Subaru Outback vs Skoda Octavia
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Octavia opens at $39,990. That makes the Skoda Octavia the more affordable entry point by $9,000.
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 $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Octavia by roughly $4,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and Skoda Octavia hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 92% for the Skoda Octavia.
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 8 in the Skoda Octavia.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Octavia gets a 13-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Skoda Octavia. The Skoda Octavia counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Skoda Octavia offers cloth.
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 Octavia responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Octavia is 1.8s 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, 181mm longer than the Skoda Octavia at 4,689mm (2,686mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 975L in the Subaru Outback and 600L in the Skoda Octavia, giving the Subaru Outback a 375L 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,482/year for the Skoda Octavia. That is a $969 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Octavia.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (Subaru Outback) vs $1,482 (Skoda Octavia). The Skoda Octavia saves you roughly $969 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 Octavia). The Skoda Octavia has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Octavia if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Octavia takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Octavia will save you roughly $969 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The Skoda Octavia 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 Octavia?
The Skoda Octavia is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $9,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Octavia uses the least fuel at 5.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Outback and Skoda Octavia 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 Octavia 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 Octavia is quickest to 100km/h in 8.1s.
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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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