2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$34,995 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Subaru Outback ignites adventure with its symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and impressive $34,995 starting price, appealing to the rugged minimalist. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander boasts commanding performance, churning out 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it the powerhouse of this duo, though at a steep $45,270 MSRP. While the Highlander offers superior acceleration, the Outback pulls ahead in efficiency, achieving a 27 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 24 MPG combined. Size-wise, the Highlander is slightly larger at 194.9 inches long, yet the Outback maximizes utility with a vastly superior 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft. This comparison pits pragmatic efficiency and utility against brute force and premium presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback wins for commuters due to its excellent 27 MPG combined fuel economy, which translates to lower running costs during daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is the better family hauler because its significantly higher 265 hp output ensures easier merging and confident power when loaded down.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

Enthusiasts will prefer the Highlander for its robust 85-hp advantage and 310 lb-ft of torque, offering a much more engaging drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback delivers superior value by costing $10,275 less while providing better fuel economy and much more cargo capacity.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Budget is paramount, as the Outback starts at an appealing $34,995.
You prioritize maximum utility, benefiting from the Outback's class-leading 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Fuel savings matter, leveraging the Outback's 27 MPG combined rating over the competitor's 24 MPG.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You need serious muscle, where the Highlander's 265 hp provides undeniable acceleration.
You require the stability of the larger vehicle, given its 76.0-inch width and 194.9-inch length.
You prefer the engagement of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Outback	Toyota Highlander
Length	191.7"	194.9"
Width	74.0"	76.0"
Height	67.5"	68.1"
Wheelbase	108.1"	112.2"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	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.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.0 gal.	17.9 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	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.1 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.5 in.	57.2 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	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.4 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

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 Highlander.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2026 Outback and Highlander?

The difference is substantial; the Highlander produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving it a decisive 85 hp advantage over the Outback's 180 hp.

Which vehicle is more economical for running costs?

The Subaru Outback is more economical, boasting a 27 MPG combined rating compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG combined rating, making it cheaper at the pump.

Is the Subaru Outback significantly smaller than the Highlander?

Yes, the Highlander is physically larger, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the Outback's 191.7 inches, and it is wider at 76.0 inches.

Why is the starting MSRP for the Highlander so much higher?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander starts at $45,270, representing a $10,275 premium over the Outback's $34,995 MSRP, likely reflecting its higher power output and potentially more premium standard features.