GAC Aion V vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the GAC Aion V at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the GAC Aion V and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GAC Aion V, against 6 on the Subaru Outback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GAC Aion V and 9 in the Subaru Outback.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The GAC Aion V features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.9-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GAC Aion V stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, ventilated seats and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the GAC Aion V gets pvc upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.

Drivetrain

The GAC Aion V uses a Electric producing 150kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The GAC Aion V has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The GAC Aion V measures 4,605mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 275mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC Aion V generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 427L in the GAC Aion V and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 103L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Outback's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.2 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the GAC Aion V costs about $816 a year (17 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 8 years / Unlimited (GAC Aion V) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (GAC Aion V), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The GAC Aion V: the lower starting price ($42,590 against $48,990), more power (150kW against 137kW) and the longer warranty (8 years against 5).

The Subaru Outback: the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 427L).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 75

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the GAC Aion V's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 22 points), value (GAC Aion V ahead by 11 points). Boot space with the seats up: 427L in the GAC Aion V, 530L in the Subaru Outback. Warranty: 8 years on the GAC Aion V, 5 on the Subaru Outback.

Common questions