MG MG4 Urban vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Level at 76: here's what splits them
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 20 Sep 2026
MG MG4 Urban
18 of 27 standard · no option data · 1 not offered · 8 no dataFrom
$32,990
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- Hatchback
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 118kW
- Energy use
- 16.1 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- 382L
MG Australia offer: $32,990 drive-away (state not stated), ends 31 Dec 2026. Terms
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Subaru Outback
18 of 27 standard · no option data · 9 no dataFrom
$48,990
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 137kW
- Economy
- 8.1 L/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2021
- Boot (seats up)
- 530L
Subaru Australia offer: bonus, $850 toward your deposit. See the offer
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Manufacturer offer
Ends 31 Dec 2026
Manufacturer's terms: While stocks last.
Offer from MG Australia, checked 15 Nov 2026
T&Cs apply, as the manufacturer prints them. Eligibility, stock and build limits vary, so confirm the offer with the dealer.
MG MG4 Urban: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, transmission, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$32,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Push-Button Start not offered
$48,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
MG MG4 Urban Essence 54
$32,990
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 20 Sept 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
Subaru Outback AWD
$48,990
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 29 July 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
Both totals exclude insurance, so the lowest is on the same parts.
Every column on the same basis: 15,000 km a year (fixed for every comparison) in VIC, repayment assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Each car's fuel or charging price is in its own breakdown. Estimate only, not a quote or an offer of credit.
Both totals exclude insurance, so the lowest is on the same parts.
Cash outlay over 5 years: the deposit, the repayments and the running costs. Excludes resale value. Every column on the same basis: 15,000 km a year in VIC, repayment assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Estimate only, not a quote or an offer of credit.
Standard features per $10,000: not ranked, too few features are known for both cars. On the rated figures, the MG MG4 Urban leads on price per kw: $280 per kW on RRP for the MG MG4 Urban; $358 per kW on RRP for the Subaru Outback. On the rated figures, the MG MG4 Urban leads on price per litre of boot: $86 per litre of boot on RRP for the MG MG4 Urban; $92 per litre of boot on RRP for the Subaru Outback. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.
The MG MG4 Urban starts $16,000 lower on RRP.
The MG MG4 Urban currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Subaru Outback does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$129/wk(≈$561/mo)
Estimate on the MG MG4 Urban at $32,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the MG MG4 UrbanDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the MG MG4 Urban at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the MG MG4 Urban and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG MG4 Urban, against 6 on the Subaru Outback.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the MG MG4 Urban and 9 in the Subaru Outback.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 7 of 10 key systems on the MG MG4 Urban and 6 on the Subaru Outback.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
MG MG4 Urban
None open on our record
Subaru Outback
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005485 · published 3 Aug 2022Due to a manufacturing issue, the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2018
- REC-001697 · published 24 Aug 2021The fuel pump impeller may not meet manufacturing specifications, as a result it may become deformed.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 11 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging and range
The rated figures side by side: electric range and fuel use with the battery depleted for a plug-in hybrid or range extender, the km each battery-electric car adds overnight on its own onboard charger, and the DC time in the window each document prints.
| 2026 MG4 Urban Essence 54 | 2026 Subaru Outback AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Petrol or diesel |
| Added overnight, 10A power point (2.4 kW) | 149 km in 10 h | Not applicable |
| Added overnight, 7.4 kW wallbox | 410 km in 10 hCapped: this car accepts 6.6 kW AC | Not applicable |
| DC fast charge, as printed | No data | Not applicable |
| Charging connector | CCS2 | Not applicable |
| Portable charger supplied | No data | Not applicable |
| Type 2 cable supplied | No data | Not applicable |
| Front boot | No data | No data |
- Km added in 10 hours: the charger rate, capped by the car's own onboard charger, over its own rated energy use. A car without an onboard charger or energy figure is No data, never an assumed rate.
- DC times are printed only in the window the document gives (0-80% or 10-80%). Different windows are not one measure, so nobody leads across them.
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
54kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 87kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (6.6kW AC, 87kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG4 Urban features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 MG MG4 Urban stands out with wireless charging, V2L 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 MG MG4 Urban gets pu leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the MG MG4 Urban and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The MG MG4 Urban uses a Electric producing 118kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through its transmission to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 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 118kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG MG4 Urban measures 4,395mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 485mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG4 Urban generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 382L in the MG MG4 Urban and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 148L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1266L vs 1267L.
The Subaru Outback turns in a 11.1 m circle, kerb to kerb; the MG MG4 Urban's turning circle is not on our record.
Front boot (frunk)
MG MG4 Urban
No data
Subaru Outback
No data
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the MG MG4 Urban costs about $725 a year (16.1 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,369 a year (8.1 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol).
The weekly and 5-year figures in the price section above add repayments, rego, servicing and tyres to this; use our Fuel Cost Calculator for your own driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000 km (MG MG4 Urban) and 5 years / unlimited km (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (MG MG4 Urban), 5 years (Subaru Outback).
- No break-even: the MG MG4 Urban costs less to buy and less in energy.
Energy only. Excludes servicing, rego, insurance, finance interest and resale. Prices are compared only on one basis.
Where each one leads
The MG MG4 Urban: the lower starting price ($32,990 against $48,990) and the longer warranty not tied to dealer servicing (7 years against 5).
The Subaru Outback: more power (137kW against 118kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 382L).
The Verdict
Level at 76: here's what splits them
The MG MG4 Urban and Subaru Outback are level on the CarSorted Score at 76 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 22 points), value (MG MG4 Urban ahead by 13 points). Boot space with the seats up: 382L in the MG MG4 Urban, 530L in the Subaru Outback.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$129/wk(≈$561/mo)
Estimate on the MG MG4 Urban at $32,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the MG MG4 UrbanDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MG4 Urban and Subaru Outback?
The MG MG4 Urban is the cheapest at $32,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $16,000.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
MG MG4 Urban holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2025) and Subaru Outback holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 530L with the seats up (1,267L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG4 Urban has the longest warranty that does not depend on dealer servicing at 7 years.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW.
Track the MG MG4 Urban & Subaru Outback
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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