In the comparison of Subaru Outback vs. Toyota Highlander, the Subaru Outback shines with standard AWD, better gas mileage, and added ground clearance, plus the advantage of standard roof rails. These features make it a top choice for adventure seekers looking for a reliable SUV.

The Subaru Outback's popularity stems from its rugged durability, spacious interior cabin, exceptional all-wheel drive capabilities, and high reliability. For those considering size similarities, the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander offer comparable seating options and towing capabilities, making them suitable choices for midsize SUV buyers.

When comparing the two models, the Subaru Outback emerges as a more cost-effective option, providing a compelling choice for potential buyers.

Performance

The Subaru Outback excels with standard AWD, better mileage, and more ground clearance, making it ideal for adventures. Standing out from the Toyota Highlander, the Outback also boasts standard roof rails for added versatility on the road.

Performance is a crucial factor when choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback. Let's delve into engine power, handling, and drivability to see how these two SUVs stack up against each other.

Engine Power

The Subaru Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. If you want more power, you can opt for the available turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out an impressive 260 horsepower. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower.

Handling And Drivability

Both the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander offer excellent handling and drivability. The Outback's standard all-wheel-drive system provides better traction and stability, making it more suitable for off-road adventures. The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but you can upgrade to all-wheel drive for better performance. When it comes to handling, the Subaru Outback has a lower center of gravity, which makes it more agile and easier to maneuver.

The Highlander, however, has a larger turning radius, which can make it more challenging to navigate tight spaces. In conclusion, the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander are both great SUVs with impressive performance capabilities. The Outback has a more powerful engine and standard all-wheel drive, making it better suited for off-road adventures. The Highlander, on the other hand, has a larger engine and offers better handling in tight spaces. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs depends on your personal preferences and needs.

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Interior Features

When comparing the interior features of the Toyota Highlander vs Subaru Outback, it's essential to take into account the comfort, space, technology, and infotainment aspects. Let's delve into the details to understand the distinct characteristics of each vehicle.

Comfort And Space

The Subaru Outback boasts a spacious and comfortable interior, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The high-quality materials and well-cushioned seats ensure a pleasant and relaxing ride, making it ideal for long journeys. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander also provides generous space, with a third-row option for larger families, ensuring everyone travels in comfort.

Technology And Infotainment

Equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, the Subaru Outback offers a seamless integration of modern technology, including a responsive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Its advanced safety features further enhance the driving experience. Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander provides an array of tech amenities, such as a premium audio system, intuitive navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system, catering to the diverse preferences of passengers.

Safety

When it comes to the safety of a vehicle, it's crucial to consider various aspects to ensure the well-being of the driver and passengers. Let's delve into the safety features and crash test ratings of the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander to determine which vehicle offers superior safety.

Standard Safety Features

Both the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander come equipped with a range of standard safety features designed to provide protection and peace of mind for occupants. These include:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Multiple airbags, including side-curtain and front-seat side airbags
• Rearview camera
• Traction control
• Tire pressure monitoring system

Crash Test Ratings

When it comes to crash test ratings, both vehicles have undergone rigorous testing to assess their safety performance in various collision scenarios. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander have achieved impressive safety ratings, with high scores in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.

These ratings affirm the commitment of both manufacturers to prioritize safety, providing consumers with confidence in the protection offered by these vehicles in the event of an accident.

Fuel Efficiency

When comparing the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Highlander vs Subaru Outback, it is important to consider both city and highway driving conditions. Fuel efficiency is a significant factor for many car buyers, as it can have a direct impact on the overall cost of ownership.

City Mpg

In city driving scenarios, the Subaru Outback offers an impressive fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for urban commuters and those who frequently navigate stop-and-go traffic. With its efficient engine and aerodynamic design, the Outback achieves competitive city MPG ratings.

Highway Mpg

On the highway, both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback deliver commendable fuel efficiency. However, the Outback's aerodynamic profile and advanced drivetrain contribute to its excellent highway MPG, making it an optimal choice for long-distance travel and highway cruising.

Price And Value

When comparing the Toyota Highlander vs Subaru Outback, it's essential to consider the pricing and overall value to make an informed purchasing decision. Let's delve into the base price comparison and resale value of these vehicles to determine which one offers the best investment.

Base Price Comparison

Starting with the base price, the Subaru Outback comes with a more budget-friendly tag, making it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and versatile vehicle without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander has a higher base price, reflecting its larger size and additional features. However, it's important to consider the specific features and capabilities that each model offers at their respective base prices.

Resale Value

When it comes to resale value, both the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander have proven to retain their worth over time. However, the Subaru Outback has gained a reputation for its impressive resale value, thanks to its reliability, durability, and loyal customer base. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander also holds its value well, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritize long-term investment.

Off-road Capability

When it comes to off-road capability, the Subaru Outback offers standard AWD, better gas mileage, and more ground clearance compared to the Toyota Highlander. Additionally, the Outback stands out with its standard roof rails, making it a superior choice for adventurous SUV enthusiasts.

All-wheel Drive System

When it comes to off-road capability, the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander both offer all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. However, the Subaru Outback's AWD system is superior to that of the Toyota Highlander. The Outback's AWD system is designed to provide better traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces, making it an ideal vehicle for off-road adventures.

Ground Clearance

Another important factor to consider when comparing the off-road capability of the Subaru Outback vs Toyota Highlander is ground clearance. The Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which is higher than the Highlander's ground clearance of 8 inches. This gives the Outback an edge when it comes to off-road driving as it can easily navigate over rocks, roots, and other obstacles without getting stuck.

Summary

In summary, the Subaru Outback has a clear advantage over the Toyota Highlander when it comes to off-road capability. Its superior AWD system and higher ground clearance make it a more capable and reliable vehicle for off-road adventures. Additionally, the Outback comes standard with roof rails, which make it easier to transport gear and equipment for your next outdoor excursion. Overall, if you're looking for an SUV that can handle off-road driving, the Subaru Outback is the better choice compared to the Toyota Highlander.

Towing Capacity

When comparing the towing capabilities of the Toyota Highlander vs Subaru Outback, it's essential to consider their maximum towing capacity and towing features.

Maximum Towing Capacity

Looking at the maximum towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander typically offers a higher towing capacity compared to the Subaru Outback. The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it ideal for heavier loads.

Towing Features

• Toyota Highlander: Comes equipped with a robust towing package that includes a trailer hitch receiver and integrated towing capabilities for enhanced towing performance.
• Subaru Outback: While the Outback may have a lower towing capacity, it offers features like X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, which provides added stability and control when towing on challenging terrains.

Overall, if you prioritize towing heavy loads, the Toyota Highlander would be the preferred choice due to its higher towing capacity. However, if you value off-road capabilities and control while towing, the Subaru Outback with its advanced features may still be a suitable option for your towing needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Does The Subaru Outback Compare To The Toyota Highlander?

The Subaru Outback offers standard AWD, better gas mileage, more ground clearance, and standard roof rails compared to the Toyota Highlander.

Why Are Subaru Outbacks So Popular?

Subaru Outbacks are popular due to rugged durability, ample interior space, superior AWD, and high reliability.

What Subaru Is The Same Size As The Highlander?

The Subaru Ascent is the same size as the Toyota Highlander, with similar seating and towing options.

What Is The Toyota Version Of The Outback?

The Toyota version of the Outback is the Toyota Highlander.

Why Choose The Subaru Outback Over The Toyota Highlander?

The Subaru Outback offers standard AWD, better gas mileage, more ground clearance, and standard roof rails for your adventures.

Conclusion

While both the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander offer impressive features, the Subaru Outback stands out with its standard AWD, better gas mileage, and the addition of standard roof rails. Whether you prioritize adventure, durability, or convenience, the Subaru Outback proves to be a superior choice in the SUV market.