Jaecoo J8 vs Subaru Outback

The Jaecoo J8 starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

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 $54,989 and $53,889 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Jaecoo J8 and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jaecoo J8 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Subaru Outback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Jaecoo J8 and 9 in the Subaru Outback. The Jaecoo J8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Outback misses.

The Jaecoo J8 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Jaecoo J8 stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, Sony audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Jaecoo J8 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.

The Jaecoo J8 uses a Petrol producing 183kW and 385Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.

The Jaecoo J8 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the Jaecoo J8 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Jaecoo J8 measures 4,820mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jaecoo J8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Jaecoo J8 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 455L advantage.

For towing, the Jaecoo J8 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,366/year for the Jaecoo J8 and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Jaecoo J8.

Estimated annual total: $2,366 (Jaecoo J8) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Jaecoo J8 saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 8 years / 999,999km (Jaecoo J8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). The Jaecoo J8 has longer coverage.