Subaru Outback vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Outback underwent a transformation, adopting a more SUV-like appearance while maintaining its wagon roots. Despite only slight increases in dimensions, the Outback's new blocky and upright design gave it a more commanding presence. The rectangular grille, horizontal accent lights, and boxy headlights contributed to its robust look. The rugged aesthetic was further enhanced by faceted plastic trim around the body and wheel arches, creating an illusion of a taller ride height. Inside, the Outback featured a flatter dashboard with a digital instrument panel and a repositioned infotainment touchscreen. The reintroduction of physical climate control buttons improved usability, and the interior materials were of commendable quality, with higher trims offering luxurious touches.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid followed a conservative design path, reminiscent of the popular RAV4 but on a larger scale. This approach resulted in a spacious SUV with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a layer of luxury. However, the use of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces detracted from the overall refinement. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had some drawbacks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob. Despite these issues, the Grand Highlander offered a practical and comfortable interior for families.

The 2026 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter boxer engine with 180 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four producing 260 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a CVT and AWD. The base engine surprised with its performance, providing adequate power for the 3,741-pound Outback. The CVT's quick response improved acceleration, and the Outback felt composed on various terrains. It excelled in off-road capability with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for enhanced traction. The forthcoming Wilderness model promised even greater off-road prowess with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a choice between a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain and the performance-oriented Hybrid Max. The Hybrid Max combined a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with electronic AWD and two electric motors, delivering 362 horsepower. It provided impressive acceleration and a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the droning common in CVTs. However, the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg. It excelled in towing capacity, handling up to 5,000 pounds. The ride quality was soft and isolating, but handling was secure only up to a modest point.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's interior space improved significantly, with a total volume of 146.9 cubic feet. Rear seats accommodated taller adults comfortably, and the larger windows enhanced the sense of spaciousness. The cargo capacity increased to 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 80.5 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. The multifunction cargo cover and robust roof rack added versatility for storage. Subaru's attention to detail was evident in features like cupholders with "dog bone" cutouts and door pockets lined with soft materials.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating in all three rows and nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured upscale materials, including leather and artificial suede upholstery. However, the unlined storage locations contributed to noise and vibration. The second-row captain's chairs provided flexibility, and the third-row seats were reasonably comfortable for adults. The Grand Highlander offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2026 Subaru Outback featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with logical menus and customizable layouts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the wireless charging pad's hard plastic surface was a drawback. The climate controls were separate from the infotainment screen, enhancing usability.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various connected services. However, the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were drawbacks. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included features like a head-up display and a premium audio system.

The 2026 Subaru Outback came equipped with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Touring trim added premium features like a surround-view camera system and hands-free highway driving assist. While crash test results were not yet available, Subaru's commitment to safety suggested top marks from safety organizations.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating in some situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.