Wilderness Warrior: Subaru Outback Wilderness Vs Toyota Highlander – An Epic Showdown

In the realm of rugged and versatile SUVs, the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Toyota Highlander stand as two prominent contenders. Both vehicles boast impressive capabilities and offer a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and off-road prowess. However, discerning buyers may find themselves torn between these two exceptional offerings. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each SUV, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Capability: Unleashing Adventure

1. Engine Power and Performance:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness: The Outback Wilderness is propelled by a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This potent powertrain delivers spirited acceleration and confident overtaking capabilities.
• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander, on the other hand, offers a choice of two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, or a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 243 horsepower. While the V6 offers more power, the hybrid system provides enhanced fuel efficiency.

2. All-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness: The Outback Wilderness comes standard with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which distributes power evenly between the front and rear wheels, ensuring optimal traction and stability in various driving conditions.
• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander also features an all-wheel drive system, known as Dynamic Torque Control, which intelligently distributes torque to the wheels with the most grip, enhancing handling and traction.

3. Ground Clearance and Off-Road Prowess:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness: With a generous 9.5 inches of ground clearance and a rugged suspension setup, the Outback Wilderness is designed to tackle challenging off-road terrains with ease. Its X-Mode system offers various driving modes optimized for different conditions, including snow, dirt, and mud.
• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander, with its 8.3 inches of ground clearance, is also capable of handling light off-road trails. However, its focus is more on on-road comfort and everyday practicality rather than extreme off-road adventures.

Comfort and Convenience: Embracing Refinement

1. Seating and Interior Space:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness: The Outback Wilderness offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The front seats provide ample support and adjustability, while the rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom.
• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander boasts a more spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers in its three rows of seats. The second and third rows offer ample legroom and headroom, making it a great choice for families or those who frequently transport passengers.

2. Infotainment and Technology:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness: The Outback Wilderness features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a premium audio system. It also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s infotainment system is equally impressive, with a large touchscreen display, navigation, and a premium audio system. It also offers a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

3. Cargo Capacity and Practicality:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness: The Outback Wilderness offers a versatile cargo area with 21.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 73.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It also features a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.
• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander provides even more cargo space, with 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down. Its power liftgate also adds convenience during loading and unloading.

Safety and Reliability: Ensuring Peace of Mind

1. Safety Features and Ratings:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness: The Outback Wilderness has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has also received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. Its standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

2. Reliability and Maintenance:

• Subaru Outback Wilderness: Subaru vehicles have a reputation for reliability and longevity. The Outback Wilderness is expected to continue this tradition, offering owners peace of mind and minimal maintenance costs over the long term.
• Toyota Highlander: Toyota is renowned for its vehicles’ exceptional reliability and durability. The Highlander is no exception, with a proven track record of dependability and low maintenance requirements.

Which One Should You Choose? Making the Right Decision

The choice between the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Toyota Highlander ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize rugged off-road capability and adventure-oriented features, the Outback Wilderness is the clear choice. However, if you seek a more spacious and versatile SUV with a focus on comfort and everyday practicality, the Highlander is the better option.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

1. Honda Passport: The Honda Passport offers a blend of ruggedness and refinement, with capable off-road performance and a comfortable interior.
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a legendary off-roader with a luxurious interior and a wide range of engine options.
3. Mazda CX-9: The Mazda CX-9 is a stylish and sporty SUV with a focus on driving dynamics and a premium interior.

Information You Need to Know

1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Outback Wilderness or the Highlander?

• The Toyota Highlander hybrid offers superior fuel efficiency compared to both the Outback Wilderness and the Highlander V6.

2. Does the Outback Wilderness have a third row of seats?

• No, the Subaru Outback Wilderness only has two rows of seats, providing a more spacious cargo area.

3. Which SUV offers a more engaging driving experience, the Outback Wilderness or the Highlander?

• The Subaru Outback Wilderness offers a more engaging driving experience with its responsive handling and potent turbocharged engine.