Renault Duster vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Standard features per $10,000: not ranked, too few features are known for both cars. On the rated figures, the Renault Duster leads on price per kw: $283 per kW on RRP for the Renault Duster; $358 per kW on RRP for the Subaru Outback. On the rated figures, the Renault Duster leads on price per litre of boot: $68 per litre of boot on RRP for the Renault Duster; $92 per litre of boot on RRP for the Subaru Outback. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Renault Duster at 3 stars (2024) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2024 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Renault Duster 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 the Subaru Outback, against 3 on the Renault Duster.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Renault Duster 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.

Feature Showdown

The Renault Duster features a 10.1-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 Renault Duster stands out with wireless charging: features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. 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 Renault Duster gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.

Drivetrain

The Renault Duster uses a Petrol producing 113kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 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 113kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Renault Duster measures 4,345mm long on a 2,657mm wheelbase, 535mm 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 472L in the Renault Duster and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 58L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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 Renault Duster's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 10.9 m against 11.1 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 Renault Duster costs about $1,901 a year (6.5 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,369 a year (8.1 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol). That is $468 a year less for the Renault Duster.

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: 5 years / unlimited km (Renault Duster) and 5 years / unlimited km (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Renault Duster), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Renault Duster: the lower starting price ($31,990 against $48,990) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,901 a year against $2,369).

The Subaru Outback: more power (137kW against 113kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 472L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 70

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Renault Duster's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 30 points), fuel economy (Renault Duster ahead by 14 points), reliability (Subaru Outback ahead by 10 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Renault Duster costs about $468 less (6.5 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol). Boot space with the seats up: 472L in the Renault Duster, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions