Land Rover Defender 110 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Land Rover Defender 110 at 5 stars (2020) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2020 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Land Rover Defender 110 and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Land Rover Defender 110 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.

Feature Showdown

The Land Rover Defender 110 features a 11.4-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 Land Rover Defender 110 stands out with wireless charging and ventilated seats — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Land Rover Defender 110 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 110 and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

Drivetrain

The Land Rover Defender 110 uses a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid producing 183kW and 570Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds.

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

The Land Rover Defender 110 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Land Rover Defender 110 measures 4,758mm long on a 3,022mm wheelbase, 122mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 110 generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender 110 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 1.7 m tighter, 11.1 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Land Rover Defender 110 costs about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/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: 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender 110) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Land Rover Defender 110), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Land Rover Defender 110: more power (183kW against 137kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $100,900).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 70

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Land Rover Defender 110's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 3 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Land Rover Defender 110 ahead by 22 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 18 points), reliability (Subaru Outback ahead by 13 points).

Common questions