Hyundai Staria vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Track the Hyundai Staria & Subaru Outback
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Staria starts from $50,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $1,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $55,550 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru Outback by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Staria and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Hyundai Staria and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Outback packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Staria.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Staria and 9 in the Subaru Outback.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Staria features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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 Hyundai Staria stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Staria gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Staria and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Staria uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 331Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Hyundai Staria has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Staria measures 5,253mm long on a 3,273mm wheelbase, 373mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Staria generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 831L in the Hyundai Staria and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Hyundai Staria a 301L advantage. The Hyundai Staria seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Hyundai Staria and $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Outback.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Hyundai Staria) vs $2,309 (Subaru Outback). The Subaru Outback saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Staria) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Staria if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Staria takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Subaru Outback will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Staria has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Staria and Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Staria by $1,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Outback uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Staria and Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Staria has the largest boot at 831L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Staria has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria makes the most power at 200kW.
Free: Chinese Cars in Australia Cheat Sheet
Sign up free and we'll email you our Chinese Cars Cheat Sheet (PDF) — all 22 brands ranked on service, parts, warranty and dealer experience. Plus new-car launches, reviews and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
