2026 Subaru Outback vs Toyota Crown Signia - Adventure Wagon vs Hybrid Luxury
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Date: 2026-01-23
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Comments and reviews: 20
richardausten5295
Just a note - A full size spare fits the Outback - the cargo cover in the Subaru has a couple of advantages - when not using it you can simply fold it up - a lot of the roller size ones have to be stored someplace (usually in the garage which is ok but let's say you want to load up the car one direction but on the way back you don't - now you don't have a cover. Moreover, the cheap cargo cover is cheaper to replace and can be cleaned more easily. I have no dog in the hunt, both look good and likely quite reliable - I would not really say the MPG advantage is that big when the Outback is $9, 000 cheaper - you can buy a helluva lot of gas for $9, 000 (and it would still be the difference in gas over the years. You would probably need to run the numbers based on how much you drive. If you are someone driving 15, 000km a year, that's obviously a big difference from someone driving 45, 000km a year. It seems the Crown is Lexus light and more luxurious, while the Subaru is more suitable for campers and is an all-rounder at a lower budget. You may also not have to pay the Toyota tax to get one. Albeit, Subaru has ranked 1st two years in a row for reliability from Consumer Reports, which may allow Subaru dealers to charge more.
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Just a note - A full size spare fits the Outback - the cargo cover in the Subaru has a couple of advantages - when not using it you can simply fold it up - a lot of the roller size ones have to be stored someplace (usually in the garage which is ok but let's say you want to load up the car one direction but on the way back you don't - now you don't have a cover. Moreover, the cheap cargo cover is cheaper to replace and can be cleaned more easily. I have no dog in the hunt, both look good and likely quite reliable - I would not really say the MPG advantage is that big when the Outback is $9, 000 cheaper - you can buy a helluva lot of gas for $9, 000 (and it would still be the difference in gas over the years. You would probably need to run the numbers based on how much you drive. If you are someone driving 15, 000km a year, that's obviously a big difference from someone driving 45, 000km a year. It seems the Crown is Lexus light and more luxurious, while the Subaru is more suitable for campers and is an all-rounder at a lower budget. You may also not have to pay the Toyota tax to get one. Albeit, Subaru has ranked 1st two years in a row for reliability from Consumer Reports, which may allow Subaru dealers to charge more.
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JamesPhieffer
I really like the Crown Signia. Attractive styling, a good combination of power and efficiency, and no belt-driven CVT.
It's not an SUV or CUV, but if I really wanted one of those I still wouldn't get the Outback. I'll take a manual, torque-converter automatic, or planetary drive CVT such as Toyota and Ford use. That eliminates Subaru SUVs.
And I'm really not a fan of the new Outback's styling. It seems awkward, but not in that pleasantly utilitarian way traditional SUVs have been (think original Explorer, Pilot, or 80s compact SUVs. It reminds me of the production Pontiac Aztek - not as bad, but similar, as if they didn't get the proportions quite right.
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I really like the Crown Signia. Attractive styling, a good combination of power and efficiency, and no belt-driven CVT.
It's not an SUV or CUV, but if I really wanted one of those I still wouldn't get the Outback. I'll take a manual, torque-converter automatic, or planetary drive CVT such as Toyota and Ford use. That eliminates Subaru SUVs.
And I'm really not a fan of the new Outback's styling. It seems awkward, but not in that pleasantly utilitarian way traditional SUVs have been (think original Explorer, Pilot, or 80s compact SUVs. It reminds me of the production Pontiac Aztek - not as bad, but similar, as if they didn't get the proportions quite right.
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JSAC16
We compared the two and we decided to trade our 2019 Outback Limited for the Crown Signia.
MSRP for the 2026 Outback Limited is $44k, a big increase in price from the 2025 model. At this price range we decided to take a look at the Signia XLE which was $45k MSRP.
Unfortunately our 2019 Outback started leaking oil at 75k miles so we have lost confidence on the longevity of Subarus and was a key reason for switching.
We will miss the full time AWD, and ground clearance of the Outback. But for about the same price we are getting a better interior, better gas mileage, and a more reliable car.
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We compared the two and we decided to trade our 2019 Outback Limited for the Crown Signia.
MSRP for the 2026 Outback Limited is $44k, a big increase in price from the 2025 model. At this price range we decided to take a look at the Signia XLE which was $45k MSRP.
