Toyota Yaris Cross vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?

Toyota Yaris Cross

$31,790 - $41,280

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2026 Toyota Yaris Cross

2026 Subaru Outback

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 3, 1.5L

Flat 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

3.8L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Cute exterior packaging
Park it anywhere
Hybrid boost hides low outputs

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Dislikes

Cabin is ageing
Missing some features for price point
Model-year upgrades are too modest

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

2026 Toyota Yaris Cross Summary

Toyota’s smallest SUV has picked up a few subtle styling and tech tweaks as part of a minor model year update.

It goes up against familiar names like the Nissan Juke and Kia Stonic in the light SUV segment, as well as hybrid rivals like the newer Suzuki Fronx and Chery Tiggo 4.

But does the Toyota still have enough appeal this late in its life cycle?

View full pricing & specs

2026 Subaru Outback Summary

It’s 2026 and over 30 years and through six generations the Subaru Outback as we knew it… is gone.

Gone is the defiantly wagon-esque crossover style that was one of the first, as well as likely the most-successful, for the boxy beast you see here.

RIP, original Subaru Outback.

But, don’t worry, folks, because, except for a couple of issues, things only get better by and large, with the big new seventh-gen model.

And, in the most important ways, the 2026 Outback is a true Subaru at heart, so let’s dive straight in!

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota Yaris Cross 2026 Subaru Outback

Verdict

The Toyota Yaris Cross Urban is a city-savvy SUV that’s easy to park, nimble in traffic, and relatively fun to drive. It’s cute as a button on the outside, but the cabin doesn’t quite match the price, and some of the tech feels a little behind the times compared to rivals. The hybrid powertrain definitely earns it points but is it worth the jump in price over its rivals? A hesitant yes, because who doesn't like efficiency? But it needs a cabin upgrade to stay truly competitive in our market.

Verdict

Over 30 years and seven generations of Outback in Australia, the latest might just be the best.

It's great to drive, even better to sit in, very easy to live and willing to go further than most equivalent large SUVs at its price point.

The styling is definitely divisive, with purists unhappy that the long, crossover wagon silhouette is now gone, but what we have instead is a family-friendly vehicle that pleases on so many fronts.

We’d go as far as saying the latest Outback might be the most-rounded Subaru currently available, and great value to boot. And the base AWD is all the SUV most people will ever need.

That’s not bad for something this square!

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Toyota Yaris Cross vs Subaru Outback What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Yaris Cross vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?