Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's aesthetic while integrating new elements. With some subtle updates, shoppers might have viewed it as virtually unchanged from the 2023 model. However, there were fresh new sheet metals, an updated chassis, and new colors like Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. Notably, the Wilderness trim introduced a unique Geyser Blue hue.

Dimensionally, the wheelbase and overall length stayed nearly the same, but it featured an increased departure angle and a barely reduced cargo space. This would likely remain unnoticed by most returning buyers. The base trim flaunted 17-inch alloy wheels and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it an excellent choice for off-road adventures or tricky terrains like snow-covered paths. Roof rails came standard in Premium, Sport, and Limited trims, adding to its characteristic outdoorsy vibe.

From a design perspective, the 2024 Crosstrek sported clever tweaks. The headlights run up against a new wing bar splitting its frameless grille, giving the front a distinctive Cheshire cat smile. Subaru’s definitive black plastic cladding was more functional with added aerodynamic inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and lowering road noise.

At the rear, the split taillight design carried over with minor tweaks for better trunk access, a testament to Subaru’s continuous improvement philosophy, or "Kaizen.” The Wilderness trim offered unique hexagonal front grille, larger wheel cladding, augmented bumpers for better angles, and a stylish ladder-style roof rack. Ground clearance increased to 9.3 inches. Inside, the Wilderness trim boasted StarTex synthetic leather—a waterproof and easy-to-clean material—with striking copper accents and all-weather floor mats.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a more aggressive façade. With a frown and grimace, it projected a robust but somewhat angry expression. Lower gray body cladding emphasized its ruggedness, while dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than was actually beneath the hood. Higher trims had fake skid plates, and off-road versions boasted utilitarian roof racks.

Our TRD Off-Road model priced at a base of $38,295, excluding a $1,350 destination fee, illustrated Toyota’s attempt to cater to the off-road enthusiasts. This model also featured an Army Green color, a digital rearview mirror, and additional technology and weather packages, pushing the MSRP to $41,925.

Though pricier RAV4 models flaunted higher-end interiors, all variants exhibited practicality with materials that promised durability. SofTex artificial leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, optional heated and ventilated front seats, and glove-friendly rubberized controls exemplified purpose over opulence.

Under the hood, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two distinct engines. The 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine on the Sport and Limited trims delivered 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine also became standard on the Wilderness trim. The smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder produced 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Despite the extra power from the larger engine, the Crosstrek remained relatively slow compared to turbocharged competitors. It featured a new dual-pinion steering rack, enhancing steering precision and reducing body roll through corners. The Wilderness trim added a shorter final-drive ratio, improving acceleration and increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. However, it came at the cost of increased road noise and diminished fuel economy due to higher RPMs.

Subaru’s X-Mode traction management system was standard across all trims. It redirected power to wheels with traction when others slipped. Higher trims offered more advanced X-Mode features, catering to extreme conditions like mud and deep snow.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pushing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, either powering the front wheels or an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. Our TRD Off-Road model came equipped with exclusive off-road suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch TRD alloy wheels.

The RAV4’s Multi-Terrain Select offered Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt modes. Despite the off-road suspension, it maintained an 8.6-inch ground clearance, similar to other RAV4 models. The TRD Off-Road trim smoothened daily drives, handling bumps effortlessly. However, its 2.5-liter engine, while potent, demanded high RPMs to access maximum power and sounded unrefined.

Fuel economy ratings for the TRD Off-Road were set at 28 mpg combined. During our tests, it achieved 26.6 mpg, revealing disparities with more fuel-efficient hybrid models like the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, rated at 37 mpg.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek shared its platform with the Impreza, remaining a small crossover. Despite its compact size, it offered competitive cargo space and utility. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were decent, although taller individuals would prefer the front seats. The trunk capacity was 19.9 cubic feet—less than the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-30, or Toyota Corolla Cross—but folding the rear seats expanded space to 54.7 cubic feet, aligning with segment standards.

The Crosstrek’s interior was designed for adventurers. Materials, though not luxurious, were durable and easy to clean. A protective cargo tray was standard from the Premium trim onwards. Practical touches like Nalgene-sized cupholders in the trunk and center console indicated thoughtful design. The Wilderness trim added all-weather floor mats and a robust cargo tray.

Comparatively, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized practicality and utility. The interior was filled with storage shelves, trays, and rubberized knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and optional heating and ventilation for front seats. The driver’s seat in our model provided eight-way power adjustment and ample comfort, complemented by excellent outward visibility, especially with the optional digital rearview mirror.

Interior space allowed for comfortably accommodating four adults, and five in a pinch. The rear seats, while somewhat low, featured good legroom and footroom. The cargo area offered 37.6 cubic feet of space with seats up and expanded to 69.8 cubic feet with seats down—figures competitive within its segment.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek impressed with a large 11.6-inch touchscreen, previously exclusive to the Ascent and Outback. The display was clear, with bright graphics and thoughtful retention of physical controls for essential functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the Base trim. Despite its size and features, the screen suffered from occasional glare and required navigating through multiple menus for certain functions.

Subaru’s decision to remove feature like remote start in states with strict Right to Repair laws caused some frustration.

In the 2024 Toyota RAV4, the infotainment system was modern, featuring Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system with standard 8-inch and available 10.5-inch displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and various connected services. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, Remote Connect for one year, and Drive Connect added a cloud-based navigation system and concierge services for a year.

The infotainment system worked well but lacked a multi-panel home screen and had occasional voice command issues. Despite these flaws, the system offered sophisticated synchronization with Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Other tech features included an available JBL premium audio system, although our test model did not have it, and a digital rearview mirror.

The Subaru Crosstrek’s reputation for safety was upheld with its continued inclusion of the EyeSight safety system, which already garnered Top Safety Pick awards from the IIHS since its debut. EyeSight, now with a wider lens for better road visibility, included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also added automatic emergency steering on higher trims.

Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, though the LE trim lacked critical features like blind-spot monitoring. While TSS 2.5 technology was generally effective, it struggled with lane-centering on curvy roads and had overly cautious braking in traffic. Despite these hitches, adaptive cruise control and other systems performed admirably on straight highways.

However, the 2024 RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick distinction due to marginal and acceptable ratings in the latest IIHS tests, highlighting the need for a design update.