2025 Subaru Outback vs. Toyota Crown Signia: Wagon Shootout!

[@RynoDBones]

I bought the 2025 Touring XT two weeks ago. It’s my third Outback. Just sold my first one, and my second one now belongs to my son.

[@grisellimay]

omg freaking finally. I've been waiting for a comparison video for AGES and thankfully it's one of the best reviewers around!

[@georgepeach5430]

Excellent, comprehensive comparison! I considered the Subaru, the Toyota Venza, and the Signia. I finally determined the Signia would be the best vehicle for me. I will never do offloading, but do you like a smooth ride and a nice interior. The other plus is the excellent mileage. The Signia has met all of my expectations. Your video confirmed that I made the right choice.

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏👏👏

[@karacha]

If you really want to go offroad, I don't think this is much of a competition -- you are going to go for the Subaru.

[@asplmn]

Agreed. Though, if you’re really wanting to truly off-road, it’s hard to beat a body on frame Toyota 4x4. But, most people don’t need that level of performance.

[@TheLetsboogiedown]

Ahh, the perfect video to watch for this middle aged dad while sipping his morning coffee 😅

[@DROC9169]

100 percent!!! Laughing so hard because it’s so true.

[@ntuthukodlame1894]

So true😂

[@darkkforest]

The quality this channel output is immeasurable, all of that with no annoying ads whatsoever. Bravo.

[@forumboss2620]

No. It was a poor review that ignored many important facts about both vehicles.

[@deanroslynmengel5575]

Reviews are getting better all the time - loved the turning circle, excellent.

[@jediguy634]

With the average price of a new car being $48K, the Outback (fully loaded) at $44K is an outstanding value. As the new Outback model gets closer, I hope that Subaru sticks to its incredible value proposition.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Be prepared for the new 2026 Outback to have prices increase 2k across all trim levels.

[@jediguy634]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 Thats still $2K under the current average selling price. Even if you rock the top trim with every option that's still good value. Granted not as much as a value as it was. At my local Ford dealer, a mid-tier Ford Escape with minimal options is $43K.

[@boxoffisa]

You are comparing a luxury wagon to plain off-road wagon. If you take away that good interior on crown and hybrid, would you still save that $8k?

[@crabjoe]

The 48K average happens because of pickup trucks and BOF SUVs like the Tahoe. The Subarus are unibody cars, so if you just compare the pricing to unibody cars, new cars are still in the 30K range.

[@wildbill23c]

I'm guessing closer to or slightly more than $50k if the new Subaru Outback gets a hybrid system...gotta pay for that extra battery weight. I'm curious what fuel economy they can achieve if they add the hybrid system to the Outback, and other models, course like anything, don't buy the first model year and even sometimes the 2nd model year is questionable too HAHA!! I want a Subaru Outback Wilderness after looking at them and the Forester Wilderness, I think the slightly more room in the Outback would be a good thing. I'm driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty now, the cargo space in it is kind of like the Forester, so a bit more space would be nice.

[@Dunwelll]

I appreciate comparing the vehicles dimensions, especially the wheelbase and how it's related to the turning circle.

[@tuan056585]

These are 2 great station wagon/ SUV cars. I already made my decision and bought the Outback touring. It saved me about 10K over the Crown Insignia limited, plus 2.9 interest. I never owned a Subaru before but I do hear a lot of good stuff about Subaru in recent years. So far I like it.

[@calebwany8422]

They good but be very keen on due service times coz that's where it could go to shyt

[@juliosdiy3206]

If u own it fot less then 8 yrs Subaru wins if own own it for more toyota wins u pick a choice.

[@pnwdweler4100]

Consumer Reports just released their quality rankings and Subaru has now taken the top spot. Toyota has dropped to third right behind Lexus.

[@calebwany8422]

@pnwdweler4100 Subaru obviously paid for it coz ain't no way bro

[@tuan056585]

@@calebwany8422 do you have a proven? Or you just assumed it?

[@pablosexto6530]

Thank you for another amazing review, as Outback XT Touring owner the SIGNIA look more luxurious but no comparable with Subaru off road features also price difference, definitely waiting for the 2026 Outback

[@Dillingham-]

Great job explaining the DNA of these vehicles. Crown has long been the first choice of Japanese taxis and company business types. No mud in sight, unlike the Subaru that found its niche in the mud and dirt specifically. Two excellent vehicles.

[@RandyFredericks-i7e]

Living in the northeast I see a lot of snow and storms I bought the Outback wilderness late fall My first Subrau and it’s past amazing the ride the technology and the AWD and if you need XMode The car is a beast

[@EagleOne49]

My 2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT is my sixth Outback. Looking with great interest at the 2026 Outback. The Toyota Crown Signia's lack of adequate ground clearance kills it for me. I was impressed by it's performance on your "easy" course, with some expected scraping. As always, great shootout!

