What To Know
- The Highlander comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies.
- The Outback, with its more affordable starting price, attractive fuel economy, and off-road capability, presents a strong value proposition for those seeking a versatile and capable SUV without breaking the bank.
- While this comparison focused on the key similarities and differences between the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback, it’s important to acknowledge their unique strengths and appeal beyond the direct comparison.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when faced with popular contenders like the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and capability, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key areas where these SUVs shine and where they fall short, helping you determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.
Performance and Handling: Two Distinct Approaches
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback take different approaches to performance and handling. The Highlander, powered by a robust V6 engine, delivers a powerful and responsive driving experience. Its eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth acceleration and efficient fuel economy. While not as sporty as some rivals, the Highlander handles confidently on the road, offering a comfortable and stable ride.
On the other hand, the Subaru Outback prioritizes all-wheel drive capability and off-road prowess. Its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system provides superior traction and handling on slippery surfaces, making it a great choice for those who frequently encounter snow or challenging terrain. The Outback also offers a lower center of gravity compared to the Highlander, contributing to its agile handling and responsive steering.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Crew
Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback excel in providing ample interior space for passengers and cargo. The Highlander boasts three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers comfortably. Its spacious cabin offers generous legroom and headroom, making it ideal for families or frequent travelers. The Highlander also boasts a large cargo area that can be further expanded by folding down the second and third rows.
The Subaru Outback, despite having only two rows of seating, offers a surprisingly spacious cabin. Its high roofline and wide doors make entry and exit easy, while the comfortable seats provide ample support for long journeys. The Outback’s cargo area is also impressive, offering ample room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear.
Technology and Safety Features: A Focus on Innovation
Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback are equipped with advanced technology and safety features. The Highlander comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies. Its safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.
The Subaru Outback also features a user-friendly infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a range of driver-assist technologies. Its EyeSight suite of safety features includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. Additionally, the Outback offers a unique feature called DriverFocus, which monitors the driver’s attention and alertness.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power and Economy
While both SUVs prioritize practicality and capability, their fuel economy figures differ. The Toyota Highlander’s V6 engine delivers respectable fuel efficiency, but it falls slightly behind the Subaru Outback in this regard. The Outback, with its smaller engine and standard all-wheel drive system, achieves better fuel economy, making it a more economical option for daily driving.
Pricing and Value: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback offer compelling value propositions within their respective segments. The Highlander’s starting price is slightly higher than the Outback, but its spacious interior, powerful engine, and extensive features justify the price premium. The Outback, with its more affordable starting price, attractive fuel economy, and off-road capability, presents a strong value proposition for those seeking a versatile and capable SUV without breaking the bank.
Which SUV Reigns Supreme: The Final Verdict
Choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize spaciousness, powerful performance, and a comfortable ride, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice. However, if you value off-road capability, superior fuel economy, and a more agile handling experience, the Subaru Outback might be the better fit.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring the Unique Appeal of Each SUV
While this comparison focused on the key similarities and differences between the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback, it’s important to acknowledge their unique strengths and appeal beyond the direct comparison.
The Toyota Highlander embodies a sense of family-oriented practicality and comfort. Its spacious interior, powerful engine, and comprehensive safety features make it an ideal choice for families seeking a reliable and comfortable SUV for daily driving and occasional adventures.
The Subaru Outback, on the other hand, appeals to those who value versatility, capability, and a sense of adventure. Its standard all-wheel drive system, off-road prowess, and impressive fuel economy make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts, active individuals, and those who frequently encounter challenging road conditions.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
A: The Subaru Outback is generally considered better for off-road driving due to its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system, higher ground clearance, and lower center of gravity.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers more cargo space with its three-row configuration and larger overall dimensions.
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Toyota Highlander‘s V6 engine delivers more horsepower and torque than the Subaru Outback‘s four-cylinder engine.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Subaru Outback generally achieves better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Subaru Outback has a lower starting price than the Toyota Highlander.
