Subaru Outback vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander Hybrid contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Outback and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
In comparing the Subaru Outback's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a better car than the Subaru Outback.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Outback ranges from $28,999 to $40,745 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is priced between $46,520 to $60,199. For a new model, the Subaru Outback's price is between $32,586 and $46,228, with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid priced between $48,954 and $58,841.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 5.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Outback.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.3 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Outback being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid being ranked 1 out of 9 Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Outback is 7.8 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid base engine makes 243 horsepower. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Highlander Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 599 miles. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru Outback. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Outback and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32586 - 46228
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
48954 - 58841
Starting MSRP:
46820
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
48413
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
37800 - 60490
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34524
Price Range:
28999 - 40745
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
53080
Price Range:
46520 - 60199
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
51507
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
40518 - 65239
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
18079
Depreciation %:
0.38612833
Resale Value $:
28741
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38635449
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.32753242 - 0.55374955
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
17.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.61
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.448465751878131
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6006999209915365
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.2 - 7.9
Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
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6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
26 out of / 36Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander, which is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Full suite of standard safety features
- Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
- Third row legroom less than competition
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels
Limited, Limited 25th Edition, Platinum, XLE, XLE Nightshade
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
35 / 35 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
599 / 599 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4515 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Heavy Metal / Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Cypress
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Harvest Beige
Gray
Graphite