[@Deetroiter]

It wasn’t all that long ago that Subaru’s would get maybe 22-23mpg highway..tops. AWD systems have always been on the lower end of fuel mileage, especially Subarus. The fact that these days Subaru can create a real full time all wheel drive system that gets close to 30+mpg is some amazing engineering. Another wild note is I saw a consumers report article the other day that Subaru dethroned toyota as most reliable vehicle. That is truly astonishing because Subaru was always mid pack or so, now they’re number 1. What a world we live in.

[@boxoffisa]

Not amazing engineering sir. Any CVT transmission can improve fuel efficiency. If it was automatic and or manual, that would be a different story. Boxer engines are known for being bad at gas mileage.

[@TheTundraDude57]

Subaru dethroned Toyota? That’s a joke! JD Power vehicle dependability study 2024 ranks Toyota #2 (Lexus is #1) and Subaru is #10! I’d take a Toyota hybrid any day over a Subaru, which btw barely gets 30 mpg.

[@crabjoe]

There's no amazement here on it's mpgs. They got the improved mileage by going CVT and making their AWD setup weaker with using those solenoid in the transmission valve body. It's no longer nearly as robust as in the past, and no more LSD option or a part time 4wd lock. It's definitely a better road vehicle than the past, but offroad capability took a big hit.

[@boxoffisa]

@ people are here lying. Even in Europe or everywhere Toyota and Lexus are still on top. Plus that hybrid mileage will make me appreciate living a life of sufficiency.

[@jmanultra]

@@TheTundraDude57JD Power is just as much of a joke.

[@TryingToBeKind]

Ryan, what a superb, comprehensive review of exactly the comparison I wanted to see. One thing you didn’t cover though, was quietness (road noise, wind noise) and smoothness on the roads/highway. What did you think? Thanks! ✌🏻❤️✌🏻

[@drivingsports]

Both are good. The Outback Touring has acoustic glass at this trim level so they're about equal on that front.

[@austenrichardgeorge842]

For a model's last year - You sort of have to give Subaru credit for hanging in with a brand-new product. From all the reviews I have read - Subaru just needs to fix a few issues - a better infotainment system including cameras and adding a few nicer touch points and a pano sunroof and basically you have a near-perfect wagon for a solid price. Toyota's Hybrid system may come to the next Outback which is reliable - and it's already a top safety pick. Keep all the good and fix the bad. Consumer Reports also just ranked Subaru number 1 for reliability ahead of Lexus and Toyota (9th). But I like the Crown - it's got the nicer interior and probably quieter on the road. Kind of like a "better value Lexus."

[@phillipjohnson5868]

Just rolled over 200k miles on my 2012 Outback 2.5i Limited! Been probably the best car I’ve ever had. Handles light to moderate off roading excellently and has had no major issues (small things here and there). Hoping to get 260k out of it!

[@ghlee2300]

Great vid. Can't wait to see the hill decent test when you get it ready!

[@djkrahl]

On the Subaru, there is a second rear view camera is displayed through the rear view mirror. The switch is on the mirror. It has better resolution. And the button on the dash will display the front view camera that can be helpful in navigating trails.

[@yankeeblues2007]

Not to mention keeping the wife from ramming my snowblower.

[@Jedi_Order81]

I sure like the look of that Crown

[@Fabulousprofound168]

Front looks like Iron Man mask 👍

[@lookinin123]

After owning Toyota and Lexus vehicles for years I would seriously consider a Subaru going forward. Why on earth hasn't Toyota reverse-engineered Subaru's unparalleled traction system? It is spectacular and it puts many 4x4s to shame. No modifications required - it just works. I had always heard that Subaru were oil burners and for that reason alone I stayed from them. However, I don't hear that so much anymore, so what's not to love? Great job, Ryan. Thanks for doing the comparisons side-by-side.

[@matthewschiebout7384]

they were oil burners more recently and about 10 years ago coolant burners

[@alexkleine9737]

The only things not to love about Subaru is Fuel Economy (no hybrid yet) and Infotainment system is subpar in comparison to most across any model year. Love my Subie and can live with the infotainment while I still have knobs. Fuel economy is going to lose me next car if they don't get the hybrids implemented soon.

[@louamato6332]

And the Subaru boxer engine helps the handling so much - the Subaru truly handles well.

[@floppinfish]

​@matthewschiebout7384 subarus got a bad name because kids got a hold of the turbo versions. You can literally turn the boost up for free extra horsepower. But the rods, pistons, gaskets, etc, cannot handle that pressure. Therefore burning oil and head gasket issues.

