What To Know
- The Crosstrek Wilderness features a rugged and sporty design, while the RAV4 has a more refined and upscale feel.
- However, the Crosstrek Wilderness comes standard with a number of off-road features that are not available on the RAV4, such as a hill descent control system and a water-resistant interior.
- The Crosstrek Wilderness is the more rugged and capable off-road vehicle, while the RAV4 offers a more refined and fuel-efficient driving experience.
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and Toyota RAV4 are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles offer a rugged design, all-wheel drive, and plenty of ground clearance for off-road adventures. But which one is the better choice for serious off-road enthusiasts?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and Toyota RAV4 head-to-head to determine which one reigns supreme in the wilderness.
Engine and Performance
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter hybrid engine with 219 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the RAV4’s hybrid engine provides the best fuel economy, but the Crosstrek Wilderness’s flat-four engine has a lower center of gravity, which improves handling and off-road stability.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is specifically designed for off-road adventures. It comes standard with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and a front skid plate. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims also offer enhanced off-road capabilities, but they don’t quite match the Crosstrek Wilderness’s level of ruggedness.
Interior and Features
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and Toyota RAV4 both offer comfortable and well-equipped interiors. The Crosstrek Wilderness features a rugged and sporty design, while the RAV4 has a more refined and upscale feel.
In terms of features, both vehicles offer a wide range of options, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system. However, the Crosstrek Wilderness comes standard with a number of off-road features that are not available on the RAV4, such as a hill descent control system and a water-resistant interior.
Price and Value
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness starts at $30,995, while the Toyota RAV4 starts at $27,250. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims are priced slightly higher, at $31,350 and $36,030, respectively.
In terms of value, the Crosstrek Wilderness offers a lot of off-road capability for the price. However, the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims offer a more refined and upscale interior, and the hybrid engine provides better fuel economy.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and Toyota RAV4 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a rugged and capable off-road vehicle, the Crosstrek Wilderness is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more refined and fuel-efficient vehicle with a more upscale interior, the RAV4 is the better option.
The Verdict: A Tie
In this close competition, both the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and Toyota RAV4 offer unique strengths and weaknesses. The Crosstrek Wilderness is the more rugged and capable off-road vehicle, while the RAV4 offers a more refined and fuel-efficient driving experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota RAV4 hybrid has the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Toyota RAV4 has a more spacious interior, with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, compared to 20.8 cubic feet in the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness.
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota RAV4 have a reputation for reliability. However, the RAV4 has a slightly higher reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates.