The Lemon Index

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Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Outback: which has fewer problems?

Toyota RAV4Subaru Outback

Photos: Kevauto · Vauxford (Wikimedia Commons)

Winner

Toyota RAV4

About 74% fewer owner complaints per car sold than the Subaru Outback, and fewer in 18 of 22 model years both were sold.

Head to head

Lemon Index
100 = average, lower is better
54
207
Years with fewer complaints
2001–2024
18 of 22
4 of 22
Recalls
2001–2024
117
165
MPG
latest year
28–39
23–28
Crash test
best, latest year
★★★★★
★★★★★
Best year to buy

Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. Green check = the better of the two on that line.

Year by year

Shorter bar = fewer complaints per car sold. Tap a year for its full report.

Every Toyota RAV4 year · Every Subaru Outback year · How the index works