Geely EX5 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Geely EX5 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 86% for the Geely EX5 and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Geely EX5, 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 Geely EX5 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 Geely EX5 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-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 Geely EX5 stands out with wireless charging and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Geely EX5 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 160kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through its transmission to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.

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

The Geely EX5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Geely EX5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 265mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely EX5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 302L in the Geely EX5 and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 228L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Geely EX5's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.1 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 Geely EX5 costs about $768 a year (16 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: 7 years / Unlimited (Geely EX5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Geely EX5), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Geely EX5: the lower starting price ($41,990 against $48,990), more power (160kW against 137kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Subaru Outback: the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 302L).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 72

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Geely EX5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 20 points), performance (Geely EX5 ahead by 16 points). Boot space with the seats up: 302L in the Geely EX5, 530L in the Subaru Outback. Warranty: 7 years on the Geely EX5, 5 on the Subaru Outback.

Common questions