Jeep Compass vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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.
Jeep Compass
From $50,500
SUV
Petrol
Petrol I4 Mild Hybrid + 48V
96kW
5.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
438L
Subaru Outback
From $48,990
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
137kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
530L
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Price Breakdown
The Jeep Compass 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 Jeep Compass by roughly $4,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Compass features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 Jeep Compass stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on 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.
Interior trim differs: the Jeep Compass gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Compass uses a Petrol I4 Mild Hybrid + 48V producing 96kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dual clutch automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10 seconds.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 96kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Compass measures 4,404mm long on a 2,636mm wheelbase, 476mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Jeep Compass and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 92L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,450kg. That 550kg 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 11.1m
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,454/year for the Jeep Compass and $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Jeep Compass.
Estimated annual total: $1,454 (Jeep Compass) vs $2,309 (Subaru Outback). The Jeep Compass saves you roughly $855 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Compass) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Compass if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Outback takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Jeep Compass will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback 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, Jeep Compass and Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Jeep Compass by $1,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Jeep Compass uses the least fuel at 5.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 530L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW.
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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
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