Subaru Outback vs Jaecoo J8

The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Jaecoo J8 opens at $49,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

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 $53,889 and $54,989 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Subaru Outback and Jaecoo J8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jaecoo J8 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Subaru Outback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 8 in the Jaecoo J8. The Jaecoo J8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Outback misses.

The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen, while the Jaecoo J8 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof and heated front seats that you will not find on the Jaecoo J8. The Jaecoo J8 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, SONY audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.

The Jaecoo J8 responds with a Petrol making 165kW and 380Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Jaecoo J8 has the clear power advantage at 165kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the Jaecoo J8 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Outback measures 4,870mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 50mm longer than the Jaecoo J8 at 4,820mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jaecoo J8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 975L in the Subaru Outback and 520L in the Jaecoo J8, giving the Subaru Outback a 455L advantage.

For towing, the Jaecoo J8 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback and $2,622/year for the Jaecoo J8. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Outback.

Estimated annual total: $2,451 (Subaru Outback) vs $2,622 (Jaecoo J8). The Subaru Outback saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback) vs 8 years / 999,999km (Jaecoo J8). The Jaecoo J8 has longer coverage.