[@Jkp564]

Toyota runs Subaru

[@michaelheimlich9161]

I test drove the Signia XLE and the Outback XT Limited. Live in the Boston area. I blew out a tire on my Passat wagon on a Storrow Drive pothole so I'd be worried about the Signia Limited with 21" wheels and thin tires. Would probably need snow tires on smaller wheels for New England and Quebec winters and potholes. That extra cost kills the hybrid fuel savings. I detest the Outback screen but resigned to suffering with it because the extra ground clearance and full-time AWD make more sense. The Outback ride quality is extremely nice and the seats are comfortable, comparable to the Signia.

[@mj8495]

Had two Subarus...still need winter tires for stopping and turning. Agree that the 21" wheels on the Signia Limited are ridiculous. Subaru used to have great physical controls, but has gone to the dreaded touchscreen. If you need to go off road, Outback is better. As a daily commuter I give the edge to the Crown.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The Signia XLE has 19" rims. Having said that, it is ridiculous that a Crown sedan comes with a spare tire while the Crown Signia wagon/CUV does not.

[@markmiller3279]

​@@rightlanehog3151Especially since the spare tire well is there. It should be easy to buy a donut spare for the Signia sedan and put it in there.

[@forumboss2620]

Yes don’t get the big wheels on any vehicle- and the Crown Signia has no spare and no room to add even a small spare.

[@yankeeblues2007]

I live on Cape Cod which doesn’t have a lot of lights. My ‘23 OB Touring XT is averaging just a hair under 28mpg overall. It’s a great vehicle but since I don’t off-road (aren’t we doing enuf damage driving on pavement?) I could be very happy with the Signia. Great review!

[@elsaandnoah]

Oh man - I love both! New Crown Signia is especially handsome with lovely interior except it lacks fog lights and more ground clearance. It’s spendy though. I’m in Canada and yea, Crown Signia is steep $

[@rightlanehog3151]

It doesn't help that Toyota Canada has again denied us a base trim.

[@OFFENSIVE-COFFEE]

awesome camera work you guys 🚙‼

[@DavidJones-st8lo]

Great job doing the comparison. We don't do trails just street driving and our choice is the Toyota Crown. We want the luxury.

[@arashparseh3077]

I know that Outback is better for off-road, but Signia isn't easy to ignore.

[@mattbryonphoto2357]

I live where there is snow. Nothing beats Subaru AWD! And I've had both Honda and Toyota's to compare. Heck! My Subaru actually manages icy/ snow packed roads better than my Nissan frontier in 4x4

[@ATLOffroad]

I feel the same about my Honda Ridgeline. I thought my Tacoma handled snow and ice pretty well, until I bought a Ridgeline. It does so much better in slippery conditions.

[@ms-jl6dl]

Tires is what counts most.

[@tomkato6400]

I sat in both the Outback Wilderness and the Crown Signia Limited at the Seattle Auto Show last month. The Crown Signia felt much more modern inside, but I liked the more straightforward interior of the Outback. Also, with the Crown was $52K and Outback at $43K. The Subaru seemed like a bargain.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The Signia XLE is only a few hundred more than the top Outback. I am surprised Ryan did not mention it.

[@JBM425]

At my Toyota dealer in suburban Portland, Oregon, the actual selling price was between $42-45K. That’s not bad, because the Avalon was in the same ballpark.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

One aspect that isn’t mentioned is that while Subaru Outback’s remain a strong seller, the Crown Signia is basically rotting on dealer lots. My neighbor is the GM of a local Toyota store and he literally loses money on every Crown and Crown Signia. 5-7k off is common.

[@Moistnmeaty90]

3-4k off Outback’s is common as well. A fully loaded Outback XT Touring will still be a better value than the Crown Signia.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@ according to my neighbor who is a GM at Toyota, he’s hearing that the Crown Signia and Crown are likely to be axed in 2026, leaving the Camry as the largest Sedan available in Toyota’s lineup.

[@calebwany8422]

​@@haroldbeauchamp3770they're shooting themselves on the foot by making them so expensive, they're still Toyotas at the end of the day

[@danhall3450]

Subie OB owner here who last week I test drove the CS in N Seattle. At that time the the dealer had zero RAV4 Hybrids available, but 4 CSs. Methinks the CS is to pricey for the average Toyota buyer. BTW, I thought CS was pretty very nice and comfy on the paved roads I drove; going against the herd here, but I think it's more comfy than my 22 OB Touring. But the smaller cargo area & higher price may deter me from considering it further.

