5822 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
When shopping for your next compact SUV, two popular options you'll find are the Subaru Crosstrek and the Toyota RAV4. Both vehicles offer impressive capabilities, great features, and dependable performance. But which one truly delivers the best overall package? Let's take a closer look to help you make an informed decision.
The Subaru Crosstrek comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pounds of torque in its base configuration. There's also an available 2.5-liter engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 178 pounds of torque. The Crosstrek achieves an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the base engine, making it an excellent choice for fuel-conscious drivers.
The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 203 horsepower and 184 pounds torque. Fuel economy is 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models. Residents of Middleton who frequently commute will appreciate the efficiency both vehicles offer.
However, one significant advantage the Crosstrek holds is its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which comes equipped on every model. The RAV4 offers AWD as an option on most trims, but it's not standard across the lineup. The Crosstrek's AWD system provides balanced handling and superior traction on more challenging road conditions, which is particularly valuable during winters in Madison and throughout the rest of Wisconsin.
The Toyota RAV4 is the larger vehicle of the two, measuring 180.9 inches in length with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches. It offers 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger volume totals approximately 98.9 cubic feet, providing generous room for five occupants.
The Subaru Crosstrek is more compact at 176.4 inches long with a 104.9-inch wheelbase. Cargo capacity measures 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to 55.3 cubic feet with folded seats. However, the Crosstrek's smaller footprint offers distinct advantages for urban driving and parking situations that drivers in Fitchburg encounter regularly.
Though the Crosstrek sits slightly higher with 8.7 inches of ground clearance compared to the RAV4's 8.4 inches, giving it a slight edge for light off-road adventures and navigating through deep snow or rough terrain.
The Subaru Crosstrek features the STARLINK Multimedia system with a standard seven-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offer an 11.6-inch touchscreen display. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. The available Harman Kardon audio system is found in higher trims.
Toyota equips the RAV4 with an eight-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims upgrade to a 10.5-inch display with Toyota's Audio Multimedia system. Both vehicles offer wireless smartphone charging on select trims. Drivers from Verona will find that the Forester is the superior choice when it comes to its cabin.
Safety is where the Subaru Crosstrek truly excels. It comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management. The system uses dual cameras to monitor traffic and road conditions, providing comprehensive protection.
The Toyota RAV4 counters with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and automatic high beams.
Both systems represent the latest in driver assistance technology, but the Crosstrek is clearly the better pick as it offers more robust features as standard compared to the RAV4.
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota RAV4 offer compelling features for compact SUV shoppers. However, the Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive, superior fuel efficiency, and comprehensive safety features make it a standout choice for drivers who value capability and comfort.
When you're ready to experience the Subaru Crosstrek for yourself, visit Don Miller Subaru West. Here in Madison, WI, you can browse our newest models and schedule a test drive to find what model suits you best. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect vehicle, so come shop with us anytime.
5822 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
