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 an aggressive front. Over time, this look became more familiar, blending into the landscape of modern SUVs. The black windshield pillars gave the impression of a floating roof, while the swollen haunches attempted to balance the design. Despite the 20-inch wheels, the flared quarter panels seemed overwhelming. The interior offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery in higher trims, but the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen detracted from its appeal. Controls were well-organized, though the mix of illumination colors made the gauges appear busy at night.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models. The interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, featuring an 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. Quality materials were evident, with the Onyx Edition XT offering durable StarTex upholstery. The exterior featured high gray cladding for protection, and the styling remained smooth and balanced. The Outback's design was practical, with adaptive LED headlights and a new paint option for 2021. It retained its identity as a lifted wagon, offering an alternative to typical crossovers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. With 243 horsepower, it offered adequate power but lacked excitement. The E-CVT transmission mimicked an automatic, and while the regenerative brakes improved, the steering felt lifeless. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency but struggled with body movement and noise during acceleration. It performed well on smooth roads but faltered on uneven surfaces, making it less enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower, struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trim offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower, significantly improving power and refinement. The Outback prioritized comfort and capability over speed, with excellent ride quality and off-road prowess. Subaru's AWD system provided proactive torque distribution, and X-Mode enhanced performance in challenging conditions. The Outback's handling was forgiving, making it a reliable long-distance cruiser.

The Highlander Hybrid Limited offered comfortable front seats with power adjustments and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow, and the third-row seat lacked comfort and space. Cargo space was generous, with 84.3 cubic feet available when the third row was folded. However, storage solutions were less accommodating than previous models, and the wireless charger obstructed access to the storage bin.

The Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance and interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats were folded. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent visibility. Storage options were plentiful, though some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher 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 Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The top infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. While user-friendly, the sound system's quality varied. Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience, and the driver information display provided detailed data.

The Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Subaru EyeSight offered adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, though it relied solely on cameras. The single large screen was more cohesive than the base model's dual-screen setup, and the system's functionality was generally effective.

The Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some inconsistencies, but overall, the safety systems were effective. The Highlander received a five-star NHTSA rating and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.

The Outback's chassis was stronger and stiffer, with standard airbags and driver assists. Blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking were available on specific trims. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating, with minor deductions in frontal crash and rollover tests.