[@P-Bizzy]

We have one of each at our house. We each love them for different reasons. The Signia is basically our “nice car” and a Lexus in disguise. The Outback is the workhorse and hauler. Rice quality goes to the Signia. Cargo capacity goes to the Outback. Rough service jobs go to the Outback, “date night” is in the Signia. The Signia is more refined and quiet. Signia’s in town MPG is a clear winner. Subie is fine for highway MPG. Either is a good choice for their use case.

[@Nemura12]

I have sold both vehicles, they are great wagon, Toyota with better tech and MPG, Subaru with better ride and confront.

[@alsheremeta]

Ryan, you asked which you would choose, I chose a 2024 Venza, put on 17" inch wheels with Michelin X ice snow tires, compares very well to the Legacy wagon it replaced on snow and ice.

[@NarcyZG1]

I've already chosen the Subaru Outback Touring - it costs another $1200 less than the turbo so compared to the Toyota you save almost $10K!!! At current fuel prices in NY it will last you 2780 gallons or about 61100 miles in the city or 80600 miles on the highway!!! It doesn't have all the unnecessary electronics, sensors etc because it doesn't have a hybrid or turbo. And thanks to the already famous X-mode you will go much further off-road. Best Regards

[@amerigovespucci4076]

$8K is quite a difference in price. You'll never recover that difference in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.

[@amerigovespucci4076]

@@rightlanehog3151 ONLY if you don't care about good handling, practicality, durability and resale....... Does the "R" stand for something????

[@ralphcasale2216]

I got my 2025 touring xt after taking 3 crown signia test drive. The subie had much better steering feeling and handling. I never had a Subaru before but have had multiple toyota and lexuses.

[@Tritonal92]

Don't think people looking at the Crown Signia care about steering feeling/handling. It's a much more luxurious and comfortable than the Outback...

[@senseicorey9979]

I hope you get a chance to drive it in the snow and really see what it's all about.

[@danhall3450]

Interesting... As the owner of a 2022 Outback Touring with aftermarket rear sway bar, I did a 15 min test drive of the CS. Surprisingly, I thought the steering was quicker & the cornering flatter in the CS . Maybe the 25 OB has rejiggered the suspension since 2022?

[@sonnguyen-ru6rf]

would pick Signia with 2 inches added to ground clearance !

[@jonnywrongturn.4143]

Always a very good video. Please keep up the good work.

[@thrash123ful]

Thank you for calling theses wagons and not SUV's unlike most car journalists.

[@geepee4134]

Ryan - one correction. The acoustic side glass [originally standard on Limited and Touring XTs] was dropped in 2023 with the refresh. The 2023 - 2025 brochures no longer advertise this feature. I confirmed the deletion with local, Subaru dealer Parts department. Also, uncertain if you mentioned, the CS does not have a spare tire, does not have the driver's seat thigh extension, and the Signia's sunroof [only available in the Limited trim] is fixed glass - does not open. Whereas my XT gets 31 highway, it averages only 18 in the burbs. Had high hopes for the Signia but too many concessions.

[@drivingsports]

Wow. That’s weird. Good to know. I didn’t find it loud, but I also was driving at 40mph not 80 for the review.

[@danhall3450]

Interestingly based on MPG posts on a popular Outback forum a modest number of OB owners report 32-34 mpg with their OBs. That's only 3-4 mpg short of the CS 37 mpg highway, Even more interesting is that it appears that more owners of the XT (2.4L Turbo) get slightly better Highway MPG than owners of the 2.5i NA engine. Slightly annoying to me as a the owner of a 2.5i NA OB 😑.

[@judih.8754]

If I avoid rapid acceleration from stops I can average 36 mpg in my 2.5i.

[@Neekogo]

Let's be honest; this is more trail than CUV most owners would likely see. If you're more of an outdoors person - Subie. If you spend most of your time of paved roads then Toyota. Can't go wrong with either option though.

[@A2dy]

I still think the Volvo V60 CC is the ultimate wagon for most people

[@mariner3485]

good review and interesting comparison. Subaru: I have a '21 Limited XT w/towing hitch --- best car I've ever owned! I would buy another!

[@scottw9771]

Another great review. I would only suggest using a tape measure to provide actual measurement figures for the rear cargo area. For those that are curious the Signia is 40" deep from the back of the second row and then OB is 42", width Signia 40" OB 44', height Signia 26" and OB 30".

[@danhall3450]

Humm... when I measured the two I got 4 more inches from the back of the 2nd row seat. Regardless of who is correct, OB has more cargo space.

[@michaelhughett8396]

I used to have an outback, and when I looked at the crown, Signia, I immediately could tell that it had significantly less cargo space behind the second row. This and the 21 inch wheels on the Limited trim were the primary reasons I walked away from the Toyota. Once I put my golf clubs in there was little room for luggage.

