Is Subaru Outback safer than Toyota RAV4?
The quick read: neither SUV is categorically safer in every respect; both the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 consistently earn top safety scores in recent model years, and the safer choice often comes down to trim-level safety tech and individual driving needs.
What follows is a detailed look at crash-test results, active safety features, and practical considerations to help readers gauge safety when choosing between the Outback and the RAV4.
Crash-test results and overall safety scores
IIHS ratings
IIHS ratings assess crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick designations based on year, trim, and headlights.
Current snapshot for recent model years shows both vehicles earning high IIHS marks, though the exact status can vary by trim and available headlight options.
- Subaru Outback — Typically receives a Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick designation in recent years, with front crash-prevention performance that depends on trim.
- Toyota RAV4 — Also commonly listed as Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick in recent years, with similar variability tied to headlights and optional front-crash prevention features.
Note: IIHS status can shift with new headlights or safety packages, so verify the exact rating for the specific model year and trim you’re considering.
NHTSA ratings
NHTSA assigns an overall five-star rating plus individual ratings for frontal, side, and rollover tests, with results that can differ by year and configuration.
- Subaru Outback — Five-star overall rating in recent model years, with high marks in key crash-tests.
- Toyota RAV4 — Five-star overall rating in recent model years, aligning with strong performance in crash-testing disciplines.
Overall, both models perform very well in federal testing, and small differences tend to come down to trim-specific test results and options.
Active safety features and driver assistance
Both brands bundle robust safety tech, but standard equipment and available upgrades vary by model year and trim. Here is how the two compare in typical configurations today.
- Subaru Outback — EyeSight driver assist suite is widely standard on many trims, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
- Toyota RAV4 — Toyota Safety Sense (2.0 or 3.0 depending on year) is standard on most trims, offering pre-collision with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist.
- Both models offer additional safety options such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with some trims adding more advanced 360-degree camera systems and parking aids.
Bottom line: Both SUVs deliver strong driver-assist packages, but the exact mix of features you get depends on the trim and year; this can meaningfully affect real-world safety performance.
EyeSight vs. Toyota Safety Sense: what matters
For buyers prioritizing standard, proven driver assistance, the Outback’s EyeSight and the RAV4’s Toyota Safety Sense each have virtues: EyeSight is widely praised for its protective features, while Toyota’s Safety Sense tends to emphasize proactive safety tech and refinement across trims. The choice may hinge on which system you test-drive and which features you value most (e.g., pedestrian detection timing, lane-centering capabilities, or sign-recognition).
Headlights and nighttime visibility
Headlight performance is a recurring determinant of IIHS ratings and real-world safety, so it’s worth comparing what different trims offer for each vehicle.
- Outback — Headlight performance varies by trim; higher trims commonly offer LED headlights with better nighttime visibility and, in some configurations, lighting packages that improve performance in adverse conditions.
- RAV4 — Headlight quality also depends on trim, with higher-end trims generally delivering stronger illumination and visibility, while base trims may use more modest lighting options.
When safety is a priority, consider trims that include upgraded headlights or optional lighting packages, as improved night visibility complements the active safety systems.
What this means for shoppers
There isn’t a clear, universal winner in safety between the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4. Both vehicles earn top safety scores and offer strong standard driver-assist features, with differences that matter at the trim level you choose. The practical takeaways are to compare the exact model year, trim, and safety package, and to verify the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings before purchase.
Summary
In the current landscape, the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 are two of the safest choices in their segment. Both vehicles routinely earn high marks from IIHS and NHTSA, and each offers a robust suite of standard safety features—EyeSight for Subaru and Toyota Safety Sense for Toyota. The best safety outcome depends on the specific trim and options you select, as well as your driving environment and priorities, such as pedestrian detection, night-time visibility, and advanced crash-prevention capabilities. Prospective buyers should review the latest model-year ratings and schedule a test-drive to evaluate how the safety features perform in real-world driving.
