Nissan ARIYA vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Nissan ARIYA at 5 stars (2022) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA, 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 Nissan ARIYA 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.

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 Nissan ARIYA features a 12.3-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 Nissan ARIYA stands out with head-up display and wireless charging — 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 Nissan ARIYA gets nappa leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.

Drivetrain

The Nissan ARIYA uses a Electric producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.

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

The Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 285mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 64L 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.

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 0.4 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.5 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Nissan ARIYA costs about $888 a year (18.5 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: 5 years / Unlimited (Nissan ARIYA) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Nissan ARIYA), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Nissan ARIYA: more power (160kW against 137kW).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $55,840), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 466L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 750kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Nissan ARIYA's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 14 points), performance (Nissan ARIYA ahead by 10 points), safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 4 points). Boot space with the seats up: 466L in the Nissan ARIYA, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions