Nissan Xterra vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Outback
Overview
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | X | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2015 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,660 (best) | $34,995 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 16 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 22 MPG | 31 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 21.1 gal (best) | 18 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 261 hp (best) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 4 L (best) | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 65.7 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | — | 3,741 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8.2 in | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 108.1 in (best) |
| Length | 178.7 in | 191.7 in (best) |
| Width | 72.8 in | 74 in (best) |
| Height | 74.9 in (best) | 67.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side pole | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Nissan Xterra | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | X $23,660 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Premium $34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | X $25,710 MSRP | Limited $41,715 MSRP |
| 3 | S $25,670 MSRP | Limited XT $44,365 MSRP |
| 4 | S $26,670 MSRP | Wilderness $44,995 MSRP |
| 5 | S $27,720 MSRP | Touring $45,395 MSRP |
| 6 | PRO-4X $30,590 MSRP | Touring XT $47,995 MSRP |
| 7 | PRO-4X $31,640 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Subaru Outback1 for sale
See all
Nissan Xterra vs Subaru Outback FAQ
- Which is better: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2015 Nissan Xterra vs 2026 Subaru Outback on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2015 Nissan Xterra starts lower at $23,660. Live Subaru Outback listings start at $20,992.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,660).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Subaru Outback leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (27).
- Which has better horsepower: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on horsepower in this comparison (261).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2015 Nissan Xterra vs 2026 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Xterra (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).