Subaru Outback Vs. Toyota Highlander | Vehicle Comparison
When scouting the midsize SUV market, you can't miss out on comparing the Subaru Outback vs. Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles are roomy, providing space for passengers to stretch and cargo to stack up. However, the two-row Outback leaves the three-row Highlander in the dust, thanks to its array of standard equipment, off-roading capability, and combined station wagon and SUV design.
We at Tom Wood Subaru know the Outback is the best choice for adventurous, world-hungry families who need a durable vehicle on their side. See what makes the Outback rise above the competition, then bring your crew by for a test drive.
Which Are Better: Toyota Highlander or Subaru Outback Specs?
Starting with how these two SUVs perform, the Subaru Outback prioritizes efficiency over pure strength. The standard 2.5-liter engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, is less potent than the 265-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine of the Highlander. The Outback can catch up with its own 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo engine, creating 277 pound-feet of torque, but these engines are designed to save you between gas station trips.
That's where the standard Lineartronic CVT comes in. While the Toyota Highlander specs for all-gas models may have higher horsepower, the CVT of the Outback dynamically coordinates with your drive, utilizing adaptive control to keep your engine running smoothly. If you want more control, an eight-speed manual mode comes standard, putting shifting power in your hands.
The Highlander does offer a CVT for its hybrid trims, but that 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine offers less horsepower and torque than either SUV's most robust gas offering.
Which Goes Further: Subaru Outback or Toyota Highlander MPG?
The Subaru Outback MPG is where these highly efficient gas powertrains show off. Toyota models are well-known for fuel efficiency, but the Highlander can't really compete with the EPA-estimated 26/32 MPG (City/Highway)1 of the 2.5-liter Outback engine. The best the Toyota can manage without resorting to hybrid power is 22/29 MPG (City/Highway).2 If you use the 2.4-liter turbo Outback engine that's closer in power to the Toyota offering, then the competition evens out to 22/29 MPG (City/Highway).1 Thanks to its CVT, you can rely on the Outback to get you to where you need to be, whether on or off the beaten trail.
Toyota Highlander vs. Subaru Outback Trims
Now that we've touched on the power, let's examine the other major purchasing considerations. The new Subaru Outback for sale has nine trims that upgrade your style and elevate tech features, including the following:
- Outback Base
- Outback Premium
- Outback Limited
- Outback Onyx Edition
- Outback Onyx Edition XT
- Outback Wilderness
- Outback Limited XT
- Outback Touring
- Outback Touring XT
As you climb in price, you gain access to additional interior and exterior features, such as leather upholstery starting on the Limited trim or the power slide moonroof starting on the Onyx Edition. The XT and Wilderness models utilize the higher-performance 2.4-liter turbo engine to smooth out your drive.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander has eleven trims, six of which utilize hybrid technology:
- Highlander LE
- Highlander Hybrid LE
- Highlander Hybrid LE Nightshade
- Highlander XLE
- Highlander XSE
- Highlander Hybrid XLE
- Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade
- Highlander Limited
- Highlander Hybrid Limited
- Highlander Platinum
- Highlander Hybrid Platinum
Similar to the Subaru, as you rise in the Highlander trim ladder, you'll get additional interior and exterior features – such as the available Panoramic View Monitor on the Limited trim. If your goal is to get an efficient car without going electric, then the Subaru offers four extra trims to select from.
Which Pulls More: Subaru Outback or Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity?
The Subaru Outback towing capacity is lower than the 5,000-pound limit of the Toyota Highlander,3 reaching a still-respectable 3,500 pounds.4 This is plenty for moving a fishing boat trailer or a small camper. And the Subaru is also much more capable off the road, as we'll talk about later, so bringing that fishing boat right up to the water is nearly effortless.
Which Is Larger: Subaru Outback vs. Toyota Highlander Dimensions?
As the three-row vehicle, the Toyota Highlander is the bulkier option, though by less than you'd expect. The Outback has a length of up to 191.9 inches, a width of 74.2 inches, and a maximum height of 66.9 inches, perfect for maneuvering off-road trails. Meanwhile, the Highlander reaches a 194.9-inch length, 76-inch width, and 68.1-inch height.
The Highlander feels a bit squashed as a result, with only 28 inches of legroom for passengers that sit in the third row. The front two rows are more spacious in the Outback, where occupants get 42.8 inches of front legroom and 39.5 inches of second-row legroom. The same rows in the Highlander only offer 42 inches and 38.7 inches, respectively.
The smaller vehicle also offers more standard room for storage. If you keep all seats up in both models, the 32.6 cubic feet of cargo volume in the trunk of the Outback is plenty for hauling camping gear, groceries, and more. Meanwhile, the Highlander only has 16 cubic feet in the trunk, so you'll have to fold seats down to compare to the Outback. You'll get more room in the Highlander with all seats down. However, if you don't need a cramped third row, the Outback offers much better dimensions for your hard-earned dollars.
For a more apples-to-apples comparison of the space available in several two-row models, check out our Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4 guide and witness how the Outback dwarfs the five-seat competition.
Which Is Comfier: the Toyota Highlander or Subaru Outback Interior?
What else is in these SUVs besides space? The Toyota Highlander interior ranges from fabric to synthetic leather to leather seats. A heated second row and ventilated front seats are available on higher trims. An available power tilt moonroof frees up the cabin, while a leather-trimmed shift knob is standard.
Many of these same features come standard or are available for the Subaru Outback interior at an exceptionally lower MSRP. Plus, the 2024 Outback can do even more for you. Nappa-leather-trimmed upholstery in the Touring models provides even more prestige than the top-of-the-line Highlander trim, while standard paddle shifters give you more control of your drive.
Depending on your trim, you can pair one of nine interior colors with the 10 exterior Subaru Outback colors. Compare that to the five interior colors in the Highlander, and you'll see just how impactful a wide array of unique designs can feel when building your dream SUV.
Which Has More Standard & Available Tech: 2024 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota Highlander?
High-quality seating is just the start. Your Outback comes with standard Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control to guide you on the interstate or commutes, transmission paddle shifters to keep you in control of your drive, automatic climate control, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Eyesight Driver Assist Technology, a Traction Control System, and much more, all designed to make your drive in any Subaru elegant and satisfying.
If you upgrade in trims, you unlock a world of luxuries. From a hands-free liftgate to dual-zone, voice-activated climate control, just upgrading to the Premium trim gives you a step up in convenience. Go even further for a Harman Kardon® premium sound system, Blind-Spot Detection, Reverse Automatic Braking, a 12-way driver's seat, and even a CD player.
The Toyota model shares many of these features, though the CD player, Harman Kardon® premium audio system, paddle shifters, and more must be left behind in the Outback. You'll score a few wins in a Highlander, like three-zone climate control and available Panoramic View Monitor and Head-Up Display, that aren't in the less expensive Subaru model. However, the fact that there is so much push-and-pull between two models with this much of a price gap tells of the value that the Outback brings to the table.
Which Can Off-Road: Subaru Outback Wilderness vs. Toyota Highlander?
We haven't even covered the specialty of the Outback yet – ditching the roads for a trail less traveled. The Toyota Highlander prefers safe roads and gravel paths, with eight inches of ground clearance, an 18.1-degree approach, and up to a 23.5-degree departure angle. Multi-Terrain Select helps you tackle the most basic non-pavement courses with available AWD models.
In comparison, the Subaru Outback Wilderness specs make the more durable model look like it's designed to live in the forests. A 9.5-inch ground clearance is just the start. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive balances your SUV, delivering an optimal power distribution for maximum traction. Your front and rear bumpers are designed to maximize your approach and departure angle, and the dual-function X-MODE dominates deep snow and mud. Protective cladding defends against fundamental off-road obstacles, like stones and splinters. Water-repellant StarTex seating lets you ford a river in confidence while soaking up the cool mist.
If you want to know more details about the Subaru Outback Wilderness specs, contact us. Our representatives love how the Wilderness lets you handle the world in style, and we can't wait to show you the advanced features and suspension when you visit our showroom.
Explore the Subaru Outback at Tom Wood Subaru
Ready to explore the wild in a capable and durable SUV? Your local Subaru dealer in Indianapolis, IN, is the place to go. Visit us and let our representatives give you a tour through dozens of model configurations, from the Outback to the Ascent and even the Impreza. We want you to drive off in the perfect car for your lifestyle and family dynamic.
Do you have any other questions about leasing, financing, or warranty coverage? Contact us, and our financing department will be with you as soon as possible. When you need a trustworthy service center for standard maintenance or parts and accessories for your next road trip, we'll have our experienced, certified technicians look into your model.
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1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up, and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings, and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
4Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
