VS
At a Glance
Power
260hp @ 5600
265hp @ 6000
Torque
277lb-ft @ 2000
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
25 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.4 L/146ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Subaru Outback and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Outback delivers 260hp @ 5600 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Outback returns 25 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $47,995 for the Outback and $50,025 for the Highlander. 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 OutbackTouring XT AWD 2026 - From $47,995
Toyota HighlanderLimited AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $50,025
Performance
Power Output (hp)
260hp @ 5600
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
277lb-ft @ 2000
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.4 L/146ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
17.9gal
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)
3982lbs
4453lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
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
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Highlander
Fuel Economy
Outback
Value
Outback
Practicality
Highlander
Pros & Cons
Subaru Outback
Better fuel economy (25 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($47,995)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Highlander
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Outback or Highlander?
The Outback gets 25 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outback 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?
The Outback produces 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Outback and Highlander?
The Outback starts from $47,995 and the Highlander from $50,025. The Outback is cheaper by $2,030 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Outback or Highlander?
The Outback has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Outback or the Highlander?
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.