Many drivers are looking for the Subaru Outback for sale in Rhinebeck, and for good reason. Sure, we may be passionate about the lineup, but the 2024 Subaru Outback truly has a lot to offer. There are plenty of vehicles in the SUV market, and many of them are offered with the features Subaru has become famous for, like Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and higher ground clearance. But there is only one Subaru Outback. While models like the 2024 Toyota RAV4 share some elements with the Outback, this is simply a case in which one model is a complete package and the other is not. Let's take a closer look at why the Outback comes out on top when compared to the RAV4, and when you're ready for a test drive, we welcome you to visit us here at Ruge's Subaru for a test drive and experience everything this iconic Subaru model has to offer.
An Overview of the Outback and RAV4
Here in our corner of the world, we live and breathe in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. While there's plenty to do in town, most of us occasionally give in to the call of the mountains to do a little exploring. Each 2024 Outback is equipped with Subaru's legendary all-terrain technology, including Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and an off-road ready X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. As a result, the Outback has gotten a reputation for being strictly an adventure vehicle.
In a sense, this is true because every day is a new opportunity for adventure. Whether you're heading downtown to meet friends or testing out the Outback's 8.7-inch ground clearance somewhere in the mountains (9.5 inches of ground clearance if you select the Wilderness trim), this vehicle is a perfect fit for the situation. Even the base Outback trim includes a robust EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package that makes navigating the Dutchess County Fairgrounds during a festival as simple as taking a deep breath of fresh air.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 only has two models with standard all-wheel drive: the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. Though front-wheel drive is standard on the rest of the lineup, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive is offered as an option on the rest of the models. The RAV4 is well-prepared for all the city streets have to offer; however, once you leave the pavement, it's important to note that the standard RAV4 covers slightly less ground than the Outback, with a ground clearance of 8.6 inches or lower, depending on the trim. The Subaru Outback is a vehicle that can fit in nearly anywhere. The Toyota RAV4 is best suited to city life, but you can select limited options that will give you greater opportunity to explore areas where the roads don't have names, but it will cost you.
The Outback Offers More Engine Options
When we talk about power and performance in a small SUV like the Outback or the RAV4, we're not talking about sports cars or even Baja 1000-level acceleration. Instead, we're focusing on the vehicle that is appropriate for cruising up and down the Hudson River or Highway 9 or even crossing the river to visit a familiar campground or park. Most 2024 Subaru Outback trims are equipped with a 2.5L BOXER engine, which provides an enthusiastic 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. These vehicles are equipped with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission and can tow up to 2,700 lbs to ensure all your gear, toys, and cargo can join you. Those looking for more power may wish to consider the off-road expert Wilderness trim or explore one of the XT models. These Outbacks include a 2.4L turbocharged BOXER engine that boosts the ride with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
The standard engine in the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that provides 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. For those looking at a gas-powered engine, this is the only option you'll find on the RAV4. From there, it's hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. For those not looking to make the jump to an alternative fuel model, the Outback offers more variety when it comes to traditional gas-powered engines.
The Outback Has a Larger Lineup With More Options
Just as we have the difficult choice of selecting which of the Hudson Valley's farm-to-table restaurants to enjoy in our own backyard, we also have the tough choice between models. Both the Outback and RAV4 are offered in a compelling array of trims. For the 2024 model year, Outback has been offered in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. RAV4 drivers have a choice between LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road trims.
The difference between the Outback trims lies largely in the features. Standard across the trims are necessities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, LED steering responsive headlights, and a Rear Vision Camera with Adaptive Guidelines. Moving amongst the trims unlocks features like a Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a STARLINK infotainment system with a massive 11.6-inch screen– all of which are standard on the next-up Premium trim. Other interior upgrades include water-repellent StarTex material at the Onyx Edition level, heated front and rear seatbacks on the Limited trim, ventilated seats, and auto-dimming LCD Smart Rear-View Mirror. Selecting one of the XT trims adds the more powerful engine option, along with a power moonroof, premium Harman Kardon speaker system, and DriverFocus distracted driver mitigation technology.
Things are different within the RAV4's lineup. Each trim has its own interior, which involves fabric-trimmed seats through the XLE Premium trim. Most RAV4 models include a standard 8-inch multimedia system with 6 speakers, while a 10.5-inch version is standard only in the top Limited trim. Each trim also has its own configuration of power-adjustable, manually adjustable, lumbar supporting, heating, and ventilating features. The top Limited trim offers heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats. The driver's seat includes an 8-way power adjustment with lumbar support and a two-position memory function, while the passenger seat is 4-way adjustable with a seatback pocket for the rear passengers' enjoyment.
The TRD Off-Road trim has a similar interior to the Limited, only executed with red stitching and TRD emblems, while the Adventure trim chooses an orange color palette. Overall, if choice is what you're looking for, you'll find it in the Outback lineup. Whether performance is at the top of your list or you are looking to take advantage of a sizable touchscreen, the Outback offers a wider range of options in its expansive lineup.
Check Out the 2024 Subaru Outback Today
It's not that all-wheel drive is required to explore Rhinebeck; it's just a little more fun when you don't need to worry so much about the road ahead, whether it's ice, snow, or even freezing rain. You can focus instead on exploring this truly beautiful slice of New York that we enjoy and sharing even more magical moments with friends and family.
While the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is a great small SUV, drivers need to make sure they're selecting all of the options that will provide them with a safe and stable ride when traversing through the Catskills or trying to find parking during the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival. For those looking for an SUV that will give them the confidence to tackle anything the Rhinebeck roads throw at them, along with an array of modern features and tech to choose from, the Subaru Outback is sure to exceed your expectations. Visit us at Ruge's Subaru today and experience the Outback for yourself.