Subaru Outback vs Toyota C-HR

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021) and the Toyota C-HR at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2024). 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 85% for the Toyota C-HR, 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 C-HR.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 10 in the Toyota C-HR.

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

The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota C-HR. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota C-HR offers cloth.

Drivetrain

The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

The Toyota C-HR responds with a Petrol making 103kW and 142Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.

The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 103kW. 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, 518mm longer than the Toyota C-HR at 4,362mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 388L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the Subaru Outback a 142L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 725kg. That 1,275kg 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 Toyota C-HR's turning circle is 0.7 m tighter, 10.4 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 Subaru Outback costs about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km) and fuel for the Toyota C-HR about $1,140 a year (4 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,169 a year less for the Toyota C-HR.

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

Where each one leads

The Subaru Outback: more power (137kW against 103kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 388L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 725kg).

The Toyota C-HR: the lower starting price ($46,940 against $48,990) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,140 a year against $2,309).

The Verdict

Toyota C-HR scores higher, 80 vs 76

The Toyota C-HR scores 80 to the Subaru Outback's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Toyota C-HR ahead by 37 points), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 19 points), performance (Subaru Outback ahead by 11 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota C-HR costs about $1,169 less (4 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 530L in the Subaru Outback, 388L in the Toyota C-HR.

Common questions