2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, with its blunt and bulbous nose creating a striking first impression. Over time, however, its unique styling became more familiar and less polarizing. The SUV's design featured black windshield pillars that gave the illusion of a floating roof, while swollen haunches balanced its appearance. Despite the 20-inch alloy wheels, the flared quarter panels seemed overwhelming. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered a two-tone leather interior with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, though reflections were an issue. The controls were well-organized, but the mix of illumination colours made the gauges appear busy.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models. The interior was refreshed, especially in higher trims, with an 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Outdoor XT trim featured durable, water-resistant upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a playful touch. The exterior was practical, with high gray cladding and smooth styling. The Outback's design emphasized functionality, with adaptive LED headlights and a new paint option for 2021. Its lifted wagon style made it a versatile alternative to typical SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, reducing its output to 243 horsepower but improving fuel efficiency to 6.7 L/100 km combined. Despite the efficiency gains, the driving experience was less engaging, with the engine sounding strained during acceleration. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement. However, the regenerative brakes were an improvement, and the SUV handled well on smooth roads. Around town, the electric motor provided immediate torque, making it a comfortable cruiser.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-litre flat-four, produced 182 horsepower, which struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when loaded. The optional 2.4-litre turbocharged engine on the XT trims offered a significant performance boost with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, making it more capable and refined. The Outback's handling was forgiving, designed for long-distance comfort rather than speed. Its AWD system was proactive, providing excellent off-road capability. The turbo XT's fuel efficiency was slightly lower than the base engine, but the performance gains were worth the trade-off.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power adjustments and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,387 litres with seats folded. However, storage solutions were less practical, with the wireless charger blocking access to the storage bin.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cabin provided excellent visibility and comfortable seating. Storage was well-designed, with large map pockets and a clever centre console. Some features, like push-button start and rear climate vents, were not standard on lower trims. The integrated roof rails and crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls but was generally responsive.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and connected services. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. However, the JBL sound system's audio quality varied. Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror added convenience, while the driver information display provided detailed data.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older technology. Despite this, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The EyeSight system provided advanced driver assistance, though it relied solely on cameras. The single large screen was more cohesive than the dual-screen setup. The system's usability was hampered by the interface, but the navigation was more modern-looking.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and emergency steering assistance. The system was effective but occasionally inconsistent. The Highlander earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings were slightly lower.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong chassis and comprehensive safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with slightly lower scores for the front passenger and rollover tests.