Subaru Outback 86·Toyota Grand Highlander 82on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Outback about $1,965 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,965 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The Toyota Grand Highlander counters with more power (265 vs 180 hp) and seating for 8.
Go with the Subaru Outback for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Grand Highlander if you prioritize stronger acceleration and more passenger space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Subaru Outback vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Subaru Outback versus 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Metric
Subaru Outback
Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
86
82
Cost of Ownership
85
84
Powertrain
62
67
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
69
51
Safety
100
95
5-Year Cost to Own
$48,550
$50,516
Depreciation (5-yr)
$15,678
$13,143
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,187
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,100
$11,935
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,175
$2,000
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,900
Financing (5-yr)
$5,265
$6,358
Registration (5-yr)
$995
$1,145
Starting Price
$34,995
$42,260
Horsepower
180 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
34.6 cu ft
20.6 cu ft
Seating
5
8
Towing capacity
2,700 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$809
$48,550 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$42,260
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Subaru Outback scores higher overall.
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Outback
85
Grand Highlander
84
Winner: Outback
$1,965 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Outback
62
Grand Highlander
67
Winner: Grand Highlander
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Outback
32
Grand Highlander
43
Winner: Grand Highlander
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Outback
69
Grand Highlander
51
Winner: Outback
+18 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Outback is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,965 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota Grand Highlander still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Subaru Outback
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Outback
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Outback
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Outback
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Subaru Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
Toyota Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Outback comes out about $1,965 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
