Subaru Outback vs Skoda Kodiaq
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Kodiaq opens at $54,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
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 $60,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Kodiaq by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and Skoda Kodiaq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 89% for the Skoda Kodiaq.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 7 in the Skoda Kodiaq.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Kodiaq gets a 13-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof that you will not find on the Skoda Kodiaq. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 Skoda Kodiaq responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Kodiaq is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Outback measures 4,870mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 112mm longer than the Skoda Kodiaq at 4,758mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Kodiaq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 975L in the Subaru Outback and 270L in the Skoda Kodiaq, giving the Subaru Outback a 705L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1267L vs 2005L. The Skoda Kodiaq seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Skoda Kodiaq leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.4m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback and $1,824/year for the Skoda Kodiaq. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Kodiaq.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (Subaru Outback) vs $1,824 (Skoda Kodiaq). The Skoda Kodiaq saves you roughly $627 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 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Kodiaq). The Skoda Kodiaq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Kodiaq if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Outback and Skoda Kodiaq trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Skoda Kodiaq will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The Skoda Kodiaq adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Outback and Skoda Kodiaq?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Kodiaq by $6,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Kodiaq uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Outback and Skoda Kodiaq all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW. The Skoda Kodiaq is quickest to 100km/h in 9.1s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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