Land Rover Defender 130 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender 130 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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 130 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 130 stands out with wireless charging, Meridian audio and ambient lighting — 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.

Interior trim differs: the Land Rover Defender 130 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 130 and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

Drivetrain

The Land Rover Defender 130 uses a 3.0 i6 D350 Diesel Mild Hybrid producing 257kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.

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

The Land Rover Defender 130 has the clear power advantage at 257kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Land Rover Defender 130 measures 5,099mm long on a 3,022mm wheelbase, 219mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 130 generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender 130 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,000kg 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 130 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 130) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Land Rover Defender 130), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Land Rover Defender 130: more power (257kW against 137kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,000kg against 2,000kg).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $136,000).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 64

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Land Rover Defender 130's 64 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 130 ahead by 36 points), safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 31 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 29 points).

Common questions