VS
At a Glance
Power
260hp @ 5600
243hp @ 6000
Torque
277lb-ft @ 2000
175lb-ft @ 4300
Fuel
25 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.4 L/146ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Subaru Outback and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Outback delivers 260hp @ 5600 while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid produces 243hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Outback returns 25 mpg est. while the Highlander Hybrid uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $44,365 for the Outback and $48,020 for the Highlander Hybrid. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Subaru OutbackLimited XT AWD 2026 - From $44,365
Toyota Highlander HybridHybrid Platinum AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $48,020
Performance
Power Output (hp)
260hp @ 5600
243hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
277lb-ft @ 2000
175lb-ft @ 4300
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.4 L/146ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
CVT w/OD
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
35 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
34 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
17.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
191.7in
194.9in
Width (in)
74in
76in
Height (in)
67.5in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
108.1in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3968lbs
4595lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Outback
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Outback
Fuel Economy
Highlander Hybrid
Value
Outback
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Subaru Outback
Lower starting price ($44,365)
Higher fuel consumption (25 mpg est.)
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Better fuel economy (34 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Outback or Highlander Hybrid?
The Outback gets 25 mpg est. and the Highlander Hybrid gets 34 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Highlander Hybrid is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Outback or Highlander Hybrid?
The Outback produces 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the Highlander Hybrid delivers 243hp @ 6000 and 175lb-ft @ 4300 of torque. The Outback is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Outback and Highlander Hybrid?
The Outback starts from $44,365 and the Highlander Hybrid from $48,020. The Outback is cheaper by $3,655 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Outback or Highlander Hybrid?
The Outback has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Highlander Hybrid can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Outback or the Highlander Hybrid?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.