[@scottw9771]

@@danhall3450I measured from the bottom of the 2nd row seats to the front edge of the plastic trim where it meets the carpet.

[@scottw9771]

@@danhall3450 I measured from the back of the 2nd row seat to the front edge of the plastic trim where the carpet meets the plastic trim, I did the same with the Signia. The OB rear cargo area is bigger, but not drastically, but for me I'm sticking with the OB as I do need the larger space and the Signia just is not worth $8k+ more.

[@skolenimation]

@<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="974">16:14</a> My '23 Outback Wilderness will do this. It will stop and creep in traffic no problem, and I'm not aware if it needs to be activated above a certain speed but the minimum it will "set" to is 25mph.

[@Beyondesp]

Yes, I use the dynamic cruise too in my 24 touring xt and it handled slow traffic just fine. It's been a godsend and saves a ton on my own leg fatigue.

[@drivingsports]

It’s not a hands-free system like the Toyota. Subaru requires hands on the wheel.

[@mervinprone]

The Lexus version of the power train of the Crown (which is the 350h) actually doesn’t require premium fuel because it’s not a turbo. Only the RX350 and RX500h require premium fuel.

[@FordEnthusiast413]

No question I would get the Outback!!!

[@MattSchmader]

Great video, I’m a big fan of the side by side comparison with the split screen

[@LoveMyZJ]

Hey Ryan, having caught a peek at the camera setup that you use for in-car recording, would it be possible to do a quick "behind the scenes" look and explanation of your setup, and how it has changed over time? There's a lot more going on that I imagined!

[@drivingsports]

I can just tell you in short we use a Canon R5C for in car. It’s mounted to the windshield using arms with suction cups. It has attached to it a tentacle Bluetooth time code generator. When I’m filming, I use a Tentacle voice recorder, which is synchronized with the other generators. I use an LED light for fill. I then mount a DJI Action cam either at the front windshield on the roof or in the cabin. It has also been synchronized with a time code generator.

[@Qweasdzxc-q1i]

The Crown Signia has way too little ground clearance than I need. Otherwise, it's a decent choice, but it has less power and is more expensive.

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

Especially with the Subaru, consider adding "visibility/size of windows" to comparisons. The view out of Forester is "airport landing tower" levels of visibility.

[@louamato6332]

Owning a Subaru Legacy and a 2021 Toyota hybrid Sienna, this is exactly the head to head comparison I wanted to see. Very well done. Since the Legacy is going away one of these vehicles are likely my next ride. I love the style and fuel economy of the Crown, but the Outback ground clearance and AWD is impressive. If the Outback comes out with a hybrid and a bit more styling that might take the cake. I’m thinking the Toyota might have slightly better maintenance since regenerative breaking helps the brakes last forever. Which vehicle do you think might be better to maintain? Excellent review, again.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The balance of probabilities strongly suggests the Signia will be cheaper to maintain. Getting the XLE on 19" rims will also lower the price of replacement tires by a few bucks.

[@cheapercharlie]

There is a big difference in price with the Outback being much cheaper and I got mine 3k below MSRP. I needed the extra cargo capacity with the rear seats up. Don't forget how easy it is use the Outback roof rails. The Outback infotainment screen is horribly slow and the rear camera is awful. In my XT I match the city EPA and get 33mpg on the highway. The Crown Signa is a much better looking vehicle and was pleasantly surprised how well it did on your course, but the amount of annoying beeps in the Toyota safety suite is a problem for me.

[@P-Bizzy]

Per video, cargo capacity: Second row down Outback= 75.6 cu ft vs Signia= 66.1 cu ft Second row up Outback= 32.6 cu ft vs Signia= 24.8 cu ft Check many website to verify.

[@colechapman6976]

If I wasn't a Subaru loyalist I would totally get the Signia. Finally, a competitor to the Outback in the Northeast

[@rightlanehog3151]

All we want is a little more competition in the wagon market.

[@JBM425]

The hybrid powertrain makes my Avalon Hybrid fun to launch from stoplights and accelerating out of curves. I’m sure the Crown is similar. It can do something the Outback can’t: 43 MPG on the Interstate.

[@khalee95]

Toyota having stakes in Subaru is a good thing as well. Subaru supposedly will be getting the hybrid.

[@mattheviewer]

Thnx for a fine review! Wrt offroad, seems like Signia is work in progress. I wonder if Toyota will eventually provide a lifted Signia version ala Subaru Wilderness. As for '26 Outback, doesn't its longer length and larger wheels (with thinner tires) seem a move away from off roading?

