Nissan Qashqai vs Subaru Outback

The Nissan Qashqai starts from $45,640 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Nissan Qashqai the more affordable entry point by $3,350.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $50,204 and $53,889 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan Qashqai by roughly $5,700 in fuel alone.

The Subaru Outback holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Nissan Qashqai. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the Nissan Qashqai and 88% for the Subaru Outback.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan Qashqai, against 6 on the Subaru Outback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

The Nissan Qashqai 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 Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Nissan Qashqai gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.

The Nissan Qashqai lines up producing 140kW and 311Nm of torque, sent through a reduction drive (automatic) to a FWD layout.

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

The Nissan Qashqai has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Nissan Qashqai measures 4,425mm long on a 2,665mm wheelbase, 455mm 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 404L in the Nissan Qashqai and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 126L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1328L vs 1267L.

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

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,169/year for the Nissan Qashqai and $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $1,140 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Nissan Qashqai) / 5yr (Subaru Outback).