Unfortunately our 2019 Outback started leaking oil at 75k miles so we have lost confidence on the longevity of Subarus and was a key reason for switching.
We will miss the full time AWD, and ground clearance of the Outback. But for about the same price we are getting a better interior, better gas mileage, and a more reliable car.
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ikscx9
There's another vehicle out there that's sort of a competitor for the Crown, Signia, the Cadillac Lyric. I just got a Crown Signia XLE a year ago. A friend of mine just got a Lyric, and I did some researching on the Internet and much to my amazement. They are within 2 inches of each other except for width the Cadillacs is a few inches wider and has a longer wheelbase. So add on the premium$$$ for the EV drivetrain and the extra Cadillac frills, both vehicles' form factors are extremely close.
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There's another vehicle out there that's sort of a competitor for the Crown, Signia, the Cadillac Lyric. I just got a Crown Signia XLE a year ago. A friend of mine just got a Lyric, and I did some researching on the Internet and much to my amazement. They are within 2 inches of each other except for width the Cadillacs is a few inches wider and has a longer wheelbase. So add on the premium$$$ for the EV drivetrain and the extra Cadillac frills, both vehicles' form factors are extremely close.
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jschlarb
I just picked up my Outback Touring XT and the full-sized spare fit easily. I wrapped the tools in a towel. Lots of room down there even with the full-sized spare.
The Outback Touring is nicer inside than the best Crown Insignia, at a lower price. I think that would be a better comparison. But I do agree that the piano-black shiny bezel takes away from the overall luxury feel of the Outback. I’m already trying to think of ways to cover it.
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I just picked up my Outback Touring XT and the full-sized spare fit easily. I wrapped the tools in a towel. Lots of room down there even with the full-sized spare.
The Outback Touring is nicer inside than the best Crown Insignia, at a lower price. I think that would be a better comparison. But I do agree that the piano-black shiny bezel takes away from the overall luxury feel of the Outback. I’m already trying to think of ways to cover it.
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james2042
Really if you drop the outback 2 inches, which remember an outback has always been a lifted legacy wagon, its only an inch taller than the signia. While the signias roof is sloped, the seating position, headroom and first row height is functionally identical floor to ceiling. The outback is still very much more sedan like than a Forrester or Ascent, no matter how much people try and claim it's now an SUV
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Really if you drop the outback 2 inches, which remember an outback has always been a lifted legacy wagon, its only an inch taller than the signia. While the signias roof is sloped, the seating position, headroom and first row height is functionally identical floor to ceiling. The outback is still very much more sedan like than a Forrester or Ascent, no matter how much people try and claim it's now an SUV
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Jay-bw3fl
I love them both and was considering both but I bought the 26 outback limited xt and I absolutely love it. It’s a tough decision for sure. I think it really comes down to whether or not you really value mpg -which I don’t. Subaru makes wonderful vehicles and I think they’re higher quality than what Toyota is putting out now after having owned a 24 Land Cruiser and a 25 Tacoma.
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I love them both and was considering both but I bought the 26 outback limited xt and I absolutely love it. It’s a tough decision for sure. I think it really comes down to whether or not you really value mpg -which I don’t. Subaru makes wonderful vehicles and I think they’re higher quality than what Toyota is putting out now after having owned a 24 Land Cruiser and a 25 Tacoma.
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yogiyo888
I am a fan of wagons and do not drive SUVs. I have had 6 wagons in my life, an A6Avant, a V90XC, a BMW540i and 3 Outbacks. But it seems that yet another wagon has left the market. This new Outback has zero characteristics of a wagon. Although the Signia barely passes for a wagon, it does look closer to a wagon than the Outback.
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I am a fan of wagons and do not drive SUVs. I have had 6 wagons in my life, an A6Avant, a V90XC, a BMW540i and 3 Outbacks. But it seems that yet another wagon has left the market. This new Outback has zero characteristics of a wagon. Although the Signia barely passes for a wagon, it does look closer to a wagon than the Outback.
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adamm457
I would rather have the mechanical AWD, but we don't get a lot of snow in my part of NC. Though from what I understand the rear motor in most Toyotas with the eAWD is all but useless. The only model I have heard any good things about the eAWD is the Crown Sedan Max Hybrid, and personally that car is ugly.