[@K03sport]

Ryan, thanks. Outback Wilderness. The only thing that would make this better, besides Karleena, is if there were a 3rd pedal, somewhere. A lowered (turbo) outback w/3 pedals would be epic. I wonder where Subaru could look for inspiration of such a car. 🤔🤔🤔

[@is6566]

Ryan is on a quest to find the least inept soft-roader. 😃

[@ddshineautowashanddetailin8765]

now lets wait for Subaru Strong Hybrid in an Outback and see how it goes. Subaru Strong Hybrid keeps the drive shaft to the back, which i think its a good thing!

[@kizo172]

No one reviews cars as good as you do.

[@simons5193]

I'll take the Subaru any time.

[@ishta]

I just looked at the ground clearance and I chose Subaru and did not watch past that. Their AWD is decades proven. Also you need to be able to run on low PSI on some mud slop and the Subbie is a normal tire sort of and maybe even able to take a slightly smaller diameter wheel and thus a bigger tire that you can run low psi when needed

[@michaelvella8511]

Great comparison. I will pick the Outback. Saving $400 a year on gas will take ages to make up the $10000 price difference. Plus Subarus perform better in snow.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The Signia XLE is priced within a few hundred dollars of the Outback model seen in this video.

[@theadambragg]

The sounds of the electric motor would deter me from even considering the yota lol. And living here in Northwest Colorado, Subaru all day baby. Ryan, I absolutely loooove your videos. I tell all my friends and even my four year old watches with me 😎🤙

[@cezarymazur7719]

I wish 4 runners have a Crown Signia engine.

[@madlucio70]

Crosstrek Wilderness ftw ;)

[@boxoffisa]

I would love to give my children a better interior. You spend most of the time inside the car. That crown would be something I would love to be in myself.

[@yardboy3955]

Toyota Crown Signia for me, because I don’t drive off road. Love the Crown interior and exterior styling and gas mileage. The infotainment on the Subaru needs improvement. Like the power and AWD on the Subaru.

[@martinburns342]

Hi Ryan, great video. I have an XT Touring here in Australia. It is fitted with the dual X mode, maybe cause we don't have the Wilderness version, also our Outback's are imported from Japan. I agree with comments about the reversing camera. Do you find the rear suspension slightly under damped, particularly at low to mid speeds on the road? 🇦🇺

[@mostlygibberish]

I was expecting Signia stuck at the entrance bump. Maybe I'll reconsider before trading it for something more exciting 😅

[@moneyparhar]

$52k for that. Overpriced by least $20k

[@wildbill23c]

I like the seating material in the Subaru much better than the leather rather fake leather found in all these luxury vehicles. The Outback Wilderness I looked at had heated seats front and rear, and a heated steering wheel, and mirrors....great for the winters in Idaho, and the AWD system is excellent in the Subaru, no electronics dictating if you will have AWD or not, and its powering all 4 wheels all the time regardless of speed and direction. The Dual X-Mode in the Subaru Wilderness models is what I'm after as well, a bit better for bad weather conditions, and the increased ride height is a good thing too. Way too many of today's crossovers sit way too low for deeper snow conditions. If Toyota would stop worrying so much about stuffing that hybrid system into everything, and concentrate more on capability they'd have much more capable crossovers. I think the gas only crossovers with AWD from Toyota do a much better job at distributing power front to rear because they are still mechanically connected, where the hybrid versions have that electric motor in the back which doesn't provide enough power overall in bad conditions to get the vehicle moving if there's no traction up front.

[@Labaht]

I love both of these, but as a proud owner of a 2022 non-XT, I think most people would benefit from cross shopping it to the Toyota. I just checked websites (in Canada) and a 2025 non-XT Limited saves over $17000Cdn/$12kUS over a base Signia. That’s a whole lot of fuel money and smiles knowing I won’t need a hybrid battery in 5-7yrs. Does the teenager in me wish for turbo power? Only when passing multiple vehicles at once. Absolutely love our first “Roo.” It likely won’t be our last.

[@frok7744]

Fantastic comparison video. The presentation is amazing.

[@forumboss2620]

Say what? I have just driven both cars in multiple versions. I was stunned by how incomplete this review was and how the host did not even mention many key factors that should affect the buying decision…

[@gschweiger]

Subaru will make a killing if they can figure out how to do hybrids well. An Outback with 35+ mpg, without compromising the current capabilities would sell like hotcakes in New England, PNW, upper Midwest, and mountains states.

[@backhand4]

And if they redesign that ugly interior. It's just heinous!

[@alanmay7929]

they are probably going to use toyota hybrid system

[@gschweiger]

@@alanmay7929 Ryan has mentioned in comments before. It will not be Toyota's system. Subaru has a newly developed hybrid system that puts a traction motor on the transaxle. It is currently in the Japan market Crosstrek

[@tails300]

@@gschweigeractually it is Toyota’s hybrid system, specifically their 2 motor eCVT technology. The only difference is that it’s paired with Subaru’s flat 4 2.5L and AWD system. Essentially every Subaru hybrid will be part Toyota.

