Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2021 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 2012

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Toyota Highlander (2021) vs. Subaru Outback (2012) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2021 Toyota Highlander and 2012 Subaru Outback specs.

2021 Toyota Highlander and 2012 Subaru Outback Specifications

Model Year 2021 2012  
Model Toyota Highlander Subaru Outback  
Engine 3.5L V6
DOHC-4v
295 hp@6600
263 lb-ft@4700
3.6L H6
DOHC-4v
256 hp@6000
247 lb-ft@4400
 
Transmission 8-speed shiftable automatic 5-speed shiftable automatic  
Drivetrain AWD AWD  
Body 4dr SUV 4dr Wagon  
      Difference
Wheelbase 2,850 mm 2,741 mm 0 mm
Length 4,950 mm 4,780 mm 0 mm
Width 1,930 mm 1,821 mm 0 mm
Height 1,730 mm 1,669 mm 0 mm
Curb Weight 1,964 kg 1,632 kg 0 kg
Fuel Capacity 68 L 70 L -2 L
Headroom, Row 1 1,046 mm 1,036 mm 0 mm
Shoulder Room, Row 1 1,499 mm 1,430 mm 0 mm
Hip Room, Row 1 1,453 mm 0 mm 1 mm
Legroom, Row 1 1,067 mm 1,092 mm 0 mm
Headroom, Row 2 1,001 mm 998 mm -997 mm
Shoulder Room, Row 2 1,491 mm 1,425 mm 0 mm
Hip Room, Row 2 1,448 mm 0 mm 1 mm
Legroom, Row 2 1,041 mm 960 mm -959 mm
Headroom, Row 3 917 mm 0 mm 917 mm
Shoulder Room, Row 3 1,397 mm 0 mm 1 mm
Hip Room, Row 3 1,158 mm 0 mm 1 mm
Legroom, Row 3 704 mm 0 mm 704 mm
Total Legroom 2,812 mm (over 3 rows) 2,052 mm (over 2 rows) 0 mm
Cargo Volume, Minimum 453 L 971 L -518 L
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 1,371 L 34.3 -33.3 L
Cargo Volume, Maximum 2,387 L 2,019 L 0 L

Return to top

TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
With each redesign (for 2008, 2014, and 2020) Toyota has enlarged the Highlander, yet the crossover's third-row seat remains uncomforably low and tight. For adults to be even passably comfortable in the way-back the second row must be slid forward, rendering legroom there also marginal. Some three-row crossovers have much roomier and more comfortable third-row seats. But if you want to be able to squeeze in eight people, Highlanders with a second-row bench can do this. Because they have significantly narrower third-row seats, the Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento cannot fit three people back there even in a pinch, so in hybrid form the former has a maximum capacity of seven people and the latter only six. (The Sorento PHEV will be able to seat seven.) This noted, if you want your adult passengers to have plenty of room, the practical capacity of each is four people. see full Toyota Highlander review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2020 4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6
8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
The 3rd row seating is just not for adults at all, and I'm not certain that children would be easy to fit back there as well. I'm not sure what Toyota was thinking, even making the 2020 longer didn't make any difference at all. My one complaint is it is just TOO SMALL! see full Toyota Highlander review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Subaru Outback

2012 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
I am a big guy. 5'10 and about 290 lbs. This car is very comfortable for me. I can reach the controls nicely, love the heated leather seats. see full Subaru Outback review
2012 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
0 see full Subaru Outback review
2012 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
I have found our 2012 Outback to be very comfortable for long drives. The driver's seat has plenty of adjustment to accommodate my frame. Legroom is outstanding. My wife got so spoiled with the heated seats in our 99 Outback Limited that she balks at cars without. So our 2010 and now the 2012 have had the heated seats. see full Subaru Outback review
2012 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Rear seat comfort is excellent even for very tall teenagers and 20 somethings. The redesign of the Outback in 2010 noticeably improved rear seat space. One note when flipping down the back seats. Make sure your head is out of the way when you lift the release lever. The seat back springs forward quickly. The angle of the rear seat can also be reclined for additional comfort. The fold down center cup holder is a nice touch. The seating position is high so visibility is great. see full Subaru Outback review
2012 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Very comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Impressed with the seat comfort/adjustability/durability. 12+hours in the chair is no problem. see full Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Wide space with lots of shoulder, hip, leg and head room. Seats are comfy too without being decadent. see full Subaru Outback review
 
See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Toyota models.