Subaru Outback vs Toyota bZ4X

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021) and the Toyota bZ4X at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 88% for the Toyota bZ4X, 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 5 on the Toyota bZ4X.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 8 in the Toyota bZ4X.

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.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota bZ4X gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota bZ4X. The Toyota bZ4X counters with wireless charging. 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.

The Toyota bZ4X responds with a Electric making 167kW and 269Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The Toyota bZ4X has the clear power advantage at 167kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Subaru Outback measures 4,880mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 190mm longer than the Toyota bZ4X at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota bZ4X generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 452L in the Toyota bZ4X, giving the Subaru Outback a 78L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg 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 Subaru Outback's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.2 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 Subaru Outback costs about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km) and electricity for the Toyota bZ4X about $662 a year (13.8 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota bZ4X). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Subaru Outback), no data (Toyota bZ4X).

Where each one leads

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $55,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 452L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 750kg).

The Toyota bZ4X: more power (167kW against 137kW).

The Verdict

Toyota bZ4X scores higher, 80 vs 76

The Toyota bZ4X scores 80 to the Subaru Outback's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 12 points), performance (Toyota bZ4X ahead by 12 points). Boot space with the seats up: 530L in the Subaru Outback, 452L in the Toyota bZ4X.

Common questions