[@gschweiger]

@@tails300 Interesting. I have not seen anything that says it was Toyota's tech. Ryan didn't seem to think that, either.

[@kingtool5799]

comparison in video only. depends on what buyer wants......efficiency, comfort (on road only), and hybrid dependability will go Toyota.....real awd, real offroad chops, spare tire go subaru

[@Coal-Scuttle]

Drove the Crown Signia & found it to be super noisy when you give it the beans. Also found the belt line unusually high making it difficult to rest my arm on the door. I was expecting a higher level of refinement for this $64k Cdn Toyota.

[@rightlanehog3151]

If Toyota Canada offered us the Signia XLE, the price would not be $64,000.

[@mick4790]

No doubt the Outback!

[@STree42]

"very little body roll" in the Subaru? What? It has the softest suspension in its class. Tons of body roll, but very smooth ride.

[@hopecottrill3916]

Additional $$$ considerations on hybrid Crown - Insurance rates and yearly registration is $100.00 more in Ohio // $100 hybrid, $150 plug in hybrid, and $200 for full electric // Crown uses 0W-8 engine oil - available at Napa //

[@danhall3450]

WA state also raises the fees for HEVs & PHEVs. I get it for a standpoint of road usage, but don't much like it.

[@minnesotajack1]

52000 is a big number for the crown. I’d be interested to see the market that doesn’t think Highlander at that price point. Although I believe the Crowns are made in Japan

[@rightlanehog3151]

The Signia XLE is priced comparably to the Outback in this video.

[@sarrum7696]

I like the Subaru better. From drive train, styling and interior, it’s the Subaru for me.

[@clintm7178]

I'm really looking forward to getting a new Outback Limited XT early next year. I should be able to get it for around $40k, and I can buy a lot of gas for the price difference with the Toyota. The Outback will be the 4th Subaru in our home fleet, and I love them all!!

[@forumboss2620]

I have driven and researched both cars. The Toyota is better looking on the outside and gets better mileage. The drivers seat and most controls are better. However, In California the outback is about $10,000 cheaper. For me there were some real deal-breakers with the Crown Signia: 1) Low beam headlight even adjusted to full vertical with dashboard control shines too low, and the recessed mount kills some of the side illumination and there is no fog light option - fyi lights on RAV4 are way better; 2) No spare tire and no place to put even a skinny spare; 3) rear seat backs are thin, relatively uncomfortable and do not adjust for angle; 4) Motor is a bit noisy. Negatives for the Subaru are the dashboard controls and screen are quite primitive and the external styling is busy and ugly; the boxer motor can be hard to work on, and the non-turbo motor version is underpowered. Overall I thought I would buy the Crown Signia because I liked the styling and the new technology. However the really crappy headlights and $51,000+ XLE model price ($56k limited) were deal-breakers. Re the lights - look at the Crown Sedan. It has three higher LEDs per side with the option of fog lights below.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, This is the Japanese, raised W-A-G-O-N comparison the world has been waiting to see!! 🥳🥳 Having witnessed the incredible success of their Tribeca and Ascent, Subaru will soon replace the underachieving Outback wagon with an Outback CUV. 🤨 As we will be right back to having just one wagon of Japanese origin in the market, I hope Toyota will fill the looming void with a lower trim Signia priced like a mid trim Outback.🤞 For two 'outdoorsy' wagons, they both have one glaring omission in their lack of 40/20/40 rear seats for carrying skis, fishing rods etc. We all knew the Outback would be superior off road but I am surprised the Trail setting from the RAV4 Hybrid has not been carried over to the Signia. 🤔

[@blacktrucksfly]

the 2026 outback still appears very wagon like. It will appear boxier to look a little more cuv/macho but its dimensions will be very similar.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

The current paparazzi photos of the new Outback are deceiving. The new design language makes it appear to be more of a cuv, but it is still a wagon, for sure. Subaru did the classic “raise the beltline, reduce the greenhouse” routine that all of the manufacturers are going towards. In person, it will undeniably be a wagon still.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Not long ago, there was the Mazda6 wagon. A real wagon but not available in the US and Canada.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@blacktrucksflydefinitely not a wagon at all.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@haroldbeauchamp3770 keeping it a wagon would make it a lot easier to lower emissions with...even with increased ground clearance.

