Toyota Land Cruiser vs Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback underwent a transformation, adopting a more SUV-like appearance while only slightly increasing in size. Its blockier, upright design replaced the previous model's tapered style, giving it a more commanding presence. The new rectangular grille, horizontal accent lights, and boxy headlights contributed to this visual shift. The rugged look was further enhanced by faceted plastic trim around the body and wheel arches, creating an illusion of a taller ride height. Inside, the Outback featured a flatter dashboard with a digital instrument panel and a repositioned infotainment touchscreen. The reintroduction of physical climate control buttons and knobs improved usability, while the interior materials, even in the base Premium trim, were commendable. Higher trims offered smoother materials and leather upholstery, with the top Touring trim's saddle-brown palette adding a warm, rugged personality to the cabin.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two versions: the Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim boasted rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. The upmarket version offered more color options and additional features. Starting at $59,775, the 1958 catered to those seeking a basic yet functional vehicle, while the higher trim, priced from $64,620, targeted buyers desiring more luxury. Our test vehicle, equipped with several options, had an MSRP of $73,740. The Land Cruiser's cabin emphasized function over form, with the Premium Package adding soft leather upholstery and generous padding. The displays and switchgear resembled those of the more expensive Lexus GX, exuding quality despite a thin metallic echo when doors slammed. The Land Cruiser's construction and materials were impressive, making it a cut above the norm.

The 2026 Subaru Outback offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Despite initial skepticism, the base engine performed admirably, providing adequate power for the 3,741-pound Outback. The CVT's quick response improved acceleration, and the vehicle felt composed and confident on both city streets and highways. The Outback excelled in off-road capability, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and an X-Mode button for improved traction. The forthcoming Wilderness model promised even greater off-road prowess with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive (4WD), and a 6,000-pound towing capacity were standard. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 20.3 mpg during a heat wave and 18.1 mpg on a mountainous route. Off-road capabilities were impressive, with center and locking rear differentials, hill-start and hill-descent assist, and Crawl Control. The Land Cruiser's handling was predictable, though it exhibited body roll and nose dive in corners. On the Pacific Coast Highway, it proved smooth and easy to drive, though wind noise was noticeable.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's interior space increased, with a total interior volume of 146.9 cubic feet, qualifying it as a midsize SUV. The rear seats accommodated taller adults comfortably, with ample legroom and larger windows enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The cargo capacity behind the rear seats increased to 34.6 cubic feet, with a maximum of 80.5 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. A multifunction cargo cover and a robust roof rack added versatility, while thoughtful interior improvements, such as cupholders and door pockets, catered to practical needs.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior offered comfort for up to five people, with power-adjustable front seats and genuine leather upholstery in the higher trim. The cargo area provided 46.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 82.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the high liftover height and lack of a flat surface made loading bulky items challenging. The optional center console cool box was small, and the cupholders couldn't accommodate larger water bottles. Despite these limitations, the Land Cruiser's interior was functional and comfortable.

The 2026 Subaru Outback featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, both offering customization options. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and sharp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with a wireless charging pad. The climate controls were no longer integrated into the infotainment screen, improving usability.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the 1958 model, while the higher trim featured 12.3-inch displays. Our test vehicle included wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a 14-speaker JBL audio system and a head-up display. The infotainment system was simple and easy to use, though the Intelligent Assistant occasionally misinterpreted commands.

The 2026 Subaru Outback came equipped with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Touring trim added premium features like a surround-view camera system and hands-free automated highway driving assist. While crash test results were not yet available, Subaru's commitment to safety suggested top marks from safety organizations.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Premium Package added lane-change assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly Good ratings from the IIHS, with some Acceptable and Marginal scores.