2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,320 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Subaru Outback lies in power output, where the Highlander delivers 265 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp—an 85 hp advantage. Conversely, the Outback commands a significant lead in utility and economy, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft, and achieving a superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG to the Highlander's 25 MPG. Priced substantially lower at $34,995 versus the Highlander's $40,320 MSRP, the Outback presents a $5,325 initial cost saving. While the Highlander provides 310 lb-ft of torque to the Outback's 178 lb-ft, the Outback standardizes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) against the Highlander's standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, influencing traction capabilities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its higher 27 MPG combined fuel economy and standard AWD capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback is the superior family hauler because it offers 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the choice for performance enthusiasts, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides better inherent value, costing $5,325 less while offering better MPG and AWD capability.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximum powertrain performance is required, evidenced by its 265 hp rating.
A greater torque figure of 310 lb-ft is necessary for towing or acceleration.
A slightly longer body profile (194.9 inches) for potentially greater interior passenger volume is preferred.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Fuel efficiency is prioritized, as it achieves 27 MPG combined versus 25 MPG.
Maximum storage space is critical, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo area.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is essential, unlike the FWD standard on Car 1.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander	Subaru Outback
Length	194.9"	191.7"
Width	76.0"	74.0"
Height	68.1"	67.5"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	41.2 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	57.2 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	39.4 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.7 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R V	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

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.
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 Highlander and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Toyota Highlander than the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander starts with an MSRP of $40,320, making it $5,325 more expensive than the 2026 Subaru Outback's $34,995 base price.

Which crossover offers significantly better cargo space?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear winner in cargo capacity, providing 34.6 cu ft, which is more than double the 16 cu ft offered by the 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Is the performance gap between these two crossovers substantial?

Yes, the performance gap is substantial; the Highlander generates 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

What is the difference in fuel economy and drivetrain for daily driving?

The Outback yields better efficiency at 27 MPG combined and comes standard with AWD, whereas the Highlander is rated at 25 MPG combined and is standard with FWD.

Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Subaru Outback specify regular unleaded fuel, which can simplify refueling costs.

How do the vehicle dimensions compare in length and height?

The Highlander is slightly longer at 194.9 inches compared to the Outback's 191.7 inches, and marginally taller at 68.1 inches versus the Outback's 67.5 inches.