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2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Toyota 4Runner Comparison

See how the 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Toyota 4Runner performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Outback 2026

Midsized SUVs

2026 Subaru Outback

$34,995 - $47,995

All Test Results

4Runner 2026

Off-road focused SUVs

2026 Toyota 4Runner

$42,070 - $68,400

All Test Results
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About
About
The Outback has morphed from an adventure-inspired wagon into a full-fledged SUV. Size-wise, it sits nicely in between the smaller Forester and the larger three-row Ascent. The blocky new look adds cargo space and headroom, but some styling elements ...
 
True to its roots, the redesigned 4Runner is an off-road-capable SUV, sharing a platform with the Tacoma pickup and Land Cruiser SUV. Lower trims come with a 278-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder, while higher trims get a 326-hp, turbo four-cylinder hyb...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Punchy turbo engine with the XT model
Green Checkmark Icon Short stopping distances on the Premium trim
Green Checkmark Icon Compliant and composed ride
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable seats front and rear
Green Checkmark Icon Easy to get into and out of
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent outward visibility
Green Checkmark Icon Straightforward controls
 
Green Checkmark Icon Straightforward controls
Green Checkmark Icon Off-road ability
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent reliability
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Slow acceleration with the standard engine
Red 'X' Icon Some debatable exterior styling details
 
Red 'X' Icon Uncomfortable ride
Red 'X' Icon Clumsy handling
Red 'X' Icon Bumpy shifts
Red 'X' Icon Rough-sounding engine
Red 'X' Icon Loud cabin
Red 'X' Icon Dismal interior furnishings
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Touring, Wilderness, Touring XT, Limited XT, Limited, Premium

 

SR5, TRD Pro, Platinum, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport Premium, Trailhunter

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$34,995 - $47,995

 

$42,070 - $68,400

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD

 

4WD, RWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear, 2 Third

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2.5-liter 4 (180 hp); 2.4-liter 4 turbo (260 hp)

 

2.4-liter 4 turbo (278 hp); 2.4-liter 4 hybrid (326 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

CVT

 

8-speed Automatic

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.