2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (Car 1) and the 2026 Subaru Outback (Car 2) is the initial MSRP, with the Toyota carrying a premium of $9,215 over the Subaru's $34,995 starting price. This price gap is somewhat justified by performance metrics: the Toyota delivers 245 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp, representing a 65 hp advantage. However, efficiency favors the Toyota significantly, achieving a combined 36 MPG against the Outback's 27 MPG, a 9 MPG superior rating achieved while using regular unleaded fuel in both. Dimensionally, the Grand Highlander is larger at 201.4 inches long and 72.1 inches tall, offering a smaller 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Outback's 34.6 cu ft, despite the Subaru being 6.7 inches shorter overall. Both employ AWD and CVT transmissions, but their intended uses diverge based on these core specifications.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG, drastically reducing per-mile fuel costs over the 27 MPG Outback.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback provides significantly more usable space with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers 245 hp, giving it a substantial 65 hp advantage over the Outback's 180 hp output.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback wins on initial outlay, saving buyers $9,215 in MSRP compared to the entry price of the Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel economy is the top priority, demonstrated by its 36 combined MPG rating.
- Maximum longitudinal power output is desired, evidenced by its 245 hp engine.
- The buyer requires a taller vehicle stance, standing 72.1 inches high compared to 67.5 inches for Car 2.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Achieving the lowest possible starting cost is essential, given the $34,995 MSRP.
- Maximum usable cargo volume is necessary, offering 34.6 cu ft versus Car 1's 20.6 cu ft.
- A more maneuverable footprint is preferred, as the Outback is 9.7 inches shorter in overall length (191.7 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 191.7" |
| Width | 78.3" | 74.0" |
| Height | 72.1" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 108.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 37/34 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 636.4/584.8 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 18.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Outback.
What is the precise fuel economy difference between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is rated for 36 combined MPG, while the 2026 Subaru Outback achieves 27 combined MPG, resulting in a substantial 9 MPG difference in favor of the Toyota.
Which vehicle offers a lower purchase price?
The 2026 Subaru Outback is significantly more accessible with an MSRP of $34,995, which is $9,215 less than the $44,210 starting price of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
How do their horsepower figures compare?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid produces 245 hp, which is 65 hp more than the 180 hp generated by the 2026 Subaru Outback, affecting acceleration and passing power.
Despite the smaller price, does the smaller Outback have less cargo space?
No, counterintuitively, the Subaru Outback offers greater storage volume at 34.6 cubic feet, while the larger Toyota Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches long but only provides 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row.
Are there differences in their drive type or transmission?
Both vehicles utilize an all-wheel drive system and both come standard with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, indicating similar foundational power delivery architecture.
What is the difference in physical size between the two crossovers?
The Grand Highlander is considerably larger, measuring 201.4 inches long and 72.1 inches tall, whereas the Outback is shorter in length at 191.7 inches and lower in height at 67.5 inches.
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