DecodedCarsSubaru Outback vs Toyota Land Cruiser
2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Subaru Outback is more fuel-efficient: 27 vs 23 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,050 a year less in fuel for the Subaru Outback (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Toyota Land Cruiser is the bigger car, about 5 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru Outback has had fewer recall campaigns (15 vs 18).
The two cars
The 2026 Subaru Outback is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 192 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,966 lb (4dr Wagon Limited/Wilderness/Premier).
The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser is a standard SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,038 lb.
Buying used? The 2024 Outback and the 2020 Land Cruiser have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Outback and the 2024 Land Cruiser.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Subaru Outback if…
- You want lower fuel bills (27 vs 23 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (5 in shorter)
Choose the Toyota Land Cruiser if…
- You want more room (5 in longer)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Subaru Outback
2026 Toyota Land Cruiser
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Subaru Outback specs →Full 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →