Subaru Outback vs. Toyota Tacoma
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Outback and Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma.
When we compare the Subaru Outback's and the Toyota Tacoma'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 Tacoma has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback's and the Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma is priced between $46,996 to $69,227. For a new model, the Subaru Outback's price is between $32,586 and $46,228, with the Toyota Tacoma priced between $49,381 and $68,435.
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 Tacoma loses 28.5 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Tacoma retains 14.8 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 Tacoma's quality rating is 8.9 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Outback being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota Tacoma being ranked 1 out of 4 Best Hybrid Trucks.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Outback is 7.8 out of 10. For the Toyota Tacoma the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma base engine makes 326 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru Outback has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
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:
49381 - 68435
Starting MSRP:
46320
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
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:
57920
Price Range:
46996 - 69227
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# 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 $:
13410
Depreciation %:
0.28951626
Resale Value $:
32910
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Tacoma Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
9.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
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 Tacoma
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
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:
4.409029974711422
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
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
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
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 Tacoma Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Summary 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
Toyota’s Tacoma has been the sales leader in the midsize segment for decades. While other brands quit this market, Toyota continued to polish the gem that is the Tacoma pickup.
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
- Wide range of trim levels and styles from affordable barebones to serious off-road
- Best in class retained value
- Strong track record of overall reliability
- Composite bed eliminates corrosion concerns
- Beware the recent few used years with transmission issues with some recent models
- Interior oddities like a low, flat seat
- Not as refined as most competitors, overdue for a full update
- Towing capability less than segment best
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
60.3 inches, 73.5 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels
Limited HV, Trailhunter HV, TRD Off-Road HV, TRD Pro HV, TRD Sport HV
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):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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
Max Payload:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
326 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
465 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6000 lbs
Max Payload:
1620 lbs
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:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
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
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:
Standard
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:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
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:
5045 lbs
Width:
77.9 inches
Height:
74.6 inches
Length:
213 inches
Wheelbase:
131.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
11 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 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
265/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Blue Crush Metallic
Gray
Underground
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Ice Cap / Wind Chill Pearl
Brown
Bronze Oxide / Terra
Red
Supersonic Red
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Boulder/Black w/ Anodized Blue / Boulder/Black w/ Smoke Silver