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I would rather have the mechanical AWD, but we don't get a lot of snow in my part of NC. Though from what I understand the rear motor in most Toyotas with the eAWD is all but useless. The only model I have heard any good things about the eAWD is the Crown Sedan Max Hybrid, and personally that car is ugly.
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EmmyJune212008
The virtues of the Outback are almost irrelevant, because I don't want to have to look at it in my garage. The Signia, however, has a design that is refreshingly clean, unlike the overwhelming number of overwrought new cars available today.
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The virtues of the Outback are almost irrelevant, because I don't want to have to look at it in my garage. The Signia, however, has a design that is refreshingly clean, unlike the overwhelming number of overwrought new cars available today.
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joshuahamilton4692
7: 50 correction: the hands free driving assist is only available on the Touring trim in either turbo or non turbo models. It is not available in the Limited XT. So having the turbo (XT variant) is not what gets you hands free driving.
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7: 50 correction: the hands free driving assist is only available on the Touring trim in either turbo or non turbo models. It is not available in the Limited XT. So having the turbo (XT variant) is not what gets you hands free driving.
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dirkneumann3324
What's the actual price of this tested Subaru with all the features and the Turbo 4 I bet it's a lot closer to the Signia than the $10k difference you keep mentioning in the video, which is rather deceptive. Apples to apples please!
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What's the actual price of this tested Subaru with all the features and the Turbo 4 I bet it's a lot closer to the Signia than the $10k difference you keep mentioning in the video, which is rather deceptive. Apples to apples please!
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Doc1855
A LOT of us want a Hybrid instead of a Turbo for longevity.
A Naturally Aspirated engine will ALWAYS outlast a Turbo any and every time! And a Hybrid will Always Outlast the normal naturally aspirated engine.
Do the math, idiot
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A LOT of us want a Hybrid instead of a Turbo for longevity.
A Naturally Aspirated engine will ALWAYS outlast a Turbo any and every time! And a Hybrid will Always Outlast the normal naturally aspirated engine.
Do the math, idiot
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keytothegate68
People paying 10K more to save pennies on fuel bill Both cars are ugly. I don't care about the Signia to me that is not even a car since it runs on battery but the Outback was such nice looking car until now
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People paying 10K more to save pennies on fuel bill Both cars are ugly. I don't care about the Signia to me that is not even a car since it runs on battery but the Outback was such nice looking car until now
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KuyaArbee
Apples to oranges. comparison. One will last practically for 10 years the other one will have engine and oil leak issues from the infamous boxer engine and Subaru reliability
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Apples to oranges. comparison. One will last practically for 10 years the other one will have engine and oil leak issues from the infamous boxer engine and Subaru reliability
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justaddafan
As a driver of cars (not trucks/SUVs) it would be nice if pickup trucks used the lower position headlight design that these two cars do. I hope this is a new trend.
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As a driver of cars (not trucks/SUVs) it would be nice if pickup trucks used the lower position headlight design that these two cars do. I hope this is a new trend.
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Billybobthor
FYI only.
I’m on Subaru’s 2026 Outback website. I search for wagon. 0 hits. I search for SUV. 6 hits. They actually call it midsize crossover SUV now.
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FYI only.
I’m on Subaru’s 2026 Outback website. I search for wagon. 0 hits. I search for SUV. 6 hits. They actually call it midsize crossover SUV now.
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us1fedvet
The Outback is one of the ugliest vehicles I’ve ever seen. The Crown looks sharp. If I want to serious 4wd I’ll use my Ram 1500 Hemi. Toyota all the way.
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The Outback is one of the ugliest vehicles I’ve ever seen. The Crown looks sharp. If I want to serious 4wd I’ll use my Ram 1500 Hemi. Toyota all the way.
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joshuahamilton4692
18: 40 another correction: the 2026 Outback isn’t available with cloth seats. The base Premium model has Subaru’s StarTex upholstery.
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18: 40 another correction: the 2026 Outback isn’t available with cloth seats. The base Premium model has Subaru’s StarTex upholstery.
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richardperkins2781
I’m not happy with the Subaru redesign brick like front, disjointed side profile. The rear is the only view that says Subaru.
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I’m not happy with the Subaru redesign brick like front, disjointed side profile. The rear is the only view that says Subaru.
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