2025 Subaru Outback vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

If you’re having a hard time deciding between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the Toyota Highlander, we get it. These two family-friendly midsize crossover SUVs share many characteristics but cater to different needs of Florida drivers. Our Conley Subaru team has compiled a summary of each vehicle’s features and compared their price and value. We hope this helps you with your choice.

Let’s Compare These Two Family-Friendly SUVs

The Subaru Outback is one of the few station wagons in today’s market. Built on the Legacy sedan platform, it looks nothing like your typical crossover. In 1994, the Legacy Outback kick-started crossovers by moving away from truck platforms to car-based designs. It’s no surprise that U.S. News rated it first in wagons.

The Toyota Highlander was one of the first midsize crossovers to feature sedan comfort with SUV practicality. Launched in 2000, this family-friendly SUV is known for its comfortable ride and reliability. Tough times hit the Highlander in 2024 after Toyota launched the Grand Highlander, decreasing sales of its smaller sibling.

The 2025 Subaru Outback has nine trim levels ranging from the Base with a starting MSRP of $29,995 to the midrange Onyx Edition XT starting at $41,225 and the top-tier Touring XT at $44,730. Toyota takes it further with the Highlander, offering 10 trims, five gas and five hybrid models. The gas entry-level LE has an MSRP starting at $40,320, with the top-level Platinum starting at $52,725. The Hybrid XLE starts at $46,820, and the Hybrid Platinum at $54,475.

Performance Comparison

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard on all Outback models, optimizing traction in snow, rain, and rough roads. You have two engine options — a 2.5-liter Boxer engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined, or a turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, achieving a combined 25 mpg. X-MODE reduces wheel spin for improved grip, and the Wilderness boasts a 9.5-inch ground clearance.

The Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive in the lower trims, with AWD optional but standard in the upper trims and hybrid models. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine generates 265 horsepower, and with AWD, it gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined. A 2.5-liter hybrid engine producing a combined 243 horsepower powers the hybrid models and has an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. The Highlander has a higher towing capacity than the Outback, at 5,000 pounds compared to 3,500 pounds.

Interior and Comfort

The 2025 Outback comfortably seats five with 42.8 inches of front legroom and 39.5 inches in the back. Seat options include cloth, water-repellent StarTex, leather, or nappa leather. Higher trim levels include heated, ventilated seats and driver memory settings. All trim levels except the base trim include dual climate zones. There’s ample cargo space with 32.6 cubic feet behind the seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Highlander seats seven with two captain’s chairs or eight with a third-row bench seat that offers a modest 28 inches of legroom. Front seats offer 42 inches, while the middle row gets 38.7 inches. Cargo room is limited, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. It has a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with all rear seats folded — you gain passenger space but lose cargo capacity.

Safety Features

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2025 Outback a Top Safety Pick+, and it received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Outback includes the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that incorporates an advanced adaptive cruise control system with lane centering, departure alert, and auto emergency braking. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and DriverFocus distraction monitoring.

The Highlander features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with precollision and pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure warning, lane tracing, and road sign assist. Premium models include blind-spot monitoring. Both share standard features such as precollision braking, lane-keep assist, backup cameras, and auto emergency steering.

Technology and Features

Tech-wise, the Outback features Subaru’s Starlink system, comprising dual 7-inch screens or an 11.6-inch touch screen on higher trims. This tablet-style display is among the largest in its class and includes navigation on premium models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable your smartphone to seamlessly connect to maps, music, podcasts, and apps. Music lovers will enjoy the optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker sound system and 792-watt equivalent power.

Toyota’s audio multimedia system features an 8-inch standard screen or an available 12.3-inch upgrade. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smooth phone integration. Sound options range from the standard six-speaker setup to an 11-speaker JBL system. Both vehicles contain the connectivity you’d expect in 2025.

Price and Value

The Outback’s starting MSRP of $29,995 compared to the Highlander’s $40,320 makes a difference of more than $10,000. Consider that the Outback has standard AWD, while the Toyota has AWD as an option in the lower trim levels. This value gap is evident in their U.S. News rankings, with the Outback scoring 9.1/10 overall while the Highlander scored 8.6/10.

Both SUVs have lasting power, and with care, you can expect your 2025 Outback to exceed 200,000 miles, matching Toyota’s famous longevity. Owners from both brands report hitting that milestone with regular maintenance. The Outback is ideal if you’re budget-conscious but want capability. The Highlander holds great resale value and competes well price-wise, but the higher starting price puts it out of reach for many.

Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle Best?

The 2025 Outback combines practicality with value, offering something different. It’s perfect for an outdoor family wanting standard AWD, better gas mileage, and off-road capability without breaking their budget. At Conley Subaru, we can help you get into a new Outback. Chat with our finance team today about your financing options.

The Highlander, despite its higher price and cramped back seats, works if you have a large family. The small cargo space with seats up makes it less practical, and for most shoppers, the Outback makes more sense with its good fuel economy.

Test Drive the 2025 Subaru Outback at Conley Subaru

Whichever SUV takes your fancy, it’s a smart idea to take it for a test drive. At Conley Subaru, we have a 2025 Outback just waiting for you. So pop in to our Bradenton dealership today or contact us online to book your test-drive and have our team explore inventory and discuss financing with you.