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The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a well-equipped family SUV in the midsize class. It offers impressive safety equipment and a refined cabin experience. You’ll also appreciate its myriad of tech features and efficient turbocharged powertrain. However, the 2024 Subaru Outback is also a serious contender in this class. This midsize SUV has standard all-wheel drive and plenty of useful features, too.
So, is the 2024 Highlander or the 2024 Outback the better family SUV? Let our Toyota vs Subaru match-up decide for you. We’ll check out each model’s interior offerings. We’ll put them through their paces to see how their performance stacks up. Finally, we’ll evaluate their safety systems. Then, you can be assured of an objective and well-balanced outcome. You can also test-drive the 2024 Highlander range at Toyota of Meridian in Meridian, MS.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has seating for up to eight occupants. Its three-row layout enables this. Moreover, a seven-seat captain-chair interior is available. Here, the second-row bench is replaced by two individual seats. These seats can be adjusted for optimal occupant comfort. Selecting captain chairs also creates a walk-through passage for better third-row access. In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback is a five-seat SUV. Hence, it only has two rows and doesn’t offer captain chairs.
The 2024 Highlander can accommodate 16 cubic feet of cargo when its third row is in use. You can also fold the third row for 48 cubic feet of space in a two-row configuration. This is notably more than the 33 cubic feet the two-row 2024 Outback provides in the same form. Moreover, you can get 84 cubic feet by folding down the 2024 Highlander's second row.
Furthermore, Toyota offers comfort features such as tri-zone automatic climate control in all 2024 Highlander trims. Choosing higher trims also adds powered, heated, and ventilated front seats. Meanwhile, the 2024 Outback only offers power adjustment for the driver's seat and dual-zone climate control.
Both family SUVs have Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® for all trims. They also have Bluetooth® wireless audio streaming and hands-free capabilities. The 2024 Highlander also offers dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrument cluster functions. Moreover, it has a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, which is optional for 2024 Outback buyers. Finally, music fans can opt for an 11-speaker JBL® sound system upgrade in the 2024 Highlander. The 2024 Outback can also be specified with a Harman/Kardon® sound system.
Every 2024 Highlander comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter, 265-hp, 4-cylinder engine. The engine is rated to provide 310 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, with options for an all-wheel-drive (AWD) or front-wheel-drive (FWD) system. The system includes dynamic torque vectoring. It continually monitors grip conditions and redirects power accordingly.
Furthermore, the 2024 Highlander range gets a three-mode drive selector. The modes are Eco, Normal, and Sport. These modes adjust drivetrain parameters accordingly. Choosing an AWD system also adds Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system. The system offers four modes, namely Normal, Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow. Meanwhile, Toyota offers a sportier suspension setup for the XSE trim. This comprises high-rate springs, a rear stabilizer bar, and tuned shock absorbers.
The 2024 Subaru Outback has a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine for lower trims. The 182-hp engine delivers 176 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims get a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit. This engine makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT gearbox and symmetrical AWD system are standard.
Toyota rates the 2024 Highlander’s towing capacity at up to 5,000 pounds. Plus, every variant has Trailer Sway Control. This is excellent for those who are inexperienced at towing. The system helps maintain control of the vehicle and trailer under tricky road and environmental conditions. Meanwhile, the 2024 Subaru Outback
can only tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Finally, 2024 Highlander buyers can also opt for a hybrid variant. There’s no hybrid variant of the 2024 Outback range.
Safety Features ComparisonThe 2024 Toyota Highlander range has Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ as standard. It includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision alert. Rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, and lane-keeping assistance are also standard.
Moreover, all trims have a full-speed range dynamic radar-guided cruise control system. The 2024 Outback includes many of these features under the Subaru EyeSight suite.
Our choice for the best family SUV is the 2024 Toyota Highlander range. It outshines the 2024 Subaru Outback in all our evaluation criteria.
Why not talk to our team and find out how to put one on your driveway today? Contact Toyota of Meridian, and we'll make your new car purchase as hassle-free as possible.
