In a world where many midsize SUVs blend together, two that stand out as a little different are the 2026 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Toyota Crown Signia. The scrappy Outback has been around since the ’90s as a capable alternative to truck-based SUVs, but is all-new for 2026. The Crown Signia has been on the market just one year, offering hybrid efficiency and near-luxury accommodations.
Let’s take a closer look at these midsize SUVs and see which is right for you.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has a long-earned rugged reputation dating back to the mid-1990s, but it’s all-new for 2026. A radical redesign makes it look more like an SUV and less like a wagon than ever before, but keeps its off-road capability and all of the charm we love about the Subaru brand.
Subaru Outback Highlights
Rugged off-roader: The X-Mode system and the Wilderness trim make the Subaru Outback the more capable off-roader of these two SUVs. The Wilderness model boasts extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and skid plates, allowing it to go on adventures that the Crown Signia can’t.
Bigger interior: The Subaru Outback offers slightly more rear legroom and much more cargo space than the Toyota Crown Signia. Whether you’re using it to haul kids or kayaks, you’ll appreciate the extra room in the Outback.
Budget-friendly: Although the hybrid Crown Signia has lower fuel costs, the Subaru Outback is considerably a more affordable car. In fact, all but one Outback trim is priced a little below the Crown Signia’s starting price. The price tag alone arguably makes the Outback more appealing.
Read our Subaru Outback Expert Review or see 2026 Subaru Outback models for sale near you.
2026 Toyota Crown Signia
The Toyota Crown Signia is a compelling new hybrid from Toyota, on the road only since 2025. It’s a midsize 2-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and an upscale interior that’s fancier and more high-tech than you might expect from a mainstream brand. It might seem pricey for a Toyota, but it’s a bargain compared to a similar luxury SUV.
Toyota Crown Signia Highlights
Hybrid efficiency: Every Toyota Crown Signia is a hybrid, while the 2026 Subaru Outback has no hybrid option. The Crown Signia achieves up to 38 mpg in mixed driving, while the most efficient Outback gets 28 mpg. According to the EPA’s estimate, that translates to $400 in annual fuel savings.
Premium interior: A Lexus badge on the steering wheel wouldn’t be out of place in the Crown Signia’s upscale cabin. Even in its base XLE trim, the Toyota Crown Signia is loaded with standard features like heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The Limited trim is even nicer with a panoramic sunroof and JBL audio.
Stronger base powertrain: The standard hybrid powertrain in the Toyota Crown Signia produces 240 horsepower, which is a pretty significant boost over the Subaru Outback’s 182-hp base engine. More power, better fuel economy, no compromise.
Read our Toyota Crown Signia Expert Review or see 2026 Toyota Crown Signia models for sale near you.
Similarities
Perhaps the biggest similarity between the Subaru Outback and Toyota Crown Signia is that each ride on standard AWD. Both are technically midsize 2-row SUVs, but the Outback has more wagon-like proportions.
Pricing
New 2026 Subaru Outback Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,445 |
$33,400 |
|||
$43,165 |
$39,200 |
|||
$45,815 |
$41,800 |
|||
$46,445 |
$42,000 |
|||
$46,845 |
$42,700 |
|||
$49,405 |
$45,000 |
New 2026 Toyota Crown Signia Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$45,940 |
$43,500 |
|||
$50,340 |
$47,500 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Subaru Outback vehicles and New 2026 Toyota Crown Signia vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Subaru Outback | 2026 Toyota Crown Signia | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 240 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, cvt w/lineartronic & 8-speed manual mode | Automatic, ECVT |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg | 39 city/37 highway/38 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 191.7 inches | 194.1 inches |
| Width | 82.9 inches | 74.0 inches |
| Height | 68.3 inches | 64.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.5 feet | 39.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.5 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 43.0 inches | 42.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.5 inches | 37.1 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 57.4 inches | 55.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 34.6 feet | 31.9 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 80.5 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Although these midsize SUVs compete in the same class, their skill sets are quite different. The Subaru Outback is the more value-conscious option, with a lower price tag and more interior space. We also like that it has more variety in its model range, while the Toyota only has two trims.
The Toyota Crown Signia is the more premium option, with its fancier interior and a generous list of standard features. The satisfying and efficient hybrid powertrain is a perk that you can’t get in the Subaru, but the Toyota is also quite a bit pricier.
With those strengths in mind, the right SUV for you depends on your budget and whether you’re more of a mountain biker (Outback) or a golfer (Crown Signia).
