MG MGS5 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the MG MGS5 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 90% for the MG MGS5 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.

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.

Charging times

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.

Feature Showdown

The MG MGS5 features a 12.8-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 MG MGS5 stands out with wireless charging — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The MG MGS5 uses a Electric Motor producing 125kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 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 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The MG MGS5 measures 4,476mm long on a 2,730mm wheelbase, 404mm 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 453L in the MG MGS5 and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 77L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Subaru Outback turns in a 11.1 m circle, kerb to kerb; the MG MGS5's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the MG MGS5 costs about $811 a year (16.9 kWh/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: 10 years / 250k km (MG MGS5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (MG MGS5), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The MG MGS5: the longer warranty (10 years against 5).

The Subaru Outback: more power (137kW against 125kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 453L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 750kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 72

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the MG MGS5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 15 points), safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 10 points). Boot space with the seats up: 453L in the MG MGS5, 530L in the Subaru Outback. Warranty: 10 years on the MG MGS5, 5 on the Subaru Outback.

Common questions