Best Cars · head-to-head

Toyota Camry (2026) vs Subaru Outback (2026)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Toyota Camry (2026) is cheaper at $29100. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Toyota Camry (2026) or Subaru Outback (2026)?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Toyota Camry (2026) is the cheaper at $29100.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Toyota Camry (2026) Subaru Outback (2026)
US price $29100 $34995
BrandToyotaSubaru
Released20262026
Body style midsize sedan midsize wagon/crossover
Mpg combined 51 27
Horsepower 225 180
Drivetrain FWD AWD
Seats 5 5
Cargo cuft 15.1
Powertrain 2.5L inline-4 hybrid (HEV), automatic AV-S6 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8
Release 2026 2026

Sources — Toyota Camry (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Subaru Outback (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Toyota Camry (2026) and Subaru Outback (2026)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Body style: Toyota Camry (2026) midsize sedan vs Subaru Outback (2026) midsize wagon/crossover
  • Mpg combined: Toyota Camry (2026) 51 vs Subaru Outback (2026) 27
  • Horsepower: Toyota Camry (2026) 225 vs Subaru Outback (2026) 180
  • Drivetrain: Toyota Camry (2026) FWD vs Subaru Outback (2026) AWD
  • Powertrain: Toyota Camry (2026) 2.5L inline-4 hybrid (HEV), automatic AV-S6 vs Subaru Outback (2026) 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Toyota Camry (2026)

Two whitelisted testers, Car and Driver and MotorTrend, rate the 2026 Camry among the best midsize sedans for its efficient standard-hybrid powertrain, roomy cabin, and easy-to-use tech. Only Car and Driver instrumented-tested it (7.0-sec 0-60 for the Nightshade FWD, 34 mpg observed, 171-ft braking, 0.87 g skidpad). MotorTrend did not publish its own numbers but flags interior build quality with squeaks and rattles. The two split most clearly on steering. (2 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Efficient standard-hybrid powertrain with strong real-world fuel economy; Roomy, comfortable interior with modern, easy-to-use tech; Quick, responsive hybrid acceleration for a midsize sedan.

Flagged: Vague steering that lacks feel; limited driving athleticism; Interior build quality: squeaks and rattles noted in testing; Priced above its staunchest rivals.

Subaru Outback (2026)

Only Car and Driver's live page survived skeptic verification with full instrumented data for the redesigned 2026 Outback; all quotes and measured values were confirmed against the fetched text. C/D rates it 8.5/10: roomy and comfortable with decent light-duty off-road ability, but numb handling and a sluggish base engine hold it back. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Spacious rear seat and expanded cargo area; Decent light-duty off-road capability; Friendly physical dashboard controls and faster 12.1-inch infotainment.

Flagged: Sluggish, unhurried base 2.5-liter engine; Numb steering and loose, unengaging handling; Jerky CVT blunts the turbo engine.

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