2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the practical efficiency of the 2026 Subaru Outback and the spacious muscle of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander presents a classic dilemma: do you prioritize budget and economy or maximum capability? The Outback starts significantly lower at $34,995 compared to the Grand Highlander’s $41,360, reflecting a $6,365 initial saving. For city drivers, the Outback’s 27 MPG combined beats the Grand Highlander’s 24 MPG combined. However, that extra cost in the Toyota nets a substantial 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Outback’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. While the Outback is slightly smaller overall (191.7 inches long), the Grand Highlander offers greater height at 70.1 inches, despite having less listed cargo space at 20.6 cu ft compared to the Subaru's 34.6 cu ft. Your priority—fuel savings or raw power—will clearly dictate the best fit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback wins for daily commuting due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is better for growing families due to its larger overall dimensions (201.4 inches long, 70.1 inches high), suggesting more interior volume despite the provided cargo figure.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the significantly higher performance metrics of the Grand Highlander, boasting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Outback offers substantial value, starting $6,365 cheaper while delivering better fuel efficiency and standard AWD.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You need the best possible fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG on the highway.
- You appreciate standard All-Wheel Drive for varied road conditions without paying a premium.
- You are focused on keeping the initial purchase price low, starting at $34,995.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You require substantially more power, as it offers 85 more horsepower (265 hp total).
- You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You need a taller, wider vehicle (78.3 inches wide) for maximum presence and road feel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.7" | 201.4" |
| Width | 74.0" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.5" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 450.0/558.0 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.0 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.1 in | 12.3 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 Length | 4 months | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R H | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How much more powerful is the Toyota Grand Highlander than the Subaru Outback?
The Grand Highlander is significantly more powerful, producing 265 horsepower compared to the Outback’s 180 horsepower, which is an 85 hp difference. This extra power also comes with much higher torque figures for better passing capability.
Which vehicle is better for saving money at the pump?
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear winner for fuel savings, achieving a combined 27 MPG, while the Toyota Grand Highlander manages 24 MPG combined. The Outback also offers slightly better highway efficiency at 31 MPG.
Is the price difference between these two models significant?
Yes, the difference is substantial; the Toyota Grand Highlander starts at $41,360, making it $6,365 more expensive than the Subaru Outback’s base MSRP of $34,995. This gap often dictates the overall value proposition.
If I carry lots of gear, which crossover has more utility?
Based solely on listed specifications, the Subaru Outback provides more dedicated storage with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Grand Highlander’s 20.6 cubic feet. However, the Grand Highlander is physically larger overall.
Does the drivetrain difference matter for winter driving?
The Subaru Outback comes standard with symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which is generally preferred for consistent traction. The Grand Highlander defaults to Front-Wheel Drive, requiring an optional upgrade for AWD capability.
Which transmission type is offered in each vehicle?
The 2026 Subaru Outback utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) designed for efficiency, whereas the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander uses a more conventional 8-speed automatic transmission for smoother power delivery.
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