I know folks will say, but it costs money to rent. Yep, but it's a lot cheaper than buying a 35K car, hating it, and then trading it upside down a year or two later for something you really wanted.

[@BiagioOliverio-c7t]

You’re comparing a outback made for off road and the RAV 4 design for gas mileage , make no sense

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yup, lol. I actually originally intended to film a loaded Premium or mild Limited to have a similarly priced Outback to the RAV4. But last minute decided to swap it out for the Wilderness. 🤪 This video is more about the physical model and less about the specific trim level being compared, even if I didn’t ultimately make it sound that way. 😅

[@yardboy3955]

Wilderness with turbo for me.

[@wildbill23c]

I'm thinking this too for my next car is the Outback Wilderness. Kind of hesitant on a vehicle with a turbo though, but who knows, might be a great option. I keep my vehicles for a long time, so hopefully it'll hold up with keeping up with the maintenance that's recommended.

[@fallguy4209]

That Subaru sucks doing spark plug charges and other main components

[@TomL3grandsons]

If you keep your cars for a long time buy a RAV4 or a non turbocharged Subaru.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s great advice!

[@donswier]

Twin Falls!! ☺️👍 We drove thru your town last week (all the way from Tacoma to Phoenix Arizona 😳). Will confirm that 87 year olds can drive triple digits in a Forester through rural Nevada. (I rode shotgun with my snowbird folks). Subie's flat 4 and 10 year-old CVT have handled 140k just fine. Really enjoying your real-life videos!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Hahaha that’s awesome, thanks for confirming this. Safe travels and thanks for watching!!

[@brianklamer3328]

Engine and transmission from the Rav4 will outlast the Subaru with lower maintenance. .

[@MaxPayne.vol1]

Didnt like the front bumper Outback. Looks so ugly...

[@brahsumatra]

I work for Toyota and drive a 25 Outback Wilderness because the RAV4 is meh.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha nice!

[@poivre22]

Why anybody would get a new vehicle every 3 years is beyond me. Just burning money.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha yeah you’re right. It’s the main thing I splurge on. I use to drive over 30k miles a year with work and having had a few trannies and an engine fail I care less about the depreciation on new cars than the peace of mind it buys. 🤪

[@windycityrebel]

I have a 2025 Outback Wilderness and i love it.Sorry but the Toyota is nowhere near as nice as the Wilderness,.

[@Redhawk24]

RAV4. More horsepower, torque, better gas mileage, no CVT, more reliable. Easy choice.

[@bd103dall]

Far less HP and Torque. They are comparing the wilderness, not the base.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I was originally going to find a similarly priced Outback to compare to the RAV4, then decided “nah, let’s just use a Wilderness” lol. But my point in this video beyond showing side by side the vehicles I actually owned was more just for the side by side of the basic models. Since Toyota and Subaru each offer over half a dozen of each in trim levels. 🤪

[@JG-ef4ut]

I just bought the RAV4 hybrid--couldn’t be happier about my decision

[@garygeorge9648]

@@JG-ef4ut Enjoy all the noise that comes with it. Mine is so loud.

[@angrybeavers1175]

Wrong subaru was ranked more reliable than toyota and honda recently look it up for yourself.

[@rodrigoroaduterte9415]

Towing with a CVT is a weird decision.

[@garygeorge9648]

Traded in my Outback for a RAV4 hybrid. The Outback seats sucked and was underpowered. The RAV4 seats I think are the same ones. Outback has more room and worse gas milage. Both drive about the same. If the wilderness has better seats and was about $5 grand cheaper, I would think about it. EDIT: RAV4 Hybrid's biggest downfall is it is the nosiest vehicle I have ever owned outside of my Wrangler and it is close!

[@steviedee71]

Toyota over Subaru every time

[@garygeorge9648]

You do know they share a lot of mechanicals and equipment. Both of their EV's are the same care with different exteriors.

[@fogsmart]

Too bad Subaru has recently been such a huge disappointment.

[@loneranger2385]

Subaru number 1 in quality according to Consumers Report this year. Sales up 16%

[@alexanderh.999]

I don't even have to watch this video and I can tell you the Wilderness is the better car.