[@bobdadruma]

If you are like me and you drive on paved roads from CT to NH on the weekends to visit your Son and his family you will want the Toyota. I bought a 2024 Venza which has the same powertrain as the Crown Sig. The 39 MPG is awesome. The Toyota E-CVT transmission is so smooth and positive feeling. The comfort is really nice. A very relaxing car to drive. The Subaru is not in the same league as the Toyota Hybrid when it comes down to general driving.

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏👏👏

[@NarcyZG1]

I had a Venza and switched to an Outback Touring. If you're about 6 feet tall, you feel like a sardine in a can in the Venza. The lack of thigh support causes leg pain after a few hours of driving. No room for your knee on the right side because you hit the hard plastic center tunnel, when you get in you hit your head on the A pillar because it's tilted very much towards the back of the car, and what's the biggest problem with many hybrid Toyotas? Thin sheet metal, no soundproofing and thin glass which is supposed to reduce the vehicle's weight and increase economy but greatly increases the amount of unwanted noise.

[@catapultimage1137]

Got an Outback Onyx (non XT) in the summer. The Signia looks awesome, but wasn't quite available yet and was looking to be way more money and we doubted there would be any dealer markdowns with a new model. We got our Outback for $33k, I think like 5k off MSRP.

[@midtennmoto7541]

You left out that the power applied to the rear of the Subaru can help it to maintain better control in hill descent as opposed to freewilling and providing drag to the rear to help stabilize the rear track.

[@agpawpaw5912]

For Colorado I’m choosing Outback. For east Pennsylvania state forests my front wheel drive Prius is just good enough. Biggest challenge out here to drive on 95.

[@lukiw7044]

Subaru even when it's old is better becouse its powerfull engine and symetrical AWD. Greetings

[@DarkDramon]

Subaru's have more headroom, im 6'4" so thats a huge consideration for me.

[@MW-bi1pi]

My son is 6'4" also and his headroom is fine in all the seats in my Signia but it does not have the sunroof, don't know if that limits headroom.

[@DarkDramon]

@MW-bi1pi sunroof's reduce head room by an inch or two, which is huge. I'm planning on buying a car but they all have sunroof and my head is rubbing against the roof of the car and it's so annoying. Hard to find a car with no sunroof.

[@wlam3]

Can I get the Subaru Outback XT with the interior of the Crown Signia lol!

[@subiesojourner777]

Almost 1 year now into buying my 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness, not one issue and no regrets.

[@WatchTheJoeChannel]

I purchased the Signia XLE and it is a super nice, comfortable and quiet car with great MPGs. We have to replace another car and will be buying the Outback or crosstrek. The Signia feels a little too nice for the dogs and mulch. If you have kids go with the outback.

[@xzimxzim]

I’ve been waiting for this comparison. I would pick the Crown. I can’t even think of the last time one of my vehicles weren’t on pavement. The crown just ticks all the boxes for me. Good fuel economy, luxury, and looks. The E-AWD is not as sure footed as the Outback, and I’m fine with that.

[@rightlanehog3151]

I was surprised the Signia did that well on the crazy trail. Make it a Signia XLE for me.

[@xzimxzim]

@ it did better than I expected. I’m still holding out for the Crown Sport, but I doubt it will come to NA.

[@powerguymark]

Exactly, I was going to treat myself to a macho Toyota 4Runner, until after the test drive the salesman admitted that in town I would be lucky to get 16 m p g. I started studying up on the Toyota hybrid platform that Toyota is using in the crown, ended up purchasing both a Toyota Venza and later a Toyota RAV4 hybrid. I'm getting an average of 44 mpg in both of them! Back in January 2021 when I purchased my Venza, we received an 8-inch snowfall so I took it out into an empty parking lot and try to make it get squirrely. The all-wheel-drive system performed flawlessly. Obviously this is not a four-wheel drive vehicle and it will never compete with tire grinding Subarus if I do go off road, but I will save money on both fuel and longer tire replacement intervals.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@xzimxzim The more Signias they sell, the more likely they are to bring the Sport.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@powerguymark Yes, Ryan's test of the AWD Sienna showed how capable Toyota's basic Hybrid system is.

[@WatchTheJoeChannel]

I purchased the Signia XLE and it is a super nice, comfortable and quiet car with great MPGs. We have to replace another car and will be buying the Outback or crosstrek. The Signia feels a little too nice for the dogs and mulch. If you have kids go with the outback. One more thing. NO spare or room for one in the signia. The area in the back under the cargo area won’t fit a donut.

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

id take the outback,better ground clearance,and a lot cheaper,up here in canada thats probably a 10 grand difference,10 grand feels good in my jeans.outback better all wheel drive system

[@iantjasink6966]

I have had seven Subarus, There are so many little things about the subie that are good, I prefer old school and hybrids are so complicated and will cost immense amounts of money when you have problems