2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and design cues with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model in Celestial Silver giving a somewhat dated look. However, a switch to Solar Octane orange and black accents transformed it into a more playful, rugged appearance. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical controls for climate and audio. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered various seating materials. All models included power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, enhancing comfort and customization.

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons, adopting crossover trends like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias. Its Crimson Red Pearl paint paired well with the black leather interior, though earthy shades were preferred. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to adventurous buyers. The Outback's design was practical, with a rugged exterior and a well-executed interior. Chrome and glossy black plastic were used sparingly, and the dashboard featured easy-to-read gauges. The Touring XT trim offered Nappa leather and ventilated seats, enhancing comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively a hybrid, using the iForce MAX powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase from its predecessor, with improved fuel economy at 20 mpg combined for 4WD models. The TRD Pro trim offered off-road capabilities with a part-time 4WD system, skid plate, and off-road suspension. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 9,520 pounds, with various towing upgrades available.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a Boxer engine in two forms: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower. Both engines used a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration, making the XT model a recommended choice. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness model increasing it to 9.5 inches. The ride was smooth and comfortable, with responsive steering and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology and CVT had some drawbacks.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered automatic power-deploying running boards for easier access. Cargo space was 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded, and the third-row seats could be adjusted for more space. However, the hybrid battery pack affected the load floor and headroom. Legroom varied across rows, with the second row offering 39.2 inches and the first 41.2 inches. Second-row captain’s chairs were available on higher trims, though they lacked bolstering.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality, with easy entry and a low roof for loading. Cargo space was 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 with them folded. The flat floor and square shape maximized usability. The Outback's passenger volume was 109 cubic feet, offering more front headroom and legroom than competitors. Towing capacity increased to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on other trims. The infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver-information display and Panoramic View monitor were standard, with a 10-inch head-up display available on higher trims. The JBL Premium Audio system was standard on upper trims.

The 2025 Subaru Outback had an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The dashboard featured physical controls, but some tasks required touchscreen interaction. A CD player and USB ports were available for various devices.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations, but the similar Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2025 Subaru Outback used EyeSight technology for adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The DriverFocus system monitored for distraction, though it had some